ROSEMARY ROASTED POTATOES

How to Make Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

1. Prepare the Potatoes

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing off any dirt. If you’re using baby potatoes, you can leave them whole or cut them in halves or quarters, depending on their size. For larger potatoes, peel and chop them into evenly sized pieces (about 1-1.5 inches).
• If you’re using baby potatoes, cutting them in half ensures the rosemary and garlic can penetrate the flesh, giving you more flavor.

2. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to getting the potatoes crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy on the inside.

3. Season the Potatoes

• In a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped potatoes with olive oil, making sure each piece is coated evenly.
• Add the chopped rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. If you’re adding lemon zest, toss it in as well. Mix everything together until the potatoes are well coated with the seasoning. You can also use your hands to toss the potatoes for better coverage.
• Optionally, you can also drizzle a little lemon juice on the potatoes for an extra burst of freshness.

4. Roast the Potatoes

• Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, as this will ensure they roast evenly and become crispy.
• Place the potatoes in the oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The potatoes should be golden brown and crispy on the edges when done.
• Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid burning the garlic. If needed, reduce the heat slightly or cover the potatoes loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Once the potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper, if necessary. Garnish with a little extra fresh rosemary for an added burst of fragrance.
• Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy, and enjoy them alongside your favorite main dishes!

Tips for Perfect Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

• Choose the Right Potato: While you can use almost any type of potato for this recipe, Yukon Gold or baby potatoes are ideal because they have a creamy texture that becomes wonderfully tender when roasted. If you prefer a more waxy potato, you can use red potatoes.
• Cut Evenly: Make sure your potato pieces are cut into roughly the same size. This ensures they cook evenly and helps avoid some pieces being overcooked while others remain raw.
• Crispy Potatoes: For extra crispy potatoes, try parboiling them for 5-10 minutes before roasting. This helps start the cooking process and makes the outer layer extra crispy while keeping the inside fluffy.
• Use Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, vibrant flavor that dried rosemary can’t quite replicate. If you have fresh rosemary, use it to get the best results.
• Flip Halfway Through: Turning the potatoes halfway through roasting ensures they brown evenly on all sides. It also helps get the edges extra crispy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your potatoes are too close together, they’ll steam rather than roast, and you won’t get that desirable crispy texture. Spread them out in a single layer for optimal results.

Variations of Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

While rosemary roasted potatoes are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes:

1. Cheesy Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

• After roasting, sprinkle some shredded Parmesan cheese or grated Gruyère over the hot potatoes and return them to the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese. The result is a rich, savory combination of crispy potatoes and gooey cheese.

2. Garlic Herb Potatoes

• Add extra herbs like thyme, oregano, or sage for a more complex flavor profile. A little garlic powder or onion powder can also enhance the flavor.

3. Spicy Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the seasoning mix to give your rosemary potatoes a kick of heat.

4. Lemon Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

• For a zesty twist, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the potatoes after they’re done roasting. You can also toss the potatoes with lemon zest before roasting for added brightness.

5. Roasted Potato and Vegetable Medley

• Mix in other vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes with the rosemary potatoes for a hearty and colorful roasted vegetable medley. Just be sure to cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even roasting.

6. Rosemary Roasted Potatoes with Balsamic Vinegar

• Before roasting, drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over the potatoes for a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the rosemary beautifully.

Why You’ll Love Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a few basic ingredients—potatoes, rosemary, garlic, and olive oil—you can create a flavorful side dish that will impress any guest.
• Crispy and Tender: The high roasting temperature gives you the perfect combination of crispy edges and a soft, tender center.
• Versatile: These potatoes pair well with just about anything—from roasted chicken and steaks to grilled fish or a vegetarian meal.
• Easy to Make: With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, rosemary roasted potatoes are a low-maintenance side dish that doesn’t require constant attention.

Conclusion

Rosemary roasted potatoes are the perfect balance of crispy, tender, and flavorful. Infused with fragrant rosemary, garlic, and olive oil, they’re the ideal side dish to serve at any dinner, from weeknight meals to special occasions. Best of all, they’re easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences.

Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty roast or as a simple snack, these potatoes will steal the show every time. Try them tonight and enjoy the savory, aromatic goodness of rosemary roasted potatoes!