Easy Roast Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

These easy roast potatoes are the perfect crispy and golden side dish for any meal. With simple ingredients like baby potatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, they offer a comforting and flavorful treat that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2 lb) baby potatoes, halved
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp cooking or kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 5 garlic cloves with skin on, smashed
• 5 thyme sprigs (or 3 rosemary sprigs; see notes for dried herbs)
• Finely chopped parsley or fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C if using a fan oven.
2. Step 2: To smash the garlic, place the side of a knife on an unpeeled clove. Using the palm of your hand, press firmly so the garlic bursts open but mostly keeps its shape.
3. Step 3: Arrange the halved potatoes closely on a baking tray. Drizzle evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss everything together to coat the potatoes well, then add the thyme sprigs and smashed garlic cloves and toss gently again. Spread the potatoes out evenly on the tray.
4. Step 4: Roast the potatoes for 30 minutes, then toss or turn them to ensure even cooking. Continue roasting for another 25 to 35 minutes until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
5. Step 5: Once roasted, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley or fresh thyme if desired, and serve immediately for best texture.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer, substitute rosemary for thyme or use dried herbs—use about one-third the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
• For extra crispiness, boil the potatoes for 5 minutes before roasting and shake them in the pot to roughen the edges.
• Use a sturdy tray or roasting dish to prevent sticking, and avoid overcrowding to help them roast evenly.

Storage

Store leftover roast potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking tray and warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep them from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, you can use larger potatoes cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Just adjust the roasting time accordingly until they are tender and golden.

What does “smashed garlic” mean and why keep the skin on?

Smashed garlic means crushing the cloves lightly to release their flavor without peeling them. Keeping the skin on helps prevent the garlic from burning and adds a mellow roasted taste.

Easy Roast Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 118 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This easy roast potatoes recipe delivers crispy, golden baby potatoes infused with garlic and fragrant thyme. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, these roasted potatoes are simple to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients and an hour in the oven to achieve delicious results every time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 1 kg / 2 lb baby potatoes (or other small potatoes), halved

Seasonings & Herbs

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 5 garlic cloves with skin on, smashed
• 5 thyme sprigs (or 3 rosemary sprigs for dried herbs)
• Finely chopped parsley or fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting.
2. Smashed garlic preparation: Place the side of a knife on an unpeeled garlic clove and firmly press down with the palm of your hand until the garlic bursts open slightly but remains mostly intact. This helps release flavor without losing the garlic.
3. Toss potatoes with seasonings: Arrange the halved baby potatoes on a baking tray, pushing them close together. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and black pepper. Toss the potatoes to coat them well with oil and seasonings, then mix in the thyme sprigs and smashed garlic cloves. Spread the potatoes out evenly on the tray to allow for proper roasting.
4. Roast the potatoes: Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes. Remove the tray and toss the potatoes to promote even cooking. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 25 to 35 minutes, or until the potatoes achieve a crisp, golden-brown exterior and are cooked through.
5. Serve: Once roasted, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley or fresh thyme if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Note 1: Use baby potatoes or any small potatoes for even roasting and crispiness.
• Note 2: Smashed garlic adds flavor without burning quickly during roasting.
• Note 3: Fresh thyme is preferred but rosemary can be used as an alternative.
• Note 4: If potatoes stick to the tray, use a spatula to carefully loosen them. For extra golden and crisp potatoes, ensure they are not overcrowded and the oven is fully preheated before roasting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: easy roast potatoes, crispy roast potatoes, garlic roasted potatoes, thyme potatoes, simple side dish