Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Red Potatoes You’ll Want With Everything

Who doesn’t love a good potato dish? They’re versatile, comforting, and always hit the spot. But when you take simple red potatoes and dress them up with aromatic garlic, fragrant herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil, you get something truly yummy.

Garlic herb roasted red potatoes are a delicious side dish to complement pretty much any main course, from juicy roasted chicken to grilled steak – or even hamburgers. The combination of tender, fluffy potato insides and crispy, seasoned outsides is simply irresistible.

Plus, this recipe is super easy to make – just toss everything together and let the oven work its magic. In this post, we’ve got the step-by-step process along with the recipe.

And we’ll share tips for getting that perfect crispy exterior, as well as some tasty variations to try. 

The beauty of this recipe is that it calls for just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.

How to Prep Potatoes for Roasting

Getting your potatoes ready for roasting is pretty simple, but a few extra steps can make a big difference:

• Soak for Extra Crispiness: After cutting your potatoes, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes. This helps remove some of the natural starch, which means crispier potatoes. Just remember to dry them very well after soaking.
• Don’t Skip Drying: Any water left on the potatoes will steam them instead of roasting them. Use a clean kitchen towel or lots of paper towels to get them as dry as possible.
• Leave the Skin On: Not only does the skin get nice and crispy, but it’s also full of nutrients like fiber and vitamin C.

Preparation Tips

• Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces
• Toss them well with the seasoning mixture
• Roast at a high temperature to get that perfect crispy exterior

Getting Them Crispy

Getting that irresistibly crispy outside on roasted potatoes can take a little bit of finesse, but it’s totally worth it. Here are my top tips for achieving potato perfection:

1. Dry the potatoes well: Make sure to thoroughly pat the potato cubes dry with paper towels before tossing them with the oil and seasonings. Any excess moisture will steam the potatoes instead of crisping them up.
2. Use the right oil: Olive oil is my go-to for this recipe, but you can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil. Avoid oils with low smoke points, as they may burn at the high roasting temperature.
3. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they have plenty of space between them. Overcrowding will cause the potatoes to steam rather than roast.
4. Flip halfway through: Gently flip or stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even browning on all sides.
5. Broil at the end: For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the potatoes for 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time. Just keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn.
6. Season well: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Potatoes really benefit from a generous seasoning to bring out their natural flavor.

Following these simple tips will help you achieve the perfect crispy, golden brown exterior on your garlic herb roasted red potatoes every time.

The Best Herbs to Use

Garlic and herbs are what make these roasted red potatoes smell incredible while they’re cooking! Dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary are classic choices, but you can use whatever you have on hand.

• Fresh vs. Dried: Dried herbs are convenient and pack a punch of flavor, but fresh herbs are great too. If using fresh, double the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Other Options: Try adding fresh parsley, chives, dill, or basil at the end for a pop of color and flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These potatoes are best straight from the oven, but you can definitely make them ahead if you’re planning a big meal or want to meal prep.

• Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on a baking sheet in a 425°F oven for 10 minutes or until crispy again.
• Freezing: While you can freeze roasted potatoes, their texture gets a little softer after thawing. If you do freeze them, spread them out on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a bag or container.
• Make Ahead: You can cut and soak the potatoes up to a day ahead. Toss with oil and seasonings right before roasting.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

While this garlic herb version is a classic, there are lots of ways you can switch up the flavors of these roasted red potatoes:

• Lemon Herb: Add the zest of 1 lemon and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice along with the dried herbs.
• Parmesan Herb: Toss the roasted potatoes with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
• Cajun Spice: Use a Cajun seasoning blend in place of the dried herbs for a spicy kick.
• Greek Lemon Potatoes: Swap the olive oil for lemon juice and add some dried oregano and garlic powder.
• Loaded Baked Potato: Top the roasted potatoes with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and chopped green onions.

As for serving, these garlic herb roasted red potatoes pair beautifully with all kinds of main dishes. They’re a natural side for roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. You can also serve them alongside a hearty soup or stew for a comforting meal.

For a vegetarian or vegan meal, try pairing the roasted potatoes with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a protein-packed grain bowl. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Ideas Beyond Dinner

Roasted red potatoes aren’t just for dinner. Here are some fun ways to enjoy them:

• Breakfast Hash: Reheat leftover potatoes in a skillet and toss with scrambled eggs, bell peppers, and bits of ham or sausage.
• Potato Salad Upgrade: Use cooled roasted potatoes as a base for potato salad instead of boiled ones for added flavor and texture.
• Lunch Bowls: Add cold or warm roasted potatoes to grain bowls with greens, beans, and your favorite dressing.
• Wraps and Burritos: Stuff roasted potatoes into a wrap with cheese and veggies for an easy lunch.

How to Scale Up or Down

This recipe is easy to double or halve depending on how many people you’re feeding. If you’re cooking for a crowd, just use two baking sheets so the potatoes aren’t crowded. If halving the recipe, keep an eye on the cooking time since smaller amounts may roast faster.