These crispy and tender roasted potatoes, flavored with garlic and fresh herbs, are the perfect side dish for any meal. With a golden exterior and fluffy interior, these potatoes strike the ideal balance between simple preparation and extraordinary flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This garlic roasted potatoes recipe has become a staple in countless households for good reason. The combination of crispy exteriors and creamy interiors creates an irresistible texture contrast. The aromatic blend of fresh herbs and garlic infuses the potatoes with flavor that complements virtually any main dish. Best of all, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The simple ingredients transform into something truly special in the oven, proving that sometimes the most straightforward recipes yield the most satisfying results.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Baby potatoes are the star of this dish, offering a naturally creamy texture and thin skin that crisps beautifully. Their small size means faster cooking and more surface area for those delicious crispy edges. You can substitute regular potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks if needed.
Olive oil helps achieve that perfect golden exterior while adding a subtle flavor. It also helps the herbs and seasonings adhere to the potatoes. If you prefer, avocado oil works well as an alternative.
Garlic provides the aromatic foundation of this dish, infusing the potatoes with its distinctive flavor as they roast. Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic can save time in a pinch.
Fresh rosemary brings a woodsy, pine-like aroma that pairs perfectly with potatoes. Its robust flavor stands up well to the high roasting temperature, becoming more mellow and complex during cooking.
Fresh thyme adds a subtle earthy and slightly floral note that complements both the rosemary and garlic. Together with rosemary, it creates the classic herb profile that makes these potatoes so memorable.
Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes. Don't be shy with seasoning as potatoes can handle generous amounts of salt.
Fresh parsley added at the end provides a bright, fresh contrast to the roasted flavors and adds a beautiful color accent. Its mild flavor doesn't compete with the other herbs but adds a pleasant freshness.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the halved or quartered potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4 generous servings, making it perfect for a family meal. Each serving contains approximately 180 calories. The entire dish comes together in just 45 minutes, with only 10 minutes of preparation time and 35 minutes of cooking time. This efficiency makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Variations
Lemon Herb: Add the zest of one lemon along with the herbs for a bright, citrusy variation.
Spicy Roasted Potatoes: Include ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
Parmesan Herb: During the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese over the potatoes.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze over the potatoes just before serving for a sweet-tangy finish.
Ranch Style: Replace the herbs with 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning for a crowd-pleasing flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
These garlic roasted potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results when reheating, avoid the microwave which can make them soggy. Instead, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, a few minutes in an air fryer at 375°F works wonders to restore their crispiness.
If you want to prepare ahead, you can parboil the potatoes, toss them with the oil and seasonings, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before roasting. This method actually enhances the crispy exterior when you finally roast them.
Freezing is not recommended for these potatoes as they tend to lose their desirable texture upon thawing.
FAQs
Why aren't my potatoes getting crispy?
Overcrowding the baking sheet is the most common culprit. Potatoes need space to release steam, so spread them in a single layer with some space between pieces. Another possibility is that your oven temperature is too low or the potatoes were too wet before roasting.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Each variety will produce slightly different results—russets will be fluffier inside while Yukon Golds offer a buttery flavor and creamier texture.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Perfectly roasted potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork and have a golden-brown exterior. If they're browning too quickly but still firm inside, lower the oven temperature slightly and continue roasting.
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast them up to a day ahead and reheat at 375°F for 15-20 minutes before serving. They won't be quite as crispy as fresh-roasted but will still be delicious.
What can I serve with garlic roasted potatoes?
These potatoes pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked fish, or as part of a vegetarian meal with a hearty salad. They're versatile enough to complement almost any main dish.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the skins add texture and contain nutrients. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before cooking.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Use about ⅓ the amount called for fresh herbs (1 teaspoon dried for each tablespoon fresh) as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Why did my garlic burn?
Garlic can burn at high temperatures. To prevent this, either mix the garlic thoroughly with the oil to protect it or add the minced garlic halfway through the roasting time.
How can I make these potatoes without oil?
While some oil is recommended for crispiness, you can reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon. Alternatively, you could use a small amount of vegetable broth, though the potatoes won't get as crispy.
Can I add other vegetables to roast alongside the potatoes?
Yes, but choose vegetables with similar cooking times like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts. Vegetables that cook more quickly (like bell peppers) should be added partway through the roasting time.
Conclusion
These garlic roasted potatoes represent comfort food at its finest—simple, satisfying, and adaptable to countless meals and occasions. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward approach that yields consistently delicious results. Whether you're serving them alongside a holiday roast or as part of a casual weeknight dinner, these potatoes deliver that perfect combination of crispy exterior and fluffy interior that potato lovers crave.
The aromatic blend of garlic and herbs transforms the humble potato into something truly special, proving that sometimes the most basic ingredients create the most memorable dishes. Master this versatile side dish, and you'll have a reliable recipe in your repertoire that family and guests will request again and again.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and tender roasted potatoes flavored with garlic and fresh herbs, perfect as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the halved or quartered potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- You can customize the herbs to your preferences.
- Serve immediately while hot for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg