If you’ve ever wished for perfectly crispy and flavorful roast potatoes that make everyone ask for seconds, you’re in the right place. This Crunchy Garlic Herb Roast Potatoes Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s deceptively simple yet unbelievably delicious. Imagine golden, crunchy edges with tender, fluffy insides, all bursting with garlicky, herby goodness. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: It takes just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep to get these beauties roasting.
- Perfect Crunch: The roasting technique guarantees irresistibly crispy outsides with soft, fluffy centers every time.
- Flavor-Packed: Roasted garlic and fresh herbs bring an amazing aroma and depth of flavor you’ll crave.
- Family Favorite: My family goes nuts for these potatoes—they’re always the first thing to disappear at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a special role in this Crunchy Garlic Herb Roast Potatoes Recipe. Using baby potatoes means you get that ideal crispy-to-tender ratio, and fresh herbs really elevate the flavor. I always recommend using good quality olive oil and fresh garlic for the best taste.
- Baby potatoes: I prefer baby or small potatoes because they roast evenly and get that perfect crunch; halving them helps speed up cooking.
- Extra virgin olive oil: This adds richness and helps those crispy edges form beautifully without weighing the potatoes down.
- Cooking/kosher salt: Salt brings out the natural flavors and helps the skin crisp up nicely.
- Black pepper: Just a touch for a mild bite; freshly cracked is best if you can.
- Garlic cloves (with skin on): Keeping the skin intact prevents burning while roasting, and smashing them releases a subtle garlic aroma throughout.
- Thyme sprigs (or rosemary): Fresh herbs are the stars here—thyme offers a lovely woodsy note, but rosemary works great too, or dried herbs in a pinch.
- Parsley or fresh thyme (optional): A finishing touch that adds freshness and color when sprinkled on top after roasting.
Variations
I like to keep this recipe straightforward, but it’s also a great canvas for your own twists. Depending on what you have on hand or your mood, you can switch up herbs or even add a spicy kick. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Herb swap: I once tried this recipe with a sprinkle of dried oregano and it became an instant hit with my friends who love Mediterranean flavors.
- Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes before roasting adds warmth and complexity that I found really exciting.
- Garlic butter finish: For a richer touch, try drizzling melted garlic butter over the potatoes right out of the oven—my family couldn’t get enough!
- Vegan modification: This recipe is naturally vegan, but if you avoid oil, try roasting with veggie broth and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
How to Make Crunchy Garlic Herb Roast Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Smash the Garlic Gently
This step is key! Place the side of your knife on an unpeeled garlic clove, then firmly press down with your palm so the clove bursts open a bit but stays mostly in its skin. This technique releases wonderful roasted garlic aroma without burning those delicate cloves during roasting—trust me, minced garlic just burns and gets bitter.
Step 2: Toss Potatoes with Oil, Herbs, and Seasoning
Pop your halved baby potatoes onto a roasting tray and pile them close together. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle on salt and pepper, then toss everything together so each piece is well coated. Add in the smashed garlic and thyme sprigs, mixing gently—you want those herbs and garlic cloves nestled around the potatoes for max flavor.
Step 3: Roast Low and Slow for Perfect Crunch
Roast the potatoes in a preheated 200°C / 400°F oven (180°C fan) for about 30 minutes first. Then give them a good toss to keep everything cooking evenly. Roast for another 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and crisp on the edges. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork and the outsides feel beautifully crunchy. This slow roast is what gives that amazing texture contrast.
Step 4: Finish with a Fresh Sprinkle and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or thyme if you like a fresh herbal pop. Serve these babies immediately while they’re still hot and crunchy. These potatoes go great with pretty much everything—whether it’s a roast chicken dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.
Pro Tips for Making Crunchy Garlic Herb Roast Potatoes Recipe
- Don’t Skip Drying Potatoes: After washing, pat your potatoes completely dry before roasting to avoid steam and help them crisp up.
- Crowd the Tray: Keep potatoes close but not overcrowded; giving them a little room lets hot air crisp the edges.
- Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh thyme or rosemary release oils during cooking that dried herbs just can’t match.
- Avoid Minced Garlic: Minced garlic burns fast in the oven—using smashed cloves with skin is a game-changer for flavor without bitterness.
How to Serve Crunchy Garlic Herb Roast Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme just before serving—it brightens the dish and adds a lovely contrast to the rich roasted flavors. Sometimes a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice wakes them up beautifully too.
Side Dishes
These roast potatoes are my go-to side for Sunday roasts—especially with roast chicken, beef, or lamb. They also pair wonderfully with steamed greens or a crisp salad to balance the richness. And honestly, these potatoes make any simple meal feel like a celebration!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to arrange these roast potatoes on a large platter scattered with extra sprigs of thyme and roasted garlic cloves. Adding edible flowers or microgreens makes the presentation festive and Instagram-worthy—your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pop leftover roast potatoes into an airtight container in the fridge; they keep well for up to 3 days. The trick is to gently re-crisp them before serving again to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Freezing
While I haven’t frozen these potatoes often, I found they freeze best if you flash freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a bag. When reheating, expect a slight change in texture but the flavor stays delicious.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat roast potatoes is in a hot oven (about 200°C / 400°F) for 10-15 minutes until piping hot and crispy again. Microwave reheating tends to turn them soggy, so I avoid that when I want to retain the crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use larger potatoes for this Crunchy Garlic Herb Roast Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Just cut larger potatoes into even-sized chunks so they roast evenly. Keep in mind larger pieces might need a bit more time in the oven to get that perfect crunch and tender inside.
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What should I do if my garlic starts to burn while roasting?
Burnt garlic can be bitter, so the best tip is to keep the garlic cloves in their skins and gently smash them instead of mincing. If you notice burning early, you can always remove the garlic cloves halfway through the roasting.
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Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?
You can prep and toss them in oil and herbs the night before, then cover and refrigerate. Just bring them back to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
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What’s the secret for getting extra crispy roast potatoes?
Drying your potatoes thoroughly, using enough oil, not overcrowding the pan, and roasting at a high enough temperature are the biggest factors. Tossing them halfway through cooking also helps create that irresistible crunch.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Crunchy Garlic Herb Roast Potatoes Recipe turns out every time—golden, crispy, and bursting with warming garlic and fresh herb flavors. I still remember the first time I served these at a family dinner; they were gone before the main dish! If you want a simple yet show-stopping side, this recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your meals just like it did in mine!
Print
Crunchy Garlic Herb Roast Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 60 min
- Total Time: 65 min
- Yield: 5 servings (5 – 6 as a side)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This easy roast potatoes recipe features crispy, golden baby potatoes seasoned with garlic and thyme. Perfect as a flavorful and simple side dish, these potatoes are roasted to perfection with minimal prep time, delivering a satisfying texture and rich aroma that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 kg / 2 lb baby potatoes (or other small potatoes), halved
Seasoning
- 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)
Optional Garnish
- Finely chopped parsley or fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan). This high temperature ensures that the potatoes roast evenly and become crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside.
- Smashed Garlic Preparation: Place the side of a knife blade on each unpeeled garlic clove and hit firmly with the palm of your hand. The garlic should burst open slightly while mostly remaining intact, which will infuse the potatoes with a gentle garlic flavor as they roast.
- Toss Potatoes with Seasoning: Put the halved potatoes on a baking tray and push them together. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly. Add the thyme sprigs and the smashed garlic cloves, tossing gently to distribute them throughout the potatoes. Finally, spread the potatoes out on the tray in a single layer.
- Roast Potatoes: Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, toss the potatoes to ensure even roasting, then roast for an additional 25 to 35 minutes or until the potatoes turn golden and crispy on the outside. Monitor closely towards the end to prevent sticking or burning.
- Serve: Once roasted, sprinkle the potatoes with finely chopped parsley or fresh thyme if desired. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- This is an everyday roast potato recipe that is quick to prepare and packed with garlic-thyme flavor.
- Fresh herbs are preferred for best aroma, but dried thyme or rosemary can be used if necessary.
- Avoid using minced garlic as it can burn during roasting and create a bitter taste.
- If potatoes stick to the tray when tossing, use a spatula to gently release them; stirring helps achieve evenly golden potatoes.
- Serve these roast potatoes alongside a variety of dishes such as roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 255 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 478 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
