If you’re in the mood for a simple side dish that hits all the right notes—crispy edges, fluffy insides, and that irresistible garlicky aroma—then this Oven-Roasted Garlic Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. I love this recipe because it’s straightforward, uses minimal ingredients, and you can toss it all together in no time. Plus, it pairs beautifully with just about any main course, making it a versatile winner in my kitchen. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned to help you nail it every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients for maximum flavor.
- Garlicky Goodness: Roasting garlic with the potatoes creates a mellow, infused flavor you’ll crave.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside every single time.
- Versatile Side Dish: Goes great with anything from roasted chicken to grilled veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Oven-Roasted Garlic Potatoes Recipe really comes from using fresh, quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. The baby potatoes roast quickly and evenly, and the smashed garlic cloves add just the right punch without overpowering. Here’s what to keep in mind when you shop.
- Baby potatoes: I like using small or baby potatoes because they roast faster and crisp up beautifully; halving regular small potatoes works if you can’t find baby ones.
- Extra virgin olive oil: This gives the potatoes a lovely golden crust and a subtle fruity flavour.
- Salt: Kosher or cooking salt works best here to season evenly and bring out the natural flavour.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground adds a touch of heat and depth.
- Garlic cloves: Leave the skin on and smash – you’ll get roasted garlic flavor that’s mellow and sweet rather than harsh.
- Thyme sprigs: Fresh thyme adds an herby note, but rosemary is a great swap if you prefer.
- Parsley or fresh thyme (optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end adds brightness and a pop of color.
Variations
Over time, I’ve found that personalizing this Oven-Roasted Garlic Potatoes Recipe makes it even more enjoyable. Feel free to experiment with herbs or add a little extra zing to suit your taste buds.
- Herb Swap: I love switching thyme for rosemary when I want a slightly more piney, fragrant flavor. Dried herbs work too, just use less—about one teaspoon instead of fresh sprigs.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes before roasting gives a subtle smoky heat that my family adores.
- Cheesy Finish: Toss the potatoes with grated Parmesan in the last 10 minutes of roasting for a crispy, cheesy crust.
- Garlic Variation: If fresh garlic isn’t handy, roasting whole cloves first and then mixing them into the potatoes after is a nice alternative to avoid bitterness.
How to Make Oven-Roasted Garlic Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Smash the Garlic to Unlock Flavor
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C if using a fan oven). While it heats, place the garlic cloves on your cutting board and lay the side of a large knife on top of each clove. Give it a firm hit with the palm of your hand—enough to burst the garlic just a bit but keeping the skin on. This technique releases all that garlicky goodness during roasting without burning or drying out the garlic.
Step 2: Prep and Toss the Potatoes
Place your halved baby potatoes on a roasting tray and nestle them close together. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle over the salt and black pepper. Now toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated—don’t be shy! Add in your smashed garlic cloves and thyme sprigs, giving the mix one last gentle toss to distribute the aromatics throughout.
Step 3: Roast to Golden Perfection
Pop the tray into the oven and roast for 30 minutes. At this point, take them out and toss the potatoes gently to help them cook evenly. Return to the oven for another 25 to 35 minutes or until the potatoes are gorgeously golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them toward the end—you want that perfect crunch without burning. If some potatoes are sticking to the tray, a quick scrape with a spatula helps without breaking their shape.
Step 4: Serve While Hot with a Sprinkle of Fresh Herbs
Once roasted, give the potatoes a quick toss with freshly chopped parsley or thyme if you like, and serve immediately. The aroma and taste fresh out of the oven are unbeatable!
Pro Tips for Making Oven-Roasted Garlic Potatoes Recipe
- Avoid Minced Garlic: I discovered this trick when I used minced garlic once—it burns super fast in the oven and turns bitter; smashed cloves are the way to go.
- Use a Hot Oven: Roasting at a high temperature like 200°C helps get that crispy edge without drying out the inside.
- Toss Midway Through Roasting: This simple step ensures even cooking and beautiful golden color on all sides.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your potatoes some space; crowded potatoes steam rather than roast which means less crunch.
How to Serve Oven-Roasted Garlic Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the potatoes right before serving—it adds a burst of freshness and a nice visual contrast to those golden bites.
Side Dishes
This Oven-Roasted Garlic Potatoes Recipe pairs perfectly with roast chicken, grilled steak, or even a colorful salad if you want to keep things light. I’ve also served it alongside roasted veggies for a veggie-packed feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to pile these potatoes into a rustic wooden bowl and scatter some edible flowers or microgreens on top—it instantly elevates this humble side dish. You can also serve portions in small ramekins for a fancy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover roasted garlic potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re still delicious but lose some crispiness, so reheating properly is key.
Freezing
Freezing roasted potatoes isn’t my favorite because they get a bit mushy on thawing, but if you want to, freeze them spread out on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in a hot oven for best results.
Reheating
To get them crispy again, I reheat leftover potatoes in a hot oven (about 200°C) for 10-15 minutes rather than microwaving. This brings back that lovely crunch and warm, roasted flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cut regular potatoes into small, evenly sized pieces so they cook through in the same timeframe. Halving baby potatoes works perfectly to ensure they roast evenly without drying out.
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Why shouldn’t I use minced garlic?
Minced garlic tends to burn quickly in the oven due to its small size, creating a bitter taste. Smashing whole cloves with the skin on allows the garlic to roast gently, infusing the potatoes with a sweet, mellow flavor instead.
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How do I get my roasted potatoes extra crispy?
Make sure your oven is nice and hot (around 200°C). Toss potatoes midway during roasting to develop even browning, and don’t overcrowd the pan so the potatoes have space to crisp up instead of steaming.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the potatoes and toss with oil and seasoning in advance, then refrigerate for a few hours before roasting. However, I recommend roasting just before serving so they stay crispy and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Oven-Roasted Garlic Potatoes Recipe has become a go-to for me on busy weeknights and weekend get-togethers alike. It’s easy, rewarding, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love how the roasted garlic and fresh herbs bring out the best in humble potatoes, transforming them into a dish everyone asks for again and again. I’m confident you’ll enjoy this recipe just as much as I do—so grab your potatoes, fire up that oven, and get roasting!
Print
Oven-Roasted Garlic Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (5 – 6 as a side)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western/European
Description
Easy roast potatoes are a simple, no-nonsense side dish featuring baby potatoes tossed in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then roasted to golden perfection. This recipe delivers crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors with a fragrant garlic-thyme flavor, perfect for pairing with any meal.
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
Flavorings
- 5 garlic cloves with skin on, smashed
- 5 thyme sprigs (or 3 rosemary sprigs)
- Finely chopped parsley or fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan). This ensures the potatoes begin roasting immediately once placed inside.
- Prepare Garlic: Smash the garlic cloves by placing the side of a knife on each unpeeled clove and hitting firmly with the palm of your hand, just enough to burst them open slightly but keeping the skin mostly intact. This method releases flavor without burning.
- Toss Potatoes: Place the halved potatoes on a tray and push them together. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then toss everything to evenly coat the potatoes. Add the thyme sprigs and smashed garlic, tossing gently through the mixture. Spread the potatoes out evenly on the tray for roasting.
- Roast Potatoes: Roast the potatoes for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and toss them to promote even cooking and browning. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 25 to 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Serve: Once roasted, sprinkle the potatoes with finely chopped parsley or fresh thyme if using. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish to complement any meal.
Notes
- This recipe is a quick, everyday roast potatoes recipe with a fantastic garlic-thyme flavor.
- Fresh herbs are preferred, but dried herbs can be used if fresh are unavailable.
- Do not use minced garlic because it burns easily during roasting.
- If potatoes stick to the tray or need extra crispiness, try using a non-stick baking tray or roasting on parchment paper, and avoid overcrowding the potatoes.
- Serve these roast potatoes with a variety of dishes, from roasted meats to vegetarian mains.
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
