Rosemary Roast Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place! These Rosemary Roast Potatoes are a family favorite in my home. The fragrant rosemary combined with the crispy, golden potatoes makes for a comforting dish that pairs perfectly with just about anything. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these potatoes are sure to impress.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. With just four wholesome ingredients, you can create something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they are gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making them suitable for all your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only a few steps involved, you’ll have these potatoes roasting in no time!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The savory taste of rosemary makes these potatoes irresistible to both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for any occasion—from holiday feasts to casual dinners.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep the potatoes ahead of time, saving you precious moments on busy days.
• Crispy Perfection: The method ensures each potato gets wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Rosemary Roast Potatoes use simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have at home. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish!

For the Potatoes

• 2 kg maris piper potatoes
• 5 tbsp olive oil
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary (can swap for thyme)
• Salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to get creative based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Add Garlic: Toss in some minced garlic before roasting for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spice it Up: Sprinkle some paprika or chili flakes for a hint of heat.
• Herb Swaps: Feel free to use other herbs like thyme or oregano instead of rosemary.
• Veggie Mix-In: Add other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for a colorful twist.

How to Make Rosemary Roast Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Firstly, pre-heat your oven to 200C (390F). This step is crucial as it ensures that the potatoes start cooking right away when they hit that hot oil!

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Now peel and chop your maris piper potatoes into even chunks. This helps them cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy texture we all love.

Step 3: Boil the Potatoes

Place the chopped potatoes into a large pot of water along with 4 sprigs of rosemary and a few pinches of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil. Par boiling helps to soften them slightly, which is key for getting that crunchy exterior later on.

Step 4: Heat the Baking Dish

While the potatoes are boiling, pour 2-3 tbsp of olive oil into a large baking dish or tray and place it in the oven. Heating the oil will create those sizzling sounds when you add the potatoes!

Step 5: Shake It Up

Once your potatoes have boiled for about 12 minutes, drain them but keep most of those lovely rosemary leaves. Place them back in the pot with the lid on and give them a couple of firm shakes. This will help break up their edges for maximum crunchiness.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven and add your shaken-up potatoes inside—it should sizzle! Drizzle over more olive oil so every piece gets coated, then sprinkle generously with salt.

Step 7: First Roast

Place your baking dish back in the oven for about 45 minutes. It’s important not to disturb them during this time—let them roast until they’re beautifully golden.

Step 8: Flip for Even Cooking

After 45 minutes, carefully turn your potatoes over so they cook evenly on all sides. Pop them back into the oven for another 45 minutes or until they’re nice and crispy.

And there you have it! Enjoy these Rosemary Roast Potatoes as they steal the show at any meal. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Rosemary Roast Potatoes

Making the perfect Rosemary Roast Potatoes is all about technique and a little love. Here are some pro tips to ensure your potatoes turn out golden and crispy every time!

• Choose the right potatoes: Maris Piper potatoes are ideal due to their fluffy texture, which creates that perfect crispy exterior while remaining soft on the inside.
• Don’t skip parboiling: Parboiling helps soften the potatoes, allowing them to crisp up beautifully in the oven. It also creates rough edges that increase the surface area for maximum crunch.
• Use hot oil: Preheating your baking dish with oil before adding the potatoes ensures they start frying immediately, leading to a crispier finish.
• Shake it up: Giving the parboiled potatoes a good shake in the pot breaks up their edges. This adds more texture and enhances their ability to crisp up during roasting.
• Rotate halfway through cooking: Turning the potatoes after 45 minutes ensures even cooking and browning, so none of those delicious bites go undercooked or soggy.

How to Serve Rosemary Roast Potatoes

Serving your Rosemary Roast Potatoes can be as simple or as fancy as you like! They make an excellent centerpiece for any meal, especially during festive occasions or family gatherings. Here’s how you can elevate this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or extra rosemary leaves just before serving adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Lemon zest: Grating some lemon zest over the warm potatoes enhances their flavor with a citrusy brightness that complements rosemary beautifully.
• Vegan parmesan: For a cheesy twist without dairy, sprinkle some vegan parmesan on top for added flavor and richness.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini roasted alongside your potatoes can create a colorful and nutritious spread.
• Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm potatoes.
• Steamed Greens: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add a burst of color and nutrients to your meal while balancing out the hearty roast potatoes.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: These colorful peppers filled with quinoa or rice mixed with vegetables make for an exciting side dish that pairs wonderfully with crispy potatoes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Rosemary Roast Potatoes will surely become a favorite at every table! Enjoy every crispy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Rosemary Roast Potatoes are not just delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for later, making your weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Rosemary Roast Potatoes in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best results, allow the potatoes to cool completely before sealing them in the container.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked potatoes to cool down before freezing.
• Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 200C (390F).
• Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Rosemary Roast Potatoes!

Can I use other herbs besides rosemary for roast potatoes?

Absolutely! While this recipe features rosemary, you can easily swap it with thyme or even garlic for a different flavor profile.

How do I achieve crispy Rosemary Roast Potatoes?

The key is par boiling the potatoes and giving them a good shake afterward. This helps create those lovely rough edges that crisp up perfectly in the oven!

What should I serve with Rosemary Roast Potatoes?

These roast potatoes are versatile! Serve them alongside your favorite vegetable dishes, salads, or as part of a hearty main course like roasted vegetables or lentil stew.

Can I make Rosemary Roast Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them ahead! Just follow the storage instructions above for easy meal prep.

Are Rosemary Roast Potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan friendly, making it suitable for various dietary preferences!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Rosemary Roast Potatoes! Their simplicity and flavor make them a standout side dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, they are sure to bring smiles around the table. Enjoy making this recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences. Happy cooking!