Oven Roasted Potatoes {Easy and Crispy!}

Name: Oven Roasted Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds waxy potatoes; 6 whole cloves garlic (peeled (optional)); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (divided); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon very finely chopped fresh rosemary (optional)

One of the lessons I’ve been learning (and relearning) this entire year is that often the simplest of things bring the most joy. High on my list: the warm crunch and creamy insides of Oven Roasted Potatoes.

Life is truly about the little things. Walking barefoot in the grass. The smell of clean sheets. And the ease of these quick roasted potatoes, which can be seasoned with your favorites from your spice cabinet.

Roasted potatoes can make any meal a special treat.

Make them herby, cheesy, garlicky, or smothered in aioli…or all of the above!

Or keep them simple with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whatever pleasure you prefer.

Roasted vegetables, like these easy oven roasted potatoes, often require very little prep work, yet add a well-rounded component to any main dish.

Tip!

To roast a medley of vegetables, and for more tips and seasoning suggestions, check out my ultimate guide to Oven Roasted Vegetables.

Classics like Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Broccoli, and Roasted Zucchini are as easy as taking an afternoon nap (another pleasure!) and equally as delightful.

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts and Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic are on my list of simple pleasures too. With just an easy addition of a common pantry staple, roasted, caramelized vegetables become as satisfying as singing in the shower (yep, that brings me joy too).

Quick roasted vegetables are such a meal brightener, I even made an “Every-Night Roasted Vegetables Guide” in my cookbook.

For today’s post, I’ll be focusing on our friend the spud. Read on for everything you need to know about how to cook perfect roasted potatoes in your oven.

How to Make Roast Potatoes Crispy

My #1 non-negotiable with oven roasted potatoes: they must be very crispy! Thankfully, I have a set of tips to guarantee you the crunch you desire:

Make sure you cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces. Potatoes with even surface area will roast at the same rate so that you avoid over-done or under-done slices.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. If pieces are on top of or touching each other, that reduces the amount of surface area that can get crispy, and the potatoes will steam instead of roast.
Flip the potatoes midway through. With a quick flick of a spatula, it allows different sides of the potatoes to face the heat.
Leave the potato skins on. You can certainly peel the potatoes if you prefer! However, not only is the skin high in fiber, but it also adds extra crunch when roasted. (These Roasted Fingerling Potatoes are extra tasty with the skin left on.)
Bake at a high heat. The ideal temperature for roasting potatoes is 400 degrees F. If you are cooking something else in your oven at the same time as the potatoes and need a different temperature, you can go slightly over (425 degrees F) or slightly under (375 degrees F) and still have good results.

The Best Kinds of Potatoes for Oven Roasting

Potatoes are certainly good for roasting, and small potatoes I believe are the best. They require less time to prep, and I find that they give me a better final texture.

That said, they are by no means the only option. Here are some differences in potato choices. Pick your favorite or try them all:

Russets. Oven roasted russet potatoes generally produce the crispiest outside (which is why I love them for my Crock Pot Baked Potatoes), but they do have a more mild inside.
Yukon Golds. These are a solid middle ground. They have a higher starch content than russet potatoes, giving the interior a more flavorful, creamy texture (which also makes them perfect for Grilled Potatoes). Though it also means the outside doesn’t get *quite* as crispy as russets.
Red Potatoes. Oven roasted red potatoes get crispy like Yukon golds but have a tendency to lose the crispiness and become softer within a few minutes out of the oven.

Tip!

I most often select small Yukon gold potatoes. I find them sold in a bag (sometimes labeled “mini yellow potatoes”). They are just slightly larger than a golf ball. I like the smaller size, and the balance of the crispy outside and creamy inside. Plus, Yukon golds taste naturally buttery, and how can that ever be a bad thing? Small red potatoes work well too!

(For the sweet potato fans out there, this Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe is for you!)

Crispy oven roasted potatoes on a sheet pan

How to Make Oven Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients

Potatoes. Once roasted to crispy perfection, potatoes become an incredibly addictive, healthy side or snack that everyone will enjoy. They’re packed with fiber and vitamins.
Garlic. While optional, roasting your potatoes with garlic is a scrumptious way to add flavor. The garlic becomes delightfully caramelized and sweet once roasted.
Olive Oil. Don’t skimp! Oil helps create the most crispy roasted potatoes.
Spices. Salt and pepper. Simple, classic, and a fan-favorite for a reason.

Herbs. A delicious addition that makes these potatoes feel extra special. We most often use rosemary, but thyme, sage, and parsley are all tasty too.

Playing Around

Change up the spices in this recipe for any of your favorites. See the “Seasoning Suggestions” section below for ideas.

Directions

Lay the potatoes and garlic on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Whisk together the olive oil, spices, and herbs.

Toss the olive oil mixture with the potatoes and garlic, then spread them into an even layer.

Tip!

To ensure crispy potatoes, turn them to be cut-side-down before roasting.

Roast for 45 to 55 minutes at 400 degrees F, rotating the pan once halfway through. Finish with the remaining salt and DIG IN!

Seasoning Suggestions

The options for seasoning roasted potatoes are endless. You should choose whatever you prefer or matches your mood that night. Here are a few of my favorite choices:

Garlicky. I recommend garlic powder or whole, peeled, and smashed (not chopped) garlic cloves, which tend to burn less at high heat. Combine the garlic with some rosemary for a zesty, yet fresh combination.
Classic. Keep it simple with just salt and pepper. Who can argue with a classic?
Cheesy. Sprinkling on Parmesan cheese along with an herb like thyme or parsley adds further creamy richness. (Add thyme or parsley after roasting though so these delicate herbs don’t burn.)
Spicy. Add 1 teaspoon chili powder for a spicy twist.

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate leftover potatoes in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
To Reheat. Rewarm potatoes on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F.
I do not recommend freezing roasted potatoes, as they can become mealy once thawed.

Ways to Use Oven Baked Potatoes

Crispy roasted potatoes can shine in all sorts of tasty ways.

As a Side. The easiest way to enjoy herb roasted potatoes is as a side to many different kinds of main dishes. Combine them with other roasted vegetables for a vitamin-packed medley, like these oven Roasted Potatoes and Carrots. See the next section for great ideas of what to serve with roasted potatoes.
In a Salad. Make a simple salad more filling by tossing in some crispy roasted potatoes.
In a Scramble or Hash. Roasted potatoes can instantly become “breakfast” potatoes. So enjoy them with an over-easy egg on toast, or add them to a savory hash like this Sweet Potato Hash (just switch out the sweet potatoes).
With Fondue. Use roasted potatoes instead of bread with this Cheese Fondue. A great gluten-free option!

Leftover Idea

Use leftover roasted potatoes in a breakfast casserole like this Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole.

What to Serve With Baked Potatoes from the Oven

Salmon. Roasted potatoes would be delicious with this Spicy Baked Salmon.
Chicken. Pair these potatoes with Grilled Chicken Tenders for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ribs. Crockpot Ribs and roasted potatoes would be a hit.
Burger. Swap French fries for roasted potatoes with a burger like this Portobello Mushroom Burger.

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO YOU GET CRISPY ROASTED POTATOES?

For crispy roasted potatoes, make sure your oven is fully preheated to a high temperature (400 degrees F), leave ample space between the potatoes on the baking sheet so the air can circulate, and make sure the potatoes are all coated with a thin layer of olive oil.

WHY ARE MY ROAST POTATOES NOT CRISPY?

If your oven-roasted potatoes turn out too soft, you have likely crowded the baking sheet, your oven is at too low of a temperature (ovens can be inaccurate, so I suggest a thermometer)

SHOULD POTATOES BE SOAKED BEFORE ROASTING?

Soaking potatoes before roasting will draw out some of their starches, leading to more crispy results. THAT SAID, unless I am making Baked French Fries, I do not think it is necessary. You can get crispy simple roasted potatoes without soaking.

HOW LONG DO POTATOES LAST?

In a cool, dry place, potatoes can last 2 to 3 months. If potatoes become dark, soft, or mushy in any spots, they should be discarded.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Baking Sheet. The must-have kitchen tool for making roasted veggies.
Fish Spatula. You’ll love this tool for so many recipes.
Sharp Chef’s Knife. Ideal for chopping potatoes.

Fish Spatula

Not just for fish! This multi-use tool works wonderfully when flipping and tossing roasted vegetables too.

Get on AMazon

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If you haven’t made roasted potatoes lately, I hope this post inspires you to put them back into your rotation soon. Simple pleasures like these can make any evening a little bit extraordinary.

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