Super Easy Rosemary Potatoes

These rosemary roast potatoes are the perfect side dish for any hearty meal offering crispy golden exteriors with fluffy, tender insides. Their simplicity and classic flavors make them a crowd favorite, especially during festive dinners or cozy family meals.

I first made these on a cold winter evening and was amazed at how perfectly crispy and flavorful they turned out. Since then, they have become a staple at family gatherings where everyone asks for seconds.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 2 kilograms maris piper potatoes: these have a fluffy texture ideal for roasting
• 5 tablespoons olive oil: adds richness and helps achieve that perfect crisp
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary (swap with thyme if preferred): infuses a fragrant herbal note
• Salt: essential for bringing out the natural flavors and seasoning the potatoes well

How to Make It

Sauté the Aromatics:

Firstly, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 390 Fahrenheit. Peel and chop the potatoes into even sized chunks for uniform roasting.

Parboil with Rosemary:

Place the potatoes into a large pot filled with water along with 4 sprigs of rosemary and a few pinches of salt. Bring this to a gentle boil. Let them par boil for 12 minutes until just tender but still firm. You want to test by poking a sharp knife through the potato's resistance should be felt.

Heat the Oil:

Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil into a large baking dish or tray and place it into the oven to become very hot. This step ensures the potatoes start crisping immediately when placed in the dish.

Rough Up the Potatoes:

Drain the potatoes removing only the rosemary stems but keeping as many leaves as possible. Return the potatoes to the pot, cover with the lid and shake firmly a couple of times. This helps break the potatoes slightly making the exterior rough for better crisping.

Roast and Season:

Remove the hot baking dish from the oven and carefully add the potatoes. They should sizzle on contact with the hot oil which is a key step for crispiness. Drizzle over a generous amount of olive oil and sprinkle plenty of salt evenly over the potatoes. Place the dish back into the oven to roast for 45 minutes.

Turn and Continue Roasting:

After 45 minutes, remove the potatoes and turn them so they roast evenly on all sides. Return to the oven for another 45 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy.

My favorite part of this recipe is the roughing up step. I learned the hard way that skipping this results in less crispiness and softer skins. Another memorable moment was when I served these at a large family holiday feast and everyone raved about how crunchy yet tender they were. It’s such a simple technique but makes all the difference.

Flavor Boosters

Serve these potatoes alongside roasted meats or plant based mains. They pair wonderfully with gravy or a garlic aioli dip for an extra flavor boost. Adding a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of parmesan after roasting works well too.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these potatoes alongside roasted meats or plant based mains. They pair wonderfully with gravy or a garlic aioli dip for an extra flavor boost. Adding a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of parmesan after roasting works well too.

Creative Twists

In winter, pairing these roast potatoes with root vegetables and hearty stews feels perfect. For summer, toss the cooked potatoes in a light vinaigrette for a warm potato salad twist. Fresh herbs like thyme or sage can substitute rosemary depending on what is in season.

These rosemary roast potatoes are a simple yet impressive side that never fails to delight guests with their crisp texture and herbal aroma.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of potatoes work best for roasting?

Maris piper potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, which crisps up nicely while staying fluffy inside.

→ Why parboil the potatoes before roasting?

Parboiling softens the potatoes slightly and helps create a rough surface when shaken, leading to a crunchier roast.

→ Can I substitute rosemary with another herb?

Yes, thyme can be used as an alternative for a different but equally aromatic flavor.

→ How do I ensure the potatoes get crispy?

Use hot olive oil in the baking dish, roast potatoes evenly spaced, and shake them before roasting to roughen the surface.

→ Is it possible to prepare these potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can prep by parboiling and refrigerate or freeze before roasting, or roast and store for reheating later.