Crispy Rosemary Potatoes Recipe

This Crispy Rosemary Potatoes recipe transforms humble Yukon Golds into a showstopping side dish with minimal effort. The perfect balance of crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors, these potatoes are infused with fresh rosemary and garlic for an irresistible flavor profile that complements virtually any main course. Ready in just over an hour, they’re the ideal addition to both weeknight dinners and special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Texture: The unique preparation method ensures potatoes with incredibly crispy exteriors and pillowy soft centers every time.
• Flavor-Packed: The rosemary and garlic-infused oil creates layers of flavor that permeate each bite, eliminating bland potatoes forever.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these potatoes in advance and reheat them without sacrificing that wonderful crispiness.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters can’t resist these potatoes – they disappear quickly at family gatherings and dinner parties alike.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their naturally buttery flavor and waxy texture are perfect for creating crispy exteriors while maintaining a creamy interior. Quartering them creates more surface area for crisping.
• Garlic: Brings essential aromatic flavor that infuses the oil. Fresh is non-negotiable here for the best flavor impact.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates richness and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior. Using unsalted lets you control the salt level.
• Olive Oil: Works with the butter to create the perfect cooking fat blend, adding its own fruity notes while handling the high roasting temperature.
• Kosher Salt: The coarser texture is ideal for drawing moisture out of the potatoes and creating that crispy exterior. It’s also perfect for the rough-up technique.
• Fresh Rosemary: Provides that distinctive piney, aromatic quality that makes these potatoes special. Fresh is significantly better than dried here.
• Garlic Lover’s Seasoning: Adds an extra dimension of flavor, but you can substitute with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs if needed.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious alternatives:

• Herb Switch: Replace rosemary with thyme, oregano, or a mix of fresh herbs like sage and parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the oil infusion for heat that builds with each bite.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the oil mixture for an unexpected sweet note that caramelizes beautifully.

How to Make Crispy Rosemary Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Microwave the Potatoes

Place quartered potatoes in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe plate or lid to trap steam. Microwave for 10 minutes, stopping halfway to stir. This pre-cooking step is crucial for ensuring the potatoes cook evenly and develop the perfect texture.

Step 2: Rough Up the Potatoes

Pat the potatoes dry thoroughly with paper towels (moisture is the enemy of crispiness). Add kosher salt to the bowl and stir vigorously for 2-4 minutes. This roughing-up process creates starchy exteriors that will become magnificently crispy in the oven.

Step 3: Prepare the Flavored Oil

Preheat your oven to 425°F (or 400°F for convection). Heat olive oil in a small saucepan until shimmering. Add minced garlic and chopped rosemary, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the garlic turns golden brown. Add butter and melt completely, then strain, reserving both the infused oil and the solid ingredients separately.

Step 4: Season and Arrange

Toss the potatoes in the infused oil mixture until evenly coated. Sprinkle with the garlic seasoning and spread in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pan – this is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Roast for 20 minutes, then flip the potatoes with a spatula. Roast for another 20 minutes. Add the reserved garlic and rosemary mixture, toss to coat, and roast for a final 20 minutes until deeply golden and crispy.

Step 6: Final Touch

If desired, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and flaky sea salt before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Dry Thoroughly: After microwaving, make sure to dry the potatoes completely – excess moisture prevents them from crisping properly.
• Don’t Skip the Rough-Up: This seemingly tedious step creates the starchy exterior that transforms into that irresistible crispy shell.
• Even Sizing: Cut potatoes into similarly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Proper Spacing: Leave room between potatoes on the baking sheet – crowding causes steaming instead of roasting.
• Infused Oil: Don’t rush the oil infusion process – those few minutes of sautéing the garlic and rosemary make all the difference in flavor development.

How to Serve

These crispy potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with so many dishes:

Main Course Pairings

Serve alongside a perfectly roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon for a restaurant-quality meal. They’re substantial enough to complement both elegant and casual main courses.

For Brunch

These potatoes make a spectacular addition to a weekend brunch spread, especially alongside eggs and bacon. They’re also perfect with frittatas or quiches.

Sauce Options

While delicious on their own, these potatoes can be elevated further with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, herb-infused sour cream, or even a simple squeeze of lemon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll lose some crispiness but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as it significantly affects the texture. If you must freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month and expect a softer result when reheated.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes, or in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain any crispiness. A quick toss in a hot skillet can also revive some of the original texture.

FAQs

Can I use different potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, though the results will vary. Red potatoes work well but may not get quite as crispy. Russets will be very crispy but less creamy inside. Yukon Golds offer the perfect balance, which is why they’re specified in the recipe.

Why microwave the potatoes first instead of just roasting them longer?
The microwave step serves two purposes: it significantly reduces overall cooking time and ensures the insides become perfectly tender while allowing the exteriors to crisp up during roasting. Without this step, you might end up with potatoes that are burnt outside but undercooked inside.

Can I make these without a microwave?
Absolutely. You can par-boil the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes until just tender on the outside but still firm in the center. Then proceed with the drying and roughing-up steps as directed.

What can I substitute for the Garlic Lover’s Seasoning?
You can create your own blend with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley, and a pinch each of dried oregano and black pepper. Alternatively, any all-purpose herb seasoning blend will work well.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Rosemary Potatoes represent the perfect marriage of simplicity and spectacular results. The attention to technique – microwaving first, roughing up the exteriors, and that aromatic oil infusion – elevates an everyday ingredient into something truly special. Whether they’re accompanying your Sunday roast or Tuesday night chicken dinner, these potatoes will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Give them a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy this humble vegetable!

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