Looking for an effortlessly delicious and versatile side dish that complements virtually any main course? These roasted baby red potatoes are your answer! With their perfectly crispy skins and fluffy, tender insides, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Roasted Red Potato Recipe

Roasted red potatoes are a timeless favorite, and for good reason! This recipe elevates a classic to new heights, delivering a side dish that’s not only incredibly simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Forget complicated cooking techniques; our goal here is maximum taste with minimal effort.

We’re talking about humble baby red potatoes transformed into a culinary delight. Everyone adores their delicate texture and naturally sweet flavor, and when roasted to golden-brown perfection, they become truly irresistible. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results.

Just like our other beloved roasted vegetable recipes, such as roasted broccoli and cauliflower, roasted sweet potatoes, and roasted carrots, these potatoes highlight the natural deliciousness of fresh produce. They offer a wholesome, satisfying, and flavorful addition to any meal, whether you’re planning a hearty Sunday roast or a quick Tuesday night dinner.

Gathering Your Simple Ingredients for Garlic Roasted Potatoes

One of the beauties of this recipe is its short and sweet ingredient list. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic spices to create a memorable dish. We focus on quality ingredients that work together to bring out the best in the potatoes.

Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful garlic roasted baby red potatoes:

• Baby Red Potatoes: The star of our show! Look for firm, unblemished potatoes. Their thin skins are perfect for roasting as they crisp up beautifully and don’t require peeling.
• Garlic Powder: A foundational flavor that infuses the potatoes with a warm, aromatic kick. While fresh garlic is great, powder ensures even distribution and prevents burning at high temperatures.
• Dried Basil: Adds a subtle, herbaceous note that complements the earthiness of the potatoes.
• Sea Salt: Essential for enhancing flavor and drawing out moisture, contributing to that desired crispiness.
• Black Pepper: A touch of freshly ground pepper provides a subtle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
• Olive Oil: Our medium for achieving that golden, crispy exterior. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It also helps the spices adhere to the potatoes.

That’s it! Just these six simple components are all it takes to create a side dish that tastes incredibly gourmet.

How to Make Perfect Crispy Roasted Baby Red Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these crispy roasted baby red potatoes is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result every time:

Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes

First, thoroughly wash your baby red potatoes. Since we’re leaving the skins on for that delightful crispiness, ensure they are clean. Once washed, pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel. This step is crucial for achieving crispy potatoes, as any excess moisture will steam them instead of roasting.

Next, cut the potatoes into quarters. Aim for relatively uniform pieces so they cook evenly. This size ensures a good balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Step 2: Season and Toss

Place your quartered potatoes into a large mixing bowl or directly into your chosen baking dish. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, basil, sea salt, and black pepper. Now, toss everything together until every potato piece is thoroughly coated in the oil and spices. Don’t be shy – get your hands in there to ensure even coverage. This even coating is key to maximizing flavor and achieving uniform crispiness.

Step 3: Roast to Crispy Perfection

Transfer the seasoned potatoes to a glass casserole dish or a large baking sheet, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. This prevents steaming and encourages even roasting and browning.

Roast your potatoes in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 40-50 minutes. The high heat is essential for developing those coveted crispy edges and a beautifully browned exterior.

Make sure to check on your potatoes about every 15 minutes, giving them a good stir. This ensures all sides get a chance to come into contact with the hot baking surface, promoting uniform crispiness. I personally love mine with super crispy, almost charred, edges, so I keep a close eye on them!

Continue roasting until the potatoes are golden brown, fork-tender on the inside, and wonderfully crispy on the outside. Be sure to watch them closely during the final 10-15 minutes to prevent any burning, especially if you prefer them extra crunchy.

Pro Tips for the Best Roasted Potatoes

Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful roasted potatoes is an art, but it’s an easy one to master with these expert tips:

• Dry Potatoes are Key: After washing, always pat your potatoes completely dry. Moisture creates steam, which results in soggy potatoes instead of crispy ones.
• Cut Evenly: Uniformly cut potatoes ensure that all pieces cook at the same rate. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your potatoes space! If you overcrowd the baking sheet, the potatoes will steam instead of roast, leading to a less crispy result. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
• High Heat is Your Friend: Roasting at 425°F (220°C) is crucial. High heat helps to quickly evaporate moisture and create that desirable crispy crust.
• Flip and Stir: Stirring the potatoes every 15-20 minutes ensures that all sides come into contact with the hot surface of the pan, promoting even browning and crispiness.
• Consider Your Baking Dish: While a glass casserole dish works well, a metal baking sheet (especially a dark one) can sometimes yield even crispier results. If using a different pan, adjust your cook time accordingly, as metal heats up faster. For an even crispier bottom, you can preheat your empty baking sheet in the oven before adding the potatoes.
• Quality Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil not only helps the spices adhere but also contributes to the overall flavor and browning.

By following these simple techniques, you’ll consistently achieve restaurant-quality roasted potatoes right in your own kitchen.

Delicious Variations and Flavor Boosters

While our base recipe for roasted garlic baby red potatoes is fantastic on its own, it’s also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to match your meal or personal preference:

• Rosemary Garlic: Add a tablespoon of fresh or dried rosemary along with the garlic powder for a classic, aromatic twist.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper will add a pleasant heat.
• Lemon Herb: Toss with a teaspoon of lemon zest during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a bright, fresh flavor. Fresh thyme or oregano also pairs beautifully.
• Parmesan Perfection: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting for a cheesy, savory crust.
• Smoked Paprika: For a smoky depth and vibrant color, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
• Onions & Bell Peppers: For a more substantial side, toss in some sliced red onions or bell peppers along with the potatoes. Just ensure they are cut similarly in size.

These simple additions can transform your roasted potatoes, offering endless possibilities for customisation.

What to Serve with Your Roasted Red Potatoes

These versatile baby potatoes are suitable for any meal – breakfast, lunch, or dinner! They make an excellent companion to a wide array of main dishes:

• Roast Chicken or Turkey: A classic pairing that never disappoints.
• Grilled Steak or Pork Chops: The savory notes of the meat are beautifully balanced by the crispy potatoes.
• Baked Fish: A lighter option that still feels complete and satisfying.
• Vegetarian Mains: Serve alongside a hearty lentil loaf, a vibrant quinoa salad, or your favorite veggie burgers.
• Breakfast Hash: As mentioned, leftovers are fantastic for a morning hash with vegetarian sausage, garlic, and onions. They bring a wonderful texture and flavor to breakfast.
• Sandwiches & Wraps: Serve as a side instead of fries for a healthier, equally delicious option.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While these roasted baby red potatoes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, they make fantastic leftovers! Simply store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat and bring back some of that delightful crispiness, you have a few options:

• Oven: Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and reheat at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped.
• Air Fryer: For the quickest way to restore crispiness, place potatoes in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes, shaking occasionally.
• Skillet: Heat a little olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring frequently, until heated through and crispy.

Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soft and soggy rather than crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roasted Red Potatoes

Here are answers to some common questions about making perfect roasted red potatoes:

Do I need to peel baby red potatoes before roasting?

No, absolutely not! One of the best things about baby red potatoes is their thin, delicate skin. It crisps up beautifully during roasting and adds to the texture and flavor. Just give them a good wash!

Can I use other types of potatoes?

While baby red potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their size, texture, and thin skin, you can certainly use other varieties. Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative, as they also have thin skins and a creamy interior. Russet potatoes can be used, but they have thicker skins and a drier, fluffier texture, so they might not get quite as creamy on the inside. Adjust cutting size and cooking time as needed.

How do I get my roasted potatoes extra crispy?

For maximum crispiness:

1. Ensure potatoes are completely dry before tossing with oil.
2. Cut them into uniform pieces to promote even cooking.
3. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; use a single layer.
4. Roast at a high temperature (425°F / 220°C).
5. Stir them frequently (every 15 minutes) to expose all sides to the heat.
6. Consider preheating your baking sheet in the oven before adding the potatoes.

Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?

You can wash and cut the potatoes a few hours in advance. Store them in a bowl covered with cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Drain and pat them very dry just before seasoning and roasting. However, for the absolute best crispiness, it’s ideal to cut and roast them shortly before cooking.

What kind of baking dish is best for roasted potatoes?

A heavy-duty baking sheet or a cast-iron skillet will often yield the crispiest results because they retain and distribute heat very well. A glass casserole dish, as used in the original recipe, also works effectively, just ensure there’s enough space for the potatoes to be in a single layer.

Are roasted red potatoes healthy?

Yes, roasted red potatoes can be a very healthy side dish! They are a good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber. When roasted with olive oil (a healthy fat) and simple spices, they provide nutritious energy without excessive unhealthy additives. They are naturally vegan and gluten-free.

More Irresistible Side Dishes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these crispy roasted baby red potatoes, you’re sure to love these other fantastic side dish recipes from our collection: