Easy Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes with Rosemary

Oven-roasted baby potatoes with rosemary is a delicious side dish that pairs well with nearly any main course. Their crispy exterior and tender interior, enhanced by the aromatic rosemary, make them a family favorite at any meal.

This easy recipe packs a punch when it comes to taste and is great for cooks at any skill level. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a simple yet satisfying dish that will become a favorite in your kitchen.

If you are on the hunt for more potato recipes, I have a few more you might want to try out. Cheesy crash hot potatoes are a fun way to use up the rest of your baby potatoes. Or for a classic, make some twice baked potatoes with cheese and broccoli.

Still in the mood for more potato side dishes? You could make some Greek style potatoes that are full of flavor with feta cheese and lemon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This easy side dish uses basic, easy-to-find ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
• Minimal Prep Time: With only a few steps, you can prep these potatoes and put them in the oven in under 15 minutes.
• Versatile Side Dish: These roasted baby potatoes are the perfect side dish for a wide variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian entrees.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of crispy golden potatoes and fragrant rosemary is irresistible, making this a perfect accompaniment for both kids and adults alike.

What Are Baby Potatoes?

Baby potatoes are small, bite-sized potatoes that are typically harvested before they reach full maturity, allowing them to retain a tender texture and slightly sweet flavor. These young potatoes come in various varieties such as red, yellow, and purple, each bringing its own unique taste and color to dishes. Because they are young and tender, baby potatoes have delicate skins that don’t require peeling, which makes them particularly easy to prepare.

These petite tubers are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, making them a healthful choice for any meal. Baby potatoes can be cooked in numerous ways, including boiling, steaming, roasting, or grilling. Their versatility and quick cooking time make them a favored ingredient for many home cooks and professional chefs alike. Whether simply seasoned or dressed up with herbs and spices, baby potatoes can elevate any dish with their creamy texture and delightful taste.

What’s In This Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes Recipe?

• Red or yellow skinned baby potatoes: These mini potatoes are the recipe’s star ingredient, offering a tender texture and slightly sweet flavor that becomes wonderfully crispy when roasted. Choose smaller potatoes for more even cooking and a more delightful bite.
• Avocado oil: Known for its high smoke point, avocado oil is perfect for roasting, ensuring the potatoes crisp up beautifully without burning. It’s also rich in healthy fats, adding a subtle nutty flavor to the dish.
• Minced garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the earthiness of the potatoes and the freshness of the herbs. It enhances the overall taste profile, making each bite more flavorful.
• Fresh parsley: This herb offers a bright, slightly peppery taste that balances the richness of the potatoes and garlic. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin K and antioxidants.
• Fresh thyme: Thyme’s slightly minty and peppery notes provide a subtle depth of flavor. It pairs perfectly with rosemary to create a well-rounded herbaceous aroma.
• Fresh rosemary: Rosemary infuses the dish with a fragrant, pine-like aroma and earthy flavor that stands out beautifully against the crispy potatoes. Its robust scent and taste make it a standout herb in this recipe.
• Salt and black pepper: are essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes and herbs. A good balance of salt highlights the dish’s savory elements, while fresh ground black pepper adds a hint of heat.
• Garlic powder: provides a milder, evenly distributed garlic flavor throughout the dish. It complements the fresh minced garlic for a more robust garlic taste.
• Paprika: Paprika adds a mild smokiness and a pop of color to the roasted potatoes, helping create a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Parmesan for garnish: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami-rich finish to the dish. It melts slightly on the warm potatoes, creating an irresistible layer of flavor.
• Fresh herbs for garnish: Adding a final touch of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme enhances the visual appeal and provides a burst of fresh flavor that brightens up the dish right before serving.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Additions

• Olive oil instead of avocado oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a great substitute if you don’t have avocado oil on hand. It also works well for roasting and adds a fruity, slightly bitter flavor to the potatoes.
• Shallots or onions for garlic: For a different aromatic profile, you can substitute minced shallots or finely chopped onions for the garlic. These options impart a sweeter, more subtle flavor.
• Dried herbs for fresh herbs: If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, or Italian seasoning. Remember, dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.
• Sweet potatoes as an alternative: Swap out baby potatoes for diced sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. They add a natural sweetness and are just as nutritious and tasty when roasted.
• Spices for more kick: If you prefer some heat in your roasted potatoes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. These spices offer a nice contrast to the earthy and herbaceous flavors.
• Vegan option without Parmesan: To keep the dish vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese and garnish with nutritional yeast instead. Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy, nutty flavor without the dairy.
• Additional vegetables: You can mix in other small vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or bell peppers. These veggies roast well alongside the baby potatoes, adding color and variety to the dish.
• Lemon zest for freshness: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the herb mixture for a burst of citrusy freshness. It complements the herbs and adds a bright, tangy note to the potatoes.
• Different cheese options: If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago can provide a similar salty, umami flavor.

How To Make Baked Baby Potatoes (step-by-step directions)

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a large rimmed sheet pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
2. Halve the washed potatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl. (Photo 1)
3. Add avocado oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, and seasonings. Toss to coat each potato evenly. (Photos 2 & 3)
4. Spread the potatoes on the prepared baking tray in a single layer. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp and the potatoes are fork tender. (Photos 4 & 5)

1. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with parmesan cheese and additional fresh herbs, if desired. (Photo 6)

Recipe Tips

• Uniform potato size: Ensure the potatoes are cut to roughly the same size to promote even cooking. Smaller pieces may cook faster, while larger ones might need additional time.
• Preheat the oven: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before placing the potatoes inside. This step is vital for achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
• Avoid overcrowding the baking tray: Spread the potatoes in a single layer without overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in less crispy potatoes.
• Dry potatoes thoroughly: After washing the potatoes, make sure they are thoroughly dried before tossing them in oil and seasonings. Excess moisture can hinder the crisping process.
• Toss halfway through: For more even browning, toss the potatoes halfway through the baking time. This helps expose all sides to the heat and ensures a uniform texture.
• Use parchment paper or a baking mat: Lining the rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat can prevent the potatoes from sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Don’t skimp on the oil: A generous coating of oil enhances crispiness and helps the seasonings stick to the potatoes. Be sure each piece is well-coated.
• Season generously: Potatoes can handle a good amount of seasoning. Be liberal with the salt, pepper, and other spices to maximize flavor.
• Rest before serving: Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows the steam to escape, making them crispier on the outside.

Alternate Cooking Methods 

Instant Pot Method

1. Prepare the potatoes: Wash and halve the baby potatoes, ensuring they are cut to uniform sizes.
2. Add water to the Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and place a steamer basket inside.
3. Place potatoes in the basket: Arrange the halved potatoes in the steamer basket.
4. Pressure cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the pressure valve to sealing. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 5 minutes on high pressure.
5. Quick release: Once the timer goes off, quickly release the pressure by turning the valve to the venting position. Carefully open the lid once the pressure is fully released.
6. Season and sauté: Remove the steamer basket and discard the water inside the pot. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Return the potatoes to the pot and add avocado oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, and seasonings. Toss to coat them evenly and sauté for an additional 5 minutes until slightly crispy.
7. Garnish and serve: Transfer the potatoes to a serving platter and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Wash and halve the baby potatoes, ensuring they are cut to uniform sizes. 
3. Season the potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with avocado oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.
4. Arrange in the air fryer: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Cook in the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning.
6. Check for doneness: The potatoes are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and fork-tender on the inside.
7. Garnish and serve: Transfer the potatoes to a serving platter and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Storing Tips 

Leftover baked baby potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the potatoes are completely cooled before transferring them to prevent excess moisture from making them soggy.

You can freeze baked baby potatoes for longer storage. Place them on a baking tray in a single layer and freeze them until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, there’s no need to thaw them before reheating.

To reheat refrigerated or frozen baked baby potatoes, follow these steps:

• Oven method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10-15 minutes if refrigerated or 20-30 minutes if frozen, until they are heated through and crispy again.
• Air fryer method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-10 minutes if refrigerated or 15-20 minutes if frozen, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Microwave method: This method is faster but might result in less crispy potatoes. Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes if refrigerated, or 3-4 minutes if frozen, checking and stirring halfway through.

Serving Suggestions 

Baked baby potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes to create a harmonious meal. Here are some great suggestions for what to serve alongside them:

• Grilled Meats: Juicy grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops make excellent main dishes that complement the crispy texture of baked baby potatoes. 
• Seafood: Pair the potatoes with bacon wrapped salmon, shrimp skewers, or a delicate white fish for a well-rounded and flavorful meal.
• Salads: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory potatoes.
• Vegetarian Options: Grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini fritters or a healthy vegetable stir-fry make great vegetarian pairings.
• Sauces and Dips: Elevate your meal with flavorful condiments such as garlic aioli, spicy hummus, or zesty chimichurri sauce.
• Soups: A warm bowl of soup, such as tomato basil or classic minestrone, adds comfort and pairs well with crispy potatoes.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Side Dish Recipes? Try These:

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• See all our side dish recipes!

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