Crispy Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Crispy, buttery, and bursting with flavor, these garlic roasted potatoes are a quick and comforting side dish that pairs with almost anything. Made with simple pantry staples, they’re golden on the outside, tender inside, and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Wooden Spoon
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Baking sheet (cookie sheet)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Ingredients
- 24 ounces potatoes washed and cut into 1-inch cubes (skins on)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or preferred cooking oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic chopped into small pieces
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves removed
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C).A properly preheated oven ensures your potatoes start crisping immediately instead of steaming, which is the key to that irresistible golden-brown exterior. While the oven heats, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking, promotes even browning, and makes cleanup effortless.
- Wash and Cut the Potatoes: Rinse the potatoes thoroughly under cool running water to remove dirt and excess starch. Using a clean kitchen towel, pat them dry—dry potatoes crisp better in the oven. Next, place the potatoes on a cutting board and slice them into 1-inch cubes. Keeping the skins on not only saves time but also adds fiber and creates a deliciously crispy texture once roasted. Try to cut the cubes evenly so they cook uniformly.
- Chop the Garlic and Herbs: Peel and roughly chop 3 cloves of garlic into small but not tiny pieces—this helps prevent them from burning in the oven while still releasing a bold garlicky aroma. Remove the leaves from the fresh thyme sprigs and set them aside. Fresh herbs bring brightness and balance to the richness of the oil and butter.
- Season the Potatoes: Place the potato cubes into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil, making sure to coat each piece lightly but thoroughly. Add the sea salt, black pepper, and the chopped garlic. Hold the bowl firmly with one hand and use your other hand to gently toss the potatoes until everything is evenly distributed. For extra coverage, you can also use a wooden spoon to mix. Well-seasoned potatoes are the foundation of a flavorful roast.
- Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Pour the seasoned potato mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread the potatoes out into a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Overcrowding causes potatoes to steam instead of roast, resulting in a softer texture rather than the desired crispiness. Sprinkle the thyme leaves evenly across the potatoes, letting them cling to the oiled surfaces.
- Add the Melted Butter: Drizzle the melted vegan butter evenly over the potatoes on the tray. This final touch infuses a rich, buttery flavor and helps the edges turn beautifully golden as they roast. Don’t skip this step—it elevates the dish from simple roasted potatoes to something truly indulgent.
- Roast Until Crispy and Golden: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, depending on your oven and potato size. About halfway through the cooking time (around the 15-minute mark), carefully remove the tray, use a spatula to gently flip the potatoes, and return them to the oven. This step ensures even cooking on all sides, giving you crispy edges and tender centers.
- Check for Doneness: After 30 minutes, test the potatoes by piercing one with a fork. It should slide in easily, and the outside should look golden-brown and crisp. If they need more color, roast for an additional 3–5 minutes. Keep a close eye on the garlic pieces—if they look deeply browned, the potatoes are likely ready.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Once perfectly roasted, remove the tray from the oven and let the potatoes cool slightly for 2–3 minutes. Transfer them to a serving bowl or platter. These potatoes are best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven, when their texture is at its peak—crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Garnish with extra thyme or a sprinkle of sea salt if desired. Serve alongside your favorite main dish, and enjoy!
Notes
- Potato Variety Matters: Yukon gold and russet potatoes give the best balance of fluffiness and crispiness, but you can use almost any type—including red potatoes or even sweet potatoes.
- Don’t Skip the Skins: Leaving the skins on adds extra fiber and makes the edges extra crunchy.
- Garlic Size Is Important: Chop garlic into small but not tiny pieces. Too small, and it burns; too big, and it won’t infuse evenly.
- Butter Finishes the Flavor: That drizzle of melted butter at the end ties everything together and gives a richer, indulgent flavor.
- Get Creative with Seasoning: Add smoked paprika, rosemary, oregano, or even a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan for fun variations.
