These potatoes are cut into cubes and coated with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion before roasting to a golden, crisp perfection. Fresh parsley, chives, and thyme add vibrant herbal notes for a hearty start to your day. The method involves soaking potatoes beforehand for extra crispiness and adjusting seasoning to taste. Ideal as a vegetarian, gluten-free side packed with comforting flavors.
The smell of roasted potatoes wafting through the house on a lazy Sunday morning is one of those simple pleasures that makes everything feel right with the world.
I started making these when my roommate and I had weekly breakfast traditions, and they became the one dish that actually got us out of bed on time.
Ingredients
- Yukon Gold or red potatoes (900 g/2 lbs): These waxy varieties hold their shape beautifully and develop the crispiest exteriors without falling apart during roasting
- Yellow onion (1 small, finely diced): The onion caramelizes alongside the potatoes, adding sweet savory pockets throughout the dish
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic mellows as it roasts, infusing the potatoes with gentle aromatic flavor rather than harsh raw bite
- Olive oil (3 tbsp): This amount creates that golden exterior we are all after without making the potatoes feel heavy or greasy
- Kosher salt (1 tsp) and black pepper (½ tsp): The foundational seasoning that brings all the flavors together and enhances the natural potato sweetness
- Smoked paprika (½ tsp): This subtle addition adds depth and a whisper of smokiness that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp), chives (1 tbsp), and thyme (1 tbsp): The herb trio finishes the dish with brightness and freshness, making each bite feel complete and balanced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prepare the baking sheet:
- Heat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless
- Toss everything together:
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, diced onion, and minced garlic until every piece is evenly coated
- Arrange for maximum crispiness:
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, giving each piece enough space to roast rather than steam
- Roast until golden:
- Cook for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure all sides get crispy, until the potatoes are golden brown with irresistible crunchy edges
- Add the fresh herbs:
- Remove from the oven and while the potatoes are still hot, toss them with the chopped parsley, chives, and thyme so the herbs wilt slightly and release their oils
- Serve immediately:
- These are best enjoyed straight from the oven while still steaming, ideally alongside eggs, toast, or whatever else makes your breakfast complete
These potatoes became my go to contribution to every friend gathering and potluck brunch, somehow always disappearing before anything else on the table.
Making Them Your Own
I have found that adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast during the last five minutes creates an incredibly savory, almost cheesy flavor that completely transforms the dish without any dairy.
Perfect Pairings
A runny fried egg on top creates the most luxurious sauce as the yolk mingles with the crispy potatoes and fresh herbs, though they are equally satisfying alongside avocado toast or tofu scramble.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can cut and season the potatoes the night before, storing them in the refrigerator in a covered bowl, then simply spread and roast when you are ready to cook.
- Let the seasoned potatoes sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before roasting for more even cooking
- If making ahead, wait to add the fresh herbs until just before serving for maximum brightness
- Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in a skillet over medium heat, bringing back much of the original crispiness
There is something deeply satisfying about a perfectly roasted potato, simple and unpretentious yet completely capable of stealing the show at any breakfast table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What potatoes work best for roasting?
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Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into evenly sized cubes, offer a perfect balance of creaminess and crispiness when roasted.
- → How can I get extra crispy potatoes?
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Soak the cubed potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry them thoroughly before tossing with oil and seasonings.
- → Which herbs complement roasted potatoes well?
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Fresh parsley, chives, and thyme provide bright, aromatic flavors that enhance the roasted potatoes without overpowering them.
- → Can I substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs?
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Yes, use dried herbs at about one-third the amount of fresh to maintain balanced flavor.
- → What cooking temperature ensures perfectly roasted potatoes?
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Roasting the potatoes at 220°C (425°F) ensures they develop a golden, crispy exterior while staying tender inside.