Perfectly golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these garlic roasted potatoes are coated in aromatic herbs and spices, making them an ideal savory side dish. Whether you’re serving them with a holiday roast or a simple weeknight dinner, these crispy potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These garlic roasted potatoes are a no-fail, go-to recipe that delivers flavor and texture every time. Parboiling ensures a soft interior, while roasting at high heat creates a crisp, golden crust. The combination of garlic, herbs, and smoked paprika adds depth, making them far more than just a basic side. They’re simple to prepare, versatile, and universally loved.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
3 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato chunks and parboil for 7–8 minutes until just tender but not fully cooked. Drain thoroughly.
Place the drained potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring space between them for proper crisping.
Roast in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people as a side dish.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes (including parboiling and roasting)
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
Cheesy twist: Toss the roasted potatoes with grated Parmesan during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Lemon-herb version: Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and extra fresh thyme or rosemary.
Garlic-lover’s version: Add roasted whole garlic cloves for an extra punch of flavor.
Herb upgrade: Replace dried thyme with fresh rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the texture.
Freezing: Not recommended, as roasted potatoes tend to lose their crispness when thawed.

FAQs

Can I skip parboiling the potatoes?

Parboiling is essential for achieving a fluffy inside and crispy outside. Skipping it may result in unevenly cooked potatoes.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Yukon gold and russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture and ability to crisp well when roasted.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. You can parboil and season the potatoes ahead of time, then roast them just before serving.

Why aren’t my potatoes getting crispy?

Overcrowding the baking sheet or not drying the potatoes properly can prevent them from crisping. Make sure they’re spread in a single layer with space between each piece.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

You can use garlic powder alone, but fresh minced garlic adds a deeper, more aromatic flavor.

Are these potatoes vegan?

Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based, making this a vegan-friendly side dish.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Yes, but sweet potatoes cook faster and may not get as crispy. Adjust roasting time accordingly.

How do I avoid burning the garlic?

Toss the garlic with oil and potatoes before roasting, and ensure it’s well-coated. You can also add it midway through roasting if burning is a concern.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Yes. Roast at 400°F (200°C) in the air fryer for about 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

What dishes pair well with garlic roasted potatoes?

These potatoes pair well with roasted meats, grilled fish, vegetarian mains, or breakfast dishes like eggs and sausage.

Conclusion

Crispy garlic roasted potatoes are a staple side dish that never goes out of style. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, they deliver big on texture and flavor. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or an everyday dinner, these potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit. Serve them hot and enjoy every crispy, garlicky bite.