Achieving Perfection: Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Thyme

Are you on the hunt for a baked potato recipe that stands out? Look no further! This delightful side dish, starring the classic combination of garlic and thyme, is not only incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly simple to prepare. You’ll be astonished by the end result: a delectable texture featuring a super crispy exterior and a wonderfully tender, soft interior that melts in your mouth. It’s truly a game-changer for your potato game.

The secret to these perfectly textured potatoes lies in a crucial two-step process: **pre-cooking and then thoroughly drying them**. By par-boiling the potato wedges, you ensure that the inside becomes wonderfully tender and fluffy. Immediately after boiling, steaming them dry in a hot pan creates a roughened, floury surface, which is key to achieving that coveted super crispy finish in the oven. This step is non-negotiable for success, so do not skip it!

Once these golden-brown roasted potatoes, subtly infused with the warmth of garlic and the earthy aroma of thyme, are drizzled with a good quality olive oil and placed on your plate, you’ll feel transported. The vibrant flavors evoke the essence of a beautiful summer day in Italy – a true Mediterranean experience right in your home. I certainly feel it every time I make them.

For an extra burst of flavor and a touch of gourmet flair, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt over them right after they come out of the oven. These versatile crispy potatoes make an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of main courses. Imagine serving them alongside a succulent chimichurri steak, or complementing a rich duck breast fillet with honey balsamic sauce. This recipe promises to be a delicious and memorable addition to any meal.

Crispy, flavorful, and utterly delicious potatoes, roasted to golden perfection in the oven with fragrant thyme and tender garlic! A SUPER easy recipe that guarantees fantastic taste and texture.

Essential Ingredients for Thyme and Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Crafting these delectable Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Thyme requires just a handful of quality ingredients. The right selection ensures maximum flavor and texture. You’ll find the precise measurements detailed in the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this article. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• Potatoes – The foundation of this dish! For that ideal crispy outside and soft, floury inside, it’s crucial to use floury (starchy) potato varieties. Excellent choices include Russet (known as Maris Piper or King Edward in the UK), or Doré. These varieties break down slightly when boiled, creating a rough surface ideal for crisping in the oven. If you prefer, you can also bake them unpeeled, but ensure they are organic for best flavor and to avoid pesticides on the skin.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic is indispensable here. As you’ll be roasting whole garlic cloves alongside the potatoes, their flavor mellows and sweetens beautifully. We recommend using organic garlic, as the entire bulb will be roasted and then its soft, spreadable pulp mixed into the potatoes, providing a rich, savory depth.
• Thyme – Fresh thyme sprigs are key to infusing a vibrant, earthy aroma into this dish. The delicate leaves release their fragrance as they roast, complementing the garlic and potatoes perfectly. While fresh is always best, if it’s unavailable, you can substitute with about one teaspoon of dried thyme. For a delightful variation, fresh rosemary also works wonderfully, offering a slightly more pungent, piney note.
• Olive oil – With so few ingredients, the quality of your olive oil truly shines. Use a delicious extra virgin olive oil for its rich, fruity flavor and aroma. It not only helps achieve that golden crispiness but also adds a layer of nuanced taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Sea salt – A sprinkle of coarse sea salt after baking is the finishing touch. Its larger crystals provide a delightful crunch and burst of briny flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and the aromatics. Fine sea salt can also be used, but coarse salt offers a more satisfying texture.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Crisp Potatoes with Garlic and Thyme

Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful roasted potatoes. Remember, the full printable recipe with precise measurements and a step-by-step breakdown can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.

Preparation Phase: Setting the Stage for Success

Step 1 – Begin by preheating your oven to 430 °F (220 °C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden crust. As the oven heats, place your empty baking tray inside. Heating the tray ensures that when the potatoes hit it, they start crisping immediately. While the oven preheats, peel your chosen floury potatoes (Russet, Doré, King Edward, or Maris Piper are excellent). Halve each potato, then cut each half into even wedges. Aim for uniform size to ensure consistent cooking. Give the cut potatoes a quick wash under cold water to remove any excess starch, then drain them thoroughly.

The Crucial Par-Boil & Dry Method

Step 2 – In a large pot, bring about 2 inches (5 cm) of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the potato wedges to the boiling water and let them boil for precisely ten minutes. This par-boiling step makes the insides tender without fully cooking them. While the potatoes are boiling, place a large frying pan over high heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Allow the oil to get very hot – almost shimmering, but not smoking. Once the potatoes have boiled, remove them immediately from the water using a slotted spoon, ensuring as much water drains off as possible. Transfer the drained, hot potato wedges directly into the hot frying pan with the olive oil. The high heat will cause the remaining surface moisture to evaporate quickly, roughing up the potato’s exterior. This immediate drying creates the perfect starchy surface that will crisp up beautifully in the oven. Stir them gently for about one minute in the hot pan, then turn off the heat. Do not let them sit for too long, as they will stick if they start to cool.

Roasting to Golden Perfection

Step 3 – Carefully remove the now very hot baking tray from the preheated oven. Be cautious as it will be extremely hot. Spread the par-boiled and dried potato wedges evenly across the hot baking tray in a single layer. Add the whole garlic cloves (separated from the bulb but unpeeled) and fresh thyme sprigs amongst the potatoes. Give everything a good stir on the tray to ensure the potatoes are coated in any residual oil and the aromatics are distributed. Place the baking tray back into the oven and roast for approximately 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are gorgeously golden brown and incredibly crispy. Halfway through cooking (around 20-25 minutes), you might want to give them another quick stir to ensure even browning on all sides.

Once baked to perfection, remove the tray from the oven. Carefully pick out the roasted garlic cloves and transfer them to a small plate. Allow them to cool slightly, then with a fork, gently squeeze the soft, caramelized garlic pulp out of their skins. Discard the skins. Transfer the crispy potatoes to a serving bowl and add the mashed garlic pulp along with the roasted thyme leaves. Mix everything well to evenly distribute the rich garlic flavor. Finally, sprinkle some coarse sea salt over the potatoes just before serving for an irresistible savory finish. Serve them hot and enjoy every bite!

Tips for Extra Crispy Roasted Potatoes

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For maximum crispiness, ensure your potatoes are spread in a single layer on the baking tray with enough space around each piece. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not roasting, resulting in soggy potatoes. Use two trays if necessary.
• Rough Up the Edges: After par-boiling and draining, gently shake the pot (with the lid on) for a few seconds. This will rough up the edges of the potatoes, creating more surface area for crisping.
• Hot Oil is Key: Ensure your olive oil (and the baking tray) is screaming hot when the potatoes are added. This helps create an immediate crust and prevents sticking.
• Consider Alternative Fats: For an even richer flavor and crispier result, consider using rendered duck fat or goose fat instead of olive oil. These fats have a higher smoke point and impart a luxurious taste.
• Baking Soda Trick: A tiny pinch of baking soda (about 1/2 teaspoon for this recipe) added to the boiling water can help break down the potato’s pectin, leading to an even fluffier interior and a more roughed-up, crisp-ready exterior.
• Temperature Matters: Maintain a high oven temperature. If your oven has a convection setting, use it for even better airflow and crisping, but remember to reduce the temperature by about 20°C (30-40°F).

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These crispy garlic and thyme roasted potatoes are incredibly versatile. Beyond the suggested steak and duck breast, they pair beautifully with:

• Roast Chicken or Turkey: A classic Sunday roast companion.
• Grilled Fish: The fresh herbs complement lighter proteins perfectly.
• Vegetarian Mains: Serve with a hearty lentil loaf, a vibrant vegetable tart, or simply a big green salad.
• Eggs: For a delightful breakfast or brunch side, imagine them with scrambled eggs or a frittata.

For an added touch, consider a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving for extra color and freshness.

Did you make this delicious recipe and love the results? Don’t forget to tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram! I absolutely adore seeing your culinary creations and frequently share the most beautiful photos from my followers! If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback not only helps other aspiring home cooks but also provides immense support to me.

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Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Thyme

Andréa

More Delicious Potato Recipes to Explore

If you loved these crispy roasted potatoes, you’re in for a treat! Potatoes are incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to enjoy them. Here are a few more of our favorite potato recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from comforting family meals to impressive side dishes: