Crispy Fingerling Potatoes with Herbs

These roasted fingerling potatoes are a culinary revelation – so simple to prepare, yet delivering an extraordinary flavor and texture experience. With just a quick toss in quality olive oil and a fragrant herb blend, these small wonders transform into a golden, crispy, and tender delight in your oven. It’s a straightforward process that consistently yields restaurant-quality results, making it an indispensable recipe for any home cook.

Here at Fit Foodie Finds, our passion for potatoes knows no bounds. From hearty baked potatoes and savory fries to creamy mashed potatoes, we embrace every form of this versatile root vegetable. Our latest obsession, these exquisite roasted fingerling potatoes, have quickly earned a top spot in our potato-loving family. They offer a unique balance of crispiness and tenderness that makes them stand out from the crowd.

Imagine potatoes with a beautifully browned, shatteringly crisp skin, yielding to an incredibly soft, fluffy interior. That’s precisely what you’ll achieve with this recipe. These roasted fingerling potatoes are true perfection, serving as an ideal side dish that can effortlessly elevate any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to an elegant holiday feast. Their small size means more surface area for crisping, ensuring every bite is a textural delight.

The Undeniable Charm of Fingerling Potatoes

While this recipe works wonderfully with any small potato, fingerling potatoes are truly the star of the show. Their distinctive elongated shape, thin skin, and naturally buttery, earthy flavor make them exceptional for roasting. Unlike larger potatoes, fingerlings typically don’t require peeling, saving you precious prep time and retaining all the valuable nutrients and flavor concentrated just beneath the skin. Their compact size also ensures they cook quickly and evenly, achieving that coveted crispy exterior and tender interior with ease. Opting for multi-colored fingerlings can also add a vibrant visual appeal to your dish, making it even more enticing.

A Symphony of Simple Flavors: What You Need to Make Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Beyond the obvious star, fingerling potatoes, this recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, proving that simplicity often leads to the most profound flavors. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the deep, aromatic profile of this dish.

• Fingerling Potatoes: Approximately 3 lbs, ideally halved lengthwise to maximize surface area for crisping. You can use tri-color or single-variety fingerlings.
• Olive Oil: About 2 tablespoons, plus a little extra for drizzling post-baking. High-quality olive oil not only aids in crisping but also imparts a rich, fruity flavor. Avocado oil or grapeseed oil are excellent alternatives if preferred.
• Kosher Salt: Approximately 1.5 teaspoons. Salt is paramount for seasoning potatoes, drawing out their natural sweetness and enhancing all other flavors.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon. Thyme offers a delicate, earthy, and slightly floral note that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
• Dried Rosemary: 1 teaspoon. Rosemary contributes a pungent, piney, and woody aroma that is classic in roasted potato dishes.
• Cracked Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon. Freshly cracked pepper adds a subtle warmth and a gentle bite.
• Fresh Parsley: For serving. A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley at the end brightens the dish with a pop of color and a fresh, clean herbaceous finish.

The synergy of rosemary and thyme creates an aromatic foundation that makes these potatoes truly unforgettable. They infuse the potatoes with a warm, inviting fragrance that will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner.

Endless Possibilities: Variations and Substitutions for Your Roasted Potatoes

While this recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Potato Varieties: If fingerling potatoes aren’t available, any small, waxy potato will work beautifully. Consider halved red potatoes, baby Yukon Gold potatoes, or even small new potatoes. Each will offer a slightly different flavor and texture profile, but all will roast deliciously. For a sweeter twist, small sweet potatoes or yams can also be used, though cooking times may vary.
• Oil Choices: Olive oil is our top choice for its flavor, but avocado oil and grapeseed oil are fantastic neutral-tasting alternatives that also have high smoke points, perfect for roasting. For a richer, more indulgent flavor, melted unsalted butter or a blend of butter and olive oil can be used, adding a luxurious depth to the potatoes.
• Herb & Spice Blends: Don’t limit yourself to just thyme and rosemary!
  • **Mediterranean Twist:** Add dried oregano, basil, or a pre-made Italian seasoning blend.
  • **Garlic Lover’s Dream:** Mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder or, for a more intense flavor, add a few cloves of minced fresh garlic during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting to prevent burning.
  • **Spicy Kick:** A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika can add a wonderful warmth and subtle heat.
  • **Lemon & Herb:** Incorporate fresh lemon zest along with the herbs for a bright, zesty finish.
  • **Cheesy Goodness:** After baking, toss the hot potatoes with a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a savory, umami boost.

  Just remember, the fresh parsley at the end is crucial for that burst of vibrant freshness, so try not to skip it.

Mastering the Roast: Achieving Perfect Crispy Tenderness

The secret to truly spectacular roasted fingerling potatoes lies in a few key techniques that ensure maximum crispness and even cooking. High heat and proper spacing are your best friends here. You want the potatoes to roast, not steam, which is why a hot oven and a single layer on the baking sheet are non-negotiable.

First, ensure your potatoes are thoroughly dry after washing. Any residual moisture will steam the potatoes instead of crisping them. Then, toss them generously with oil and seasonings. The oil creates a beautiful golden crust, while the salt draws out moisture and infuses flavor. Spreading the potatoes in a single layer on a preheated baking sheet prevents them from overcrowding and steaming. Turning them halfway through the cooking process ensures all sides get that desirable golden-brown crispness. Finally, don’t rush the process; allow them to cook until they are truly fork-tender and deeply caramelized.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Perfection

Should you be lucky enough to have any leftover crispy potatoes, proper storage and reheating can help maintain their deliciousness, though a freshly roasted potato is always best!

• Refrigerator Storage: Store any cooled roasted potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While they won’t be quite as crispy as when fresh, their flavor remains excellent.
• Freezer Directions: To freeze, arrange cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be aware that freezing and thawing can affect the texture, often leading to a slightly softer result.
• Reheating for Crispiness: To regain some of their original crispiness, avoid the microwave, which tends to make them soft.
  • Air Fryer: For the best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated potatoes in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until heated through and crispy.
  • Oven: Alternatively, spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and re-crisped.

Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions for Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

The beauty of these roasted fingerling potatoes lies in their incredible versatility. They truly complement almost any main course, making them a go-to side for any occasion. The real question isn’t what does go with them, but what doesn’t? Here are some inspired pairings to help you create unforgettable meals:

• Hearty Meat Dishes: Their savory, herbaceous notes pair perfectly with rich meats. Serve them alongside our succulent Baked Pork Roast, a festive Juicy Spatchcock Turkey, or crispy, flavorful Crispy Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. They’re also an excellent accompaniment to grilled steak, pan-seared lamb chops, or a classic pot roast.
• Fish & Seafood: For a lighter meal, these potatoes are a fantastic match for baked salmon, grilled cod, or shrimp scampi. Their robust flavor holds up well without overpowering delicate seafood.
• Vegetarian & Vegan Mains: Don’t limit them to meat! These potatoes are a delicious side for hearty plant-based dishes like lentil loaf, roasted portobello mushrooms, or black bean burgers.
• Brunch & Breakfast: Think beyond dinner! Serve these savory potatoes as a delightful side to scrambled eggs, quiches, frittatas, or alongside breakfast sausages for a gourmet brunch experience.
• Complementary Side Dishes: To round out your meal, pair them with fresh, vibrant vegetable sides. Our tasty Balsamic Grilled Brussels Sprouts offer a sweet and tangy counterpoint, while a refreshing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad adds a burst of freshness. For a touch of indulgence, Bacon Wrapped Green Beans are always a hit! A simple green salad with a vinaigrette also provides a lovely balance.

No matter what you choose, these perfectly roasted fingerling potatoes are sure to be a highlight of your meal, earning rave reviews from family and friends.

Troubleshooting Common Roasting Challenges

Even with a simple recipe like this, occasional issues can arise. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:

• Soggy Potatoes: This is usually caused by overcrowding the baking sheet. Potatoes release moisture as they cook, and if they’re too close together, that moisture gets trapped, steaming them instead of allowing them to crisp. Always ensure potatoes are in a single layer with space between each piece. Also, make sure they are thoroughly dry before oiling and seasoning.
• Not Crispy Enough: A lack of crispness can stem from several factors:
  • Low Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C). A hotter oven promotes better browning.
  • Insufficient Oil: Don’t be shy with the olive oil! It’s essential for achieving a golden, crispy crust.
  • Too Short Cooking Time: Sometimes, they just need a few more minutes. Keep roasting until they reach your desired level of crispness and color.
• Unevenly Cooked Potatoes: This can happen if the potatoes aren’t cut to a similar size or if they aren’t turned halfway through. Try to halve all fingerlings to a consistent size. Gently stirring or flipping them ensures all sides get exposed to the heat.
• Burnt Herbs: If you’re using fresh herbs, they can sometimes burn at high temperatures. Consider adding delicate fresh herbs like parsley or chives at the very end, after the potatoes are out of the oven. For dried herbs, mixing them with the oil helps protect them.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll consistently achieve perfectly roasted fingerling potatoes every time.

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

These roasted fingerling potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re simple to make and act as the perfect sidekick to any weeknight meal!

By:
Linley Hanson

Prep:
15 mins

Cook:
40 mins

Total:
55 mins

Servings:
6

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Ingredients

• 3 lbs. fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise (can be tri-color or not)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, +more for later
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• Fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200°C) and grease a large baking sheet with oil. Set aside.
2. Rinse the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Pat the potatoes completely dry with a clean towel or paper towels, then add them to a large bowl.
   
3. Drizzle the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Season the potatoes generously with kosher salt, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and cracked black pepper. Toss again to ensure all seasonings are distributed.
   
4. Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the cut side is facing down. This promotes maximum caramelization. Bake for 20 minutes. Gently move the potatoes around the baking sheet with a spatula to prevent sticking and encourage even browning. Continue baking for another 10-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown, crispy, and fork-tender.
   
5. Remove the potatoes from the oven. For an extra boost of flavor and shine, drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
   

Tips & Notes

• Halved baby red potatoes will work as a substitute for fingerling potatoes. They may require a few additional minutes to bake until tender.
• To elevate this recipe further, consider tossing the hot roasted potatoes with a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast immediately after baking for a savory, umami-rich coating.
• We love serving our crispy roasted fingerling potatoes with a side of ketchup for dipping, but they’re equally delicious on their own or with your favorite aioli.

Nutrition

Calories: 217 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 40 g,
Protein: 5 g,
Fat: 5 g,
Fiber: 5 g,
Sugar: 2 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.