Herb Roasted Baby Potatoes for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for tradition, family, and, of course, delicious food. While the turkey often steals the spotlight, the side dishes are where you can really showcase your culinary creativity. This year, elevate your Thanksgiving spread with a simple yet elegant dish: Herb Roasted Baby Potatoes. These bite-sized spuds are incredibly easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and visually appealing, making them a perfect addition to your holiday table. Forget the mashed potatoes this year; these herb-roasted baby potatoes will be the true star!

Why Herb Roasted Baby Potatoes are the Perfect Thanksgiving Side

Thanksgiving dinner can be a logistical puzzle, with multiple dishes needing attention at once. Herb roasted baby potatoes simplify things. They require minimal prep time, cook relatively quickly, and can be made ahead of time. Their small size ensures even cooking, and the roasting process brings out their natural sweetness, enhanced by the savory herbs.

Compared to mashed potatoes, which can sometimes be heavy, herb-roasted baby potatoes offer a lighter alternative. They also add textural interest to the plate. The crispy skin and fluffy interior create a delightful contrast that will keep your guests coming back for more. They’re also naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Furthermore, you can easily customize the herbs and seasonings to complement your overall Thanksgiving menu.

Choosing the Right Potatoes and Herbs

The key to exceptional herb-roasted baby potatoes starts with selecting the right ingredients.

Potato Varieties:

• Red Potatoes: These hold their shape well during roasting and have a slightly waxy texture. Their thin skin is naturally flavorful, making them ideal for this dish.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes have a buttery flavor and creamy texture. They are also slightly sweeter than red potatoes, which adds another layer of complexity to the dish.
• Fingerling Potatoes: These elongated potatoes come in various colors and have a firm texture. Their unique shape adds visual appeal to your Thanksgiving table.
• Mixed Baby Potatoes: Using a combination of different colored baby potatoes not only looks beautiful but also offers a variety of textures and flavors.

When choosing your potatoes, look for ones that are firm, smooth, and free of blemishes. The size should be relatively uniform to ensure even cooking.

Herb Selection:

The herbs you choose will significantly impact the flavor profile of your roasted potatoes. Here are some excellent options:

• Rosemary: Adds a woody, aromatic note that pairs perfectly with potatoes.
• Thyme: Provides an earthy, slightly lemony flavor.
• Sage: Offers a savory, slightly peppery taste that’s quintessential Thanksgiving.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, clean flavor and a pop of color.
• Garlic: While technically not an herb, garlic is an essential ingredient in this dish. It adds a pungent, savory depth of flavor.
• Other options: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Fresh oregano, marjoram, or even a pinch of dried chili flakes can add a unique twist.

Using fresh herbs is always recommended, as they have a more vibrant flavor than dried herbs. If you only have dried herbs on hand, use about one-third the amount called for in the recipe.

The Perfect Herb Roasted Baby Potatoes Recipe

This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and available ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds baby potatoes, washed and halved (or quartered if large)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly. If they are particularly large, cut them in half or quarters to ensure even cooking.

3. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage. Season with salt and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and herbs.

4. Arrange on a baking sheet: Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the potatoes to steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets.

5. Roast the potatoes: Roast for 25-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown. Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

6. Add Parmesan (optional): In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

7. Serve immediately: Remove the potatoes from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for success:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them, resulting in soggy potatoes.
• Use high heat: Roasting at a high temperature allows the potatoes to crisp up nicely.
• Flip the potatoes: Flipping the potatoes halfway through the cooking time ensures even browning on all sides.
• Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and variety of your potatoes, and on your oven.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the potatoes up to a day in advance. Simply toss them with the oil and herbs and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook them, remove them from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before roasting.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are some variations and serving suggestions:

• Add bacon or pancetta: Cooked and crumbled bacon or pancetta adds a smoky, savory flavor to the potatoes. Add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with different combinations of herbs. Try using oregano, marjoram, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor to the potatoes. Drizzle it over the potatoes just before serving.
• Serve with a dipping sauce: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as aioli, ranch dressing, or a creamy herb sauce.
• Pair with other vegetables: Roast the potatoes alongside other vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or onions.
• Make it vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese and use a plant-based milk alternative in any dipping sauces.
• Add spices: A pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder can add depth and complexity.
• Drizzle with truffle oil: A drizzle of truffle oil adds a luxurious touch to the potatoes.
• Serve warm or at room temperature. These potatoes are great both ways, making them great for parties where food sits out for a long time.
• Add some heat: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the potatoes before roasting.
• Garlic confit: If you want to up your game, use garlic confit instead of minced garlic. The flavor is much more mellow, making it a less pungent addition that still contributes great character to the dish.
• Balsamic Glaze: Right after removing from the oven, drizzle with balsamic glaze. The acidity cuts through the richness of the potatoes, and it adds a touch of sweetness.

Herb roasted baby potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. They are a perfect complement to roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. They can also be served alongside vegetarian entrees, such as lentil loaf or stuffed butternut squash. For a complete Thanksgiving meal, serve them with other classic side dishes, such as stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, you can use regular potatoes, but you'll need to cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Baby potatoes are convenient because they are already small and cook evenly.

• Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potatoes up to a day in advance. Toss them with the oil and herbs, store them in the refrigerator, and then roast them when you're ready to serve. You may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time if the potatoes are cold.

• How do I store leftover herb-roasted baby potatoes?

Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

• Can I freeze herb-roasted baby potatoes?

Freezing cooked potatoes is generally not recommended, as they can become mushy when thawed.

• What kind of oil should I use?

Olive oil is a great choice for roasting potatoes because it has a high smoke point and adds flavor. You can also use other oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or canola oil.

• Can I add other vegetables to the roasting pan?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to the roasting pan, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or onions. Be sure to cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

• Why aren’t my potatoes crispy?

If your potatoes aren't crispy, it could be because the pan is overcrowded, the oven temperature isn't high enough, or the potatoes aren't dry enough before roasting. Make sure to spread the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet, roast them at a high temperature, and pat them dry with paper towels before tossing them with the oil and herbs.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can use dried herbs, but fresh herbs have a more vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, use about one-third the amount called for in the recipe.

• Do I need to peel the baby potatoes?

No, you don't need to peel baby potatoes. Their skin is thin and adds flavor and texture to the dish. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly before roasting.

• How do I make sure the potatoes cook evenly?

To ensure even cooking, cut the potatoes into uniform sizes and spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time.