Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
Extra crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, these Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30 are the perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or enjoying a weeknight meal, these potatoes will elevate your dining experience. The combination of rosemary and garlic not only adds a rich flavor but also makes them a standout feature on your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Texture: These potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft inside, providing a delightful contrast.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with common ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for any meal, from casual dinners to festive gatherings.
- Whole30 Compliant: This recipe adheres to Whole30 guidelines, making it a suitable choice for health-conscious eaters.
- Flavor Boost: Infused with garlic and rosemary, these potatoes offer an aromatic experience that complements any main course.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, ensure you have the right tools ready.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Large stock pot
- Colander
- Fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Roasting pan: A sturdy roasting pan helps achieve even cooking and browning, essential for crispy potatoes.
- Large stock pot: Necessary for boiling the potatoes quickly and evenly.
- Colander: Important for draining excess water from the potatoes to achieve that crispy texture.
- Fork: Useful for mashing roasted garlic and mixing flavors together.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 4 pounds yellow potatoes – peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt (plus extra to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup duck fat (substitute olive oil, beef tallow, ghee or avocado oil)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
For Flavoring
- 1 whole head garlic (top trimmed)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary (around 2 sprigs)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (substitute grass-fed butter)
- ¼ teaspoon flakey sea salt (for finishing)
How to Make Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a large, empty roasting pan inside while it heats up.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Add them to a large stock pot, covering them with cold water.
- Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt and baking soda, then set over high heat.
- Bring the water to a boil and cook until fork-tender but firm at edges, about 25 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them dry completely.
Step 3: Roast the Potatoes
- Carefully remove the preheated roasting pan from the oven; add duck fat, allowing it to melt.
- Shake the colander gently to rough up potato edges before adding them to the pan.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper; toss gently to coat.
- Nestle in the head of garlic, cut-side down, then return the pan to the oven.
- Roast while tossing every 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy all over—about 55 to 60 minutes.
Step 4: Flavor Infusion
- Remove the roasted garlic; press out individual cloves into a bowl.
- Combine roasted garlic cloves with chopped rosemary and olive oil. Mash together with a fork.
- Toss this mixture with potatoes in the roasting pan; return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Serve
Taste for seasoning; adjust with flakey sea salt as desired. Transfer your crispy roast potatoes to a serving bowl and enjoy!
How to Serve Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic are a delightful side dish that pairs well with various meals. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Grilled Meats
- Steak – The richness of a perfectly grilled steak complements the crispy texture of the potatoes.
- Chicken – Roasted or grilled chicken provides a juicy contrast to the crunchy potatoes.
As Part of a Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad – Toss these potatoes in a fresh salad for added texture and flavor.
- Caesar Salad – Add them on top of a classic Caesar for an unexpected twist.
With Dipping Sauces
- Aioli – A garlic aioli enhances the flavors of both the potatoes and garlic.
- Hot Sauce – For those who enjoy a kick, hot sauce adds heat and excitement.
On a Charcuterie Board
- Cheeses – Pairing with cheese like cheddar or gouda creates a delightful snacking experience.
- Olives – Their briny flavor complements the savory notes of the roast potatoes.

How to Perfect Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
Achieving the perfect texture for your Crispy Roast Potatoes is all about technique. Follow these tips for superb results.
- Use High-Starch Potatoes – Varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet will yield fluffier interiors.
- Preheat Your Pan – A hot roasting pan ensures that the potatoes start to crisp up immediately.
- Don’t Overcrowd – Give each potato chunk space in the pan for even cooking and crispiness.
- Rough Up the Edges – Shaking them in the colander helps create more surface area for crispiness.
Best Side Dishes for Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
Crispy Roast Potatoes make an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some side dishes that pair wonderfully with them.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted alongside your potatoes can add color and nutrition.
- Steamed Asparagus – Lightly steamed asparagus provides a fresh, vibrant contrast.
- Sautéed Spinach – This quick side is rich in iron and pairs beautifully with crispy potatoes.
- Grilled Zucchini – The slight char from grilling complements the herbs in your potatoes nicely.
- Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and brightness to your plate.
- Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw offers a tangy bite that balances out the richness of roasted potatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30, it’s easy to make a few errors. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Not soaking the potatoes: Failing to rinse the potatoes can result in a gummy texture. Always soak them in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Skipping the preheating step: If you don’t preheat the roasting pan, the potatoes won’t crisp up properly. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the potatoes.
- Overcrowding the pan: Crowding the potatoes prevents them from getting crispy. Use a large enough pan so they have space to roast evenly.
- Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland potatoes. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- Not roughing up the edges: Failing to shake the potatoes after draining can result in soft edges. Roughing them up allows for more crispy surface area.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
- Oven: Preheat oven to 400F, spread potatoes on a baking sheet, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Use for quick reheating; however, they may become soggy. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30:
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, while yellow potatoes are recommended for their fluffiness, you can use other varieties like red or russet potatoes.
How do I make these potatoes even crispier?
To enhance crispiness, ensure your roasting pan is very hot before adding the potatoes, and toss them occasionally during cooking.
Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?
You can parboil and season them ahead of time, then roast just before serving for optimal freshness.
What can I serve with Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30?
These roast potatoes pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a Whole30-compliant meal.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30 are not just delicious; they add texture and flavor to any meal. Their versatility makes them perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize by adding different herbs or spices based on your preference!

Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30 are the ultimate side dish, combining irresistible crunch on the outside with a fluffy interior. Infused with aromatic garlic and fresh rosemary, these potatoes elevate any meal, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner. Easy to prepare with common ingredients, this recipe is not only delicious but also compliant with Whole30 guidelines, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious diners. Experience the delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 pounds yellow potatoes
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup duck fat (or olive oil)
- 1 head garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- Black pepper and flaky sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and place a large roasting pan inside.
- Rinse potatoes under cold water, then boil in a large stock pot with salted water and baking soda until fork-tender (about 25 minutes).
- Drain and let them dry completely.
- Remove the hot roasting pan from the oven, add duck fat to melt, and rough up potato edges in a colander before adding them to the pan.
- Season with salt and pepper, add garlic cut-side down, then roast for about 55-60 minutes, tossing every 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Combine roasted garlic with chopped rosemary and olive oil; mash together and toss with potatoes for an extra flavor burst. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 329
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg