Make crispy Herbs de Provence potatoes with baby potatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fragrant French herbs for an easy gluten-free side dish.
Fragrant, golden, and irresistibly crisp, this Crispy Herbs de Provence Potatoes Recipe turns simple baby potatoes into an elegant side dish. The potatoes are seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, and a classic French herb blend before being roasted until caramelized on the outside and tender inside.
Herbs de Provence typically brings together aromatic herbs such as thyme, rosemary, savory, marjoram, and oregano. The blend gives these roasted potatoes a savory, earthy flavor that complements everything from roasted chicken and grilled steak to baked salmon, pork tenderloin, and vegetable entrées.
A hot oven and plenty of room on the baking sheet help the potatoes develop beautifully crisp edges. Placing them cut-side down creates even more caramelization, while fresh parsley, lemon juice, or Parmesan cheese can provide the perfect finishing touch.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
2 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, halved
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons Herbs de Provence
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, optional
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Cut the potatoes in half. If some potatoes are larger than the others, cut them into quarters so all the pieces are approximately the same size and cook evenly.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the extra virgin olive oil, Herbs de Provence, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Toss thoroughly until every piece of potato is evenly coated with the oil, garlic, and seasonings. If using the optional lemon juice, drizzle it over the potatoes and toss again.
Step 4: Arrange the Potatoes
Spread the seasoned potatoes across the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Position the potatoes with their cut sides facing down to encourage deep browning and crisp caramelized surfaces.
Leave a little space between the potatoes. Overcrowding the baking sheet can trap steam and prevent the potatoes from becoming crisp.
Step 5: Roast Until Golden and Crisp
Roast the potatoes for 35 to 45 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
The potatoes are ready when they are deeply golden, crisp around the edges, and easily pierced with a fork. Watch the minced garlic as the potatoes finish cooking. It should be lightly caramelized but not burned.
Step 6: Garnish the Potatoes
Transfer the roasted potatoes to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle them with chopped fresh parsley.
If desired, add the grated Parmesan cheese while the potatoes are still hot so it softens slightly over their crisp surfaces.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Herbs de Provence potatoes immediately while they are hot and crispy. If you did not add the optional lemon juice before roasting, it may be drizzled over the finished potatoes for a bright, fresh accent.
Notes
For even crispier potatoes, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 20 to 30 minutes before seasoning them.
Soaking helps remove excess surface starch. Drain the potatoes and dry them thoroughly before adding the olive oil and seasonings.
Baby Yukon Gold potatoes have a creamy, buttery interior. Baby red potatoes hold their shape particularly well and have a slightly firmer texture. Either variety works beautifully in this recipe.
Drying the potatoes is important because excess moisture can cause them to steam instead of roast.
Use a large enough baking sheet to hold the potatoes in one uncrowded layer. If necessary, divide them between two baking sheets.
Fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano may be added with the Herbs de Provence for an even more aromatic flavor.
For a savory Parmesan finish, sprinkle the grated cheese over the potatoes during the final 5 minutes of roasting. Return the pan to the oven until the cheese softens and begins to turn golden.
Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the savory garlic and herbs. It may be added before roasting as directed or drizzled lightly over the finished potatoes.
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat the potatoes in a 400°F oven or an air fryer for several minutes to help restore their crisp texture. Reheating them in the microwave is convenient, but it will produce softer potatoes.
Serve these crispy potatoes with roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked salmon, pork tenderloin, lamb chops, or grilled vegetables. They also make a flavorful breakfast or brunch side dish with eggs, bacon, or an omelet.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. When preparing it for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, check the Herbs de Provence, Parmesan cheese, and other packaged ingredients for appropriate gluten-free labeling. Prevent cross-contact by using clean utensils, cookware, and preparation surfaces.
