When the holidays roll around, my kitchen turns into a whirlwind of activity. There’s the main course to think about, desserts to plan, and a million other little things. It can get overwhelming, right? That’s why having a few simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious recipes in your back pocket is a true holiday lifesaver. This roasted potato recipe is exactly that. It’s one of my favorite Christmas Dish Ideas.
This isn’t just any potato dish. It’s a beautifully simple, incredibly flavorful Christmas Side Dish that complements just about anything you’re serving. It’s crispy, savory, and requires very little fuss, which is exactly what we all need during the festive season. Let’s get into making it!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? First off, this recipe is so wonderfully straightforward. If you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just need something that won’t demand all your attention, this is for you. It’s one of those amazing Easy Christmas Sides.
The flavor is just fantastic. We’re talking golden, crispy potatoes with soft, fluffy insides. Each bite is packed with the savory taste of garlic, a lovely blend of Italian herbs, and that nutty, salty kick from the Parmesan cheese. It’s a classic combination that always wins.
It’s also a real crowd pleaser. I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t enjoy a good roasted potato. Kids love them, adults love them, and they look so festive and inviting on the table. The flecks of green parsley against the golden brown potatoes add a beautiful touch of color.
Plus, this is one of those versatile Holiday Sides Dishes. While it’s a perfect Christmas Side Dish, you can serve it for Thanksgiving, Easter, or just a regular Sunday dinner. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It truly fits into so many Christmas Dinner Recipes.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this dish is simple and uses a lot of pantry staples, which is always a bonus during the busy holiday shopping season. Here is what you will need.
- 3 pounds petite red potatoes, scrubbed and halved (or quartered)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Let’s talk a little bit about these ingredients. For the potatoes, I really like using petite red potatoes. Their waxy texture helps them hold their shape beautifully after roasting, and their thin skin gets wonderfully crisp. No need to peel them, which saves so much time!
The herb combination of thyme, oregano, and basil gives these potatoes a classic, savory flavor that feels both comforting and a little bit special. And the Parmesan cheese? That’s where the magic happens. It creates a salty, cheesy crust that is just so good.
Step By Step Instructions
Making this amazing Christmas Side Dish is super simple. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have perfect roasted potatoes every single time. It’s one of the best Christmas Dish Ideas for a busy day.
Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Potatoes
First things first, get your oven preheating to 400 degrees F. A hot oven is key for getting that crispy exterior. While it heats up, lightly grease a large baking sheet. A half sheet pan or a full sheet pan works well for this.
Next, it’s time to prep the potatoes. Make sure you scrub them well to remove any dirt. Once they are clean, pat them completely dry. This is a very important step! Any moisture left on the potatoes will create steam in the oven and prevent them from getting truly crispy.
Step 2: Season Everything Up
Grab a large bowl. This is where all the flavor comes together. Add your halved or quartered potatoes to the bowl. Drizzle them with the olive oil, then add the minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, basil, and the grated Parmesan cheese.
Now, toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated. You want every single piece to have a nice layer of oil, herbs, and cheese. This ensures every bite is as delicious as the last. This is a key step for great Holiday Sides Dishes.
Step 3: Arrange On The Baking Sheet
Pour the seasoned potato mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. The most important rule here is to arrange them in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan! If the potatoes are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, and you’ll end up with soft potatoes instead of crispy ones.
If you need to, use two baking sheets to make sure they all have enough space. A little room to breathe makes all the difference. This is a crucial tip for many Christmas Dinner Recipes.
Step 4: Roast To Golden Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes to an hour. To make sure they cook evenly and get crispy all over, you’ll want to turn them with a spatula two or three times during the baking process. This helps all sides get that beautiful golden brown color.
You’ll know they’re done when they are tender on the inside and wonderfully crisp and golden on the outside. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing at this point!
Step 5: Add The Finishing Touches
Once the potatoes are perfectly roasted, carefully pull the tray out of the oven. Sprinkle the small cubes of unsalted butter over the hot potatoes. The heat will melt the butter almost instantly. Give them a gentle stir to coat everything in that rich, buttery goodness.
Finally, toss them with the fresh minced parsley. This adds a pop of bright color and a fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. And that’s it! Your delicious Christmas Side Dish is ready to serve immediately.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is rare in my house, storing them is easy. Let the potatoes cool down to room temperature first. This is important to prevent them from getting soggy.
Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 days. They make a great addition to breakfast the next day with a fried egg!
When you’re ready to reheat them, the goal is to bring back that crispiness. I recommend avoiding the microwave. Instead, toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. Or, you can place them in a toaster oven or air fryer until they are heated through and crispy again.
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your roasted potatoes are the star of your holiday table. These little tricks can make a big difference in creating one of the best Easy Christmas Sides.
For extra crispy potatoes, you can soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before you start. This removes some of the excess starch. Just be sure to dry them completely before tossing them with oil and seasonings.
Feel free to change up the herbs. While this blend is classic, rosemary and sage are also wonderful additions that have a very festive, holiday feel. You could even add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
When it comes to Parmesan, using freshly grated cheese is always better than the pre shredded kind. It melts more evenly and has a much better flavor. A little block of Parmesan and a grater is a great kitchen investment.
If you are doubling the recipe for a large crowd, make sure you use two separate baking sheets. Do not try to cram them all onto one. Rotate the pans between the oven racks halfway through baking to ensure they both cook evenly.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a simple, elegant, and incredibly tasty Christmas Side Dish that is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a recipe that proves you don’t need complicated steps or ingredients to create something truly special for your holiday meal.
These roasted potatoes are more than just food. They are part of the joy and comfort of a shared meal with loved ones. I hope this recipe brings a little extra warmth and deliciousness to your celebration. It is a wonderful choice among many Christmas Dinner Recipes.
Give this wonderful Christmas Side Dish a try this year. I am sure you will love how easy and flavorful it is. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Potatoes?
Absolutely! While I love red potatoes for this, Yukon Gold potatoes are another great option. They have a naturally buttery flavor and also hold their shape well. You could even use Russet potatoes. Just be aware that Russets are starchier, so they will have a fluffier, softer interior and might not hold their shape quite as perfectly, but they will still be delicious.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
These potatoes are definitely best when served fresh and hot from the oven. However, you can do some prep work ahead of time to make things easier on the big day. You can wash and cut the potatoes a day in advance. Store them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge to prevent them from browning. When you’re ready to cook, just drain them and dry them very, very well before seasoning.
Why Aren’t My Potatoes Getting Crispy?
There are a few common reasons for this. The most likely cause is that the potatoes were not completely dry before roasting. Any moisture will cause them to steam. Another reason could be overcrowding the pan. The potatoes need space for the hot air to circulate around them. Finally, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400 degrees F. An oven that isn’t hot enough will result in softer potatoes.
Is It Necessary To Use Fresh Parsley?
Fresh parsley adds a wonderful brightness and fresh flavor at the end that really complements the rich, savory potatoes. If you don’t have any on hand, you can skip it, and the potatoes will still be great. I wouldn’t recommend substituting dried parsley at the end, as it won’t provide that same fresh pop of flavor.
Roasted Potatoes
This roasted potato recipe is a beautifully simple, incredibly flavorful Christmas side dish that complements just about anything. It’s crispy, savory, and requires very little fuss, making it a perfect holiday lifesaver.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
- Scrub potatoes well, then pat them completely dry to ensure crispiness.
- In a large bowl, combine potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, ground black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet(s). Do not overcrowd.
- Roast for 45-60 minutes, turning 2-3 times, until tender inside and golden crispy outside.
- Remove from oven. Sprinkle unsalted butter cubes over hot potatoes and stir gently to coat.
- Toss with fresh minced parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispy potatoes, you can soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before you start. This removes some of the excess starch. Just be sure to dry them completely before tossing them with oil and seasonings.
Feel free to change up the herbs. While this blend is classic, rosemary and sage are also wonderful additions that have a very festive, holiday feel. You could even add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
When it comes to Parmesan, using freshly grated cheese is always better than the pre shredded kind. It melts more evenly and has a much better flavor. A little block of Parmesan and a grater is a great kitchen investment.
If you are doubling the recipe for a large crowd, make sure you use two separate baking sheets. Do not try to cram them all onto one. Rotate the pans between the oven racks halfway through baking to ensure they both cook evenly.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
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Carbs
