Crispy Oven Roasted Fingerlings
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Crispy Oven Roasted Fingerlings
My roasted fingerling potatoes are the ultimate easy side dish, achieving the perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a creamy, tender center. With just a handful of simple ingredients like fresh rosemary and garlic, these perfect roasted potatoes transform into a truly elegant accompaniment. They roast in about 40 minutes, making them an effortless yet impressive choice for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast.
The ritual of preparing these potatoes always brings me back to cozy autumn evenings. There’s something so grounding about the earthy aroma of rosemary and garlic filling the kitchen as they roast. I love serving this comforting dish alongside my garlic mashed potatoes for a potato lover’s dream feast, or pairing it with something brighter like this vegetable grain bowl for a well-rounded meal. It’s a staple on my table for Thanksgiving side dishes, where its simplicity beautifully complements the richer dishes.
What Makes These Roasted Fingerling Potatoes So Good
- Perfect Texture: You get an irresistibly crispy outside and a soft, creamy inside every single time.
- Effortless Elegance: Simple ingredients come together to create a side dish that feels gourmet and special.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and hands-off roasting, this recipe is wonderfully straightforward.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Their buttery flavor and beautiful presentation are always a hit with family and guests.
Ingredients for Perfect Roasted Fingerlings
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Fingerling Potatoes: Their small, slender shape is ideal for quick, even roasting and a gorgeous presentation.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Coats the potatoes perfectly for browning and helps the herbs adhere.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper for the best, most vibrant flavor.
- Fresh Rosemary: Fresh herbs provide a far superior aroma and taste compared to dried.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic caramelizes wonderfully in the oven, adding a deep, savory note.
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Learn how to make perfect roasted fingerling potatoes with rosemary and garlic. This simple recipe yields crispy, golden potatoes ready in under an hour. A delicious side dish!
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheet
- mixing bowl
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring spoons
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds fingerling potatoes scrubbed clean
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary leaves finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large, sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, or simply use a non-stick baking sheet.
- Prepare the fingerling potatoes. If the potatoes are all relatively small, you can leave them whole. For any larger fingerlings, cut them in half lengthwise. If some are significantly thicker than others, cut those into quarters to ensure all the potatoes cook evenly at the same rate.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared fingerling potatoes with the extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the finely chopped fresh rosemary. Add the minced garlic to the bowl as well. Toss everything together thoroughly with your hands or a large spoon until the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It is crucial to ensure there is enough space between the potatoes; overcrowding them will cause them to steam rather than roast, preventing them from developing a beautifully crisp exterior. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After this initial cooking time, remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully flip the potatoes with a spatula to ensure even browning. Return them to the oven and continue roasting for another 15 to 20 minutes.
- The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, and tender when pierced with a fork. The fork should slide in easily without resistance. Serve the roasted fingerling potatoes immediately as a delicious side dish.
Notes
Ensure potatoes are in a single layer for proper roasting. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of roast.
Ways to Customize Your Easy Roasted Potatoes
- Herb Garden Twist: Swap rosemary for fresh thyme, oregano, or a blend of your favorites.
- Cheesy & Crispy: Toss the hot, roasted potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese right after they come out of the oven.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika with the other seasonings.
My Best Tips for Perfect Roasted Fingerlings
- Even Sizing: Cutting larger potatoes ensures everything cooks at the same rate for consistent texture.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spreading potatoes in a single layer is the secret to crispy, not steamed, results.
- High Heat Roasting: A hot oven is essential for achieving that beautiful golden-brown, crispy exterior. For another vegetable that thrives with high heat, try my honey roasted carrots.
- Test for Doneness: The potatoes are ready when a fork slides into the center with no resistance.
How to Store Your Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: While possible, freezing can affect the texture, making them best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can wash, dry, and cut the potatoes a day ahead; store them submerged in water in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to boil fingerling potatoes before roasting?
No, you do not need to boil fingerling potatoes before roasting. Their small size allows them to cook through perfectly in the oven, resulting in a creamy interior and crispy skin. This makes them one of the easiest roasted potatoes to prepare.
What is the difference between fingerling potatoes and regular potatoes?
Fingerling potatoes are smaller, narrower, and have a thinner skin than common russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. They have a denser, waxier texture that becomes exceptionally creamy when cooked, and their shape is ideal for roasting whole or halved.
Should you poke holes in potatoes before roasting?
It is not necessary to poke holes in fingerling potatoes before roasting. Their small size and thin skin allow steam to escape easily, preventing them from bursting. Poking is more important for large, thick-skinned baking potatoes.
How do you keep roasted potatoes from getting soggy?
The key to avoiding soggy roasted potatoes is to ensure they are thoroughly dried after washing and spread in a single, uncrowded layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding causes steaming. For more tips on perfect vegetable sides, see my guide to easy Thanksgiving vegetables.
More Tasty Side Dishes You’ll Love
Serve Your Perfect Roasted Potatoes Tonight
With their crispy edges and creamy, buttery interior, these roasted fingerling potatoes are a side dish you’ll turn to again and again. They are incredibly simple to prepare yet deliver a flavor that feels truly special. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your own family meals.
