Italian Style Roasted Baby Potatoes Recipe

Baby potatoes: Small, tender potatoes that are perfect for roasting.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the potatoes crisp up in the oven.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Dried oregano: A key herb in Italian cuisine, offering a slightly bitter, earthy flavor.

Dried basil: Another staple in Italian cooking, adding a sweet and slightly peppery taste.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the potatoes.

To ensure even roasting and maximum crispiness, make sure the baby potatoes are cut into uniform sizes. This helps them cook at the same rate. Additionally, preheating the baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes before spreading the potatoes can give them an extra crispy exterior.

• baby potatoes - Substitute with fingerling potatoes: Fingerling potatoes have a similar texture and size, making them a great alternative for roasting.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for roasting.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano offers a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried oregano.

• dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil has a more robust and aromatic flavor, enhancing the dish's freshness.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and a more complex flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can add a subtle heat without altering the dish's appearance.

• Allow the roasted baby potatoes to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the potatoes soggy.
• Transfer the cooled potatoes to an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the amount of potatoes snugly to minimize air exposure.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The roasted baby potatoes will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again.
• For freezing, place the cooled roasted baby potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• To reheat frozen potatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the frozen potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. No need to thaw before reheating.
• For a quicker reheating option, use a microwave. Place the frozen roasted baby potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Note that they may not be as crispy as when reheated in the oven.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover baby potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover baby potatoes to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover baby potatoes in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
  4. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until they are heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover baby potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for desired crispiness and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes if needed.

• Oven: Used to roast the baby potatoes at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the halved baby potatoes with olive oil and seasonings to ensure they are evenly coated.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the coated potatoes in a single layer for even roasting.

• Spatula: Useful for flipping the potatoes halfway through the roasting process to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

• Measuring spoons: Needed to accurately measure the garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.

• Knife: Used to halve the baby potatoes before mixing them with the seasonings.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to halve the baby potatoes.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking sheet when removing it from the oven.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.

Use pre-washed potatoes: Opt for pre-washed baby potatoes to skip the cleaning step.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to reduce cleanup time.

Mix in a ziplock bag: Combine ingredients in a ziplock bag for easy and even coating, plus minimal cleanup.

Batch prep spices: Measure and mix your spices in advance to streamline the process.

Flip with a spatula: Use a spatula to flip the potatoes quickly and efficiently halfway through roasting.