Crispy Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Lena B.

1 month ago

crispy roasted fingerling potatoes featured image

Now that we’ve touched on the popular types of potatoes and best uses for each, let’s get into a few of my favorite potato recipes. First, crispy roasted fingerling potatoes, to be specific. This recipe is a surefire way to elevate any meal with its irresistible crispiness and robust flavors. With a simple yet powerful seasoning blend of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and garlic powder, these potatoes are transformed into a creamy, culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a savory side dish, these roasted fingerling potatoes are the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire.

Your grocery list

Produce

Petite fingerling potatoes
Lemon (to finish the dish)

Dairy

Unsalted butter

Pantry item

Extra virgin olive oil (if not using butter)
Diamond kosher salt
Fresh cracked black pepper
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)

Equipment/tools you’ll need

Knife and cutting board
Mixing bowl
Dark colored baking sheet or cast iron pan

Step-by-step instructions for making crispy roasted fingerling potatoes

Step 1: Prep the potatoes

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Preheating the baking sheet along with the oven can help jump-start the roasting process, leading to a crispier exterior on the potatoes.
In a large bowl, combine the halved fingerling potatoes, extra virgin olive oil or melted butter, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and garlic powder. The combination of seasonings adds layers of flavor to the potatoes, creating a delightful taste profile.

Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. This ensures that each potato is well-seasoned and no bite will be lacking.
Arrange the seasoned fingerling potatoes in a single layer on the prepared dark colored baking sheet or cast iron pan. Make sure they aren’t all touching and overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, so ample space between the potatoes allows for proper airflow and even browning.

Step 2: Cook the potatoes

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Timing may vary based on the oven and the size of the potatoes, so it’s advisable to check for doneness periodically.
Optional: For extra crispiness, flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time. This step ensures that both sides of the potatoes are evenly browned and crispy, enhancing the overall texture.
Once the potatoes are beautifully roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to avoid burning your fingers/mouth. Allowing the potatoes to rest briefly after roasting can also help intensify their flavors and enhance their overall texture. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on the potatoes to add some acidity and wake up/balance all of those deeply roasted flavors.

Tips for perfect crispy roasted fingerling potatoes

Similarly sized pieces: To ensure consistent cooking, try to slice the fingerling potatoes into uniform sizes. They don’t have to be exact because no two potatoes are exactly alike, but as close to uniform as possible is best. This will help them roast evenly and prevent some pieces from becoming overcooked while others remain undercooked.
Proper seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Toss the potatoes generously with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices to infuse them with delicious flavor.
Roast in a single layer: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation. This will help them develop a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside.
Preheat the pan: Preheating the baking sheet or pan in the oven before adding the potatoes can help create a golden, crispy crust on the potatoes. Preheating the pan just involves turning on the oven and adding the pan to heat up right along with the oven. Once the potatoes are prepped and the oven is warm, remove the pan then quickly and carefully add the potatoes to the pan and place it back in the oven to cook.
Use a darker colored pan: Dark-colored pans are best for roasting crispy potatoes because they absorb and retain more heat than lighter-colored pans. This allows the potatoes to cook more evenly and develop a crispier exterior and better browning and caramelization, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the potatoes.
Avoid overcrowding: If you’re roasting a large batch of potatoes, use multiple baking sheets to prevent overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting, resulting in soggy potatoes.

How to store your roasted fingerling potatoes

Once the roasted fingerling potatoes have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat: Place them in the oven or toaster oven to help restore their crispy texture.

Ways to adjust your roasted fingerlings

Flavor variations: Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to customize the flavor profile of the roasted fingerling potatoes. Try options like rosemary, thyme, onion powder, cayenne, chili powder, or cumin for a unique twist.
Cheese topping: For a decadent touch, consider sprinkling grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the roasted potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for a savory, cheesy finish. You can even turn these into the viral crispy parmesan potatoes by mixing the oil or butter with lots of grated parmesan before tossing and roasting.
Citrus zest: Add a pop of freshness by incorporating citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the seasoning mix for a vibrant and aromatic flavor.
Herb infusion: Infuse the olive oil with fresh herbs like sage or tarragon before tossing the potatoes for an extra layer of herbal essence throughout the dish.
Roasted garlic: Introduce depth of flavor by adding roasted garlic cloves to the potatoes during the last stages of roasting. The sweet and mellow garlic will complement the potatoes beautifully.