Herb Roasted Fingerling Potatoes: Your New Favorite Side Dish

Meta Description: Learn how to make crispy, flavorful herb roasted fingerling potatoes.1 This easy recipe is perfect for any meal and guarantees a perfectly seasoned, tender interior and a crisp exterior.

I used to think potatoes were just a blank canvas. You could mash them, fry them, or bake them, but their flavor was always a backdrop to something else. Then, a few years ago, a friend brought a dish to a potluck that completely changed my mind. It was a platter of golden-brown, bite-sized potatoes, tossed with what smelled like a fragrant blend of rosemary and thyme. They were perfectly crispy on the outside and incredibly tender on the inside, each bite bursting with savory, herby flavor. I couldn’t stop eating them. I finally asked her what her secret was. Her answer was simple: herb roasted fingerling potatoes. The trick wasn’t in any fancy technique, but in choosing the right potato and using a generous hand with the herbs and oil.

That night, I went home and immediately started experimenting. I quickly learned that fingerling potatoes are a superstar ingredient. Their thin skin means you don’t have to peel them, and their elongated shape gives you more surface area for that beautiful, golden crunch. This recipe has since become a staple in my kitchen, a dish I turn to again and again because it’s so simple to make, yet it feels so elevated and special. It’s the kind of side dish that steals the show and leaves everyone asking for the recipe. This is not just a side dish; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients treated with care.

🥔 The Anatomy of a Perfect Roasted Potato

The secret to perfectly roasted potatoes is a balance of two things: a fluffy, tender interior and a crispy, golden-brown exterior. We achieve this by first ensuring the potatoes are a uniform size so they cook evenly.² Then, we coat them in a simple but powerful mixture of olive oil, salt, and a medley of fresh herbs.³ The oven does all the hard work, transforming them into little parcels of perfection. The high heat from the oven ensures a crispy crust, while the interior steams to a soft, pillowy texture. We’re going for a dish that’s rustic, honest, and packed with flavor.

✅ Ingredients for the Potatoes

• 2 pounds fingerling potatoes⁴
• 3 tablespoons olive oil⁵
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped⁶
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves⁷
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt⁸
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper⁹
• Optional: a sprinkle of paprika for color and a subtle smoky flavor

✅ Ingredients for Finishing Touches

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped¹⁰
• 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese¹¹

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Potatoes: First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub the fingerling potatoes clean and pat them completely dry. This is an important step—moisture is the enemy of crispiness! If the potatoes are on the larger side, you can slice them in half lengthwise to ensure they cook faster and have more surface area for crisping.¹²
2. Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the cleaned and dried potatoes with the olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, fresh thyme leaves, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to toss everything together, making sure every single potato is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.¹³ You want a very thorough coating so that the herbs stick to the potatoes.
3. Arrange and Roast: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single, even layer on a large baking sheet.¹⁴ It is crucial not to overcrowd the pan. If the potatoes are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, and you’ll end up with a soggy mess.¹⁵ Use two baking sheets if necessary. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated oven.
4. The Roasting Process: Roast for 20 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and give the potatoes a good toss with a spatula to ensure they brown evenly. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden-brown and crispy on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork. The total time can vary depending on your oven and the size of your potatoes, so keep an eye on them.
5. Finishing Touches: Once the potatoes are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven. Transfer them to a serving bowl. Immediately sprinkle with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese.¹⁶ Gently toss to combine. Serve warm. The fresh herbs and lemon add a bright, fresh flavor that perfectly complements the rich, savory potatoes.

🌟 Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Even with a seemingly simple recipe, a few key details can make all the difference.

• Don’t Skimp on the Oil: Olive oil is what gives the potatoes their golden, crispy exterior. A good coating is necessary for perfect roasting.
• Fresh Herbs are Best: While you can use dried herbs, fresh rosemary and thyme truly make this dish special.¹⁷ Their aroma and flavor are much more vibrant and can handle the high heat of the oven without becoming bitter.
• The Single Layer Rule: I can’t stress this enough. If you want a crispy result, a single layer is non-negotiable. It’s the difference between roasting and steaming.
• The Lemon Zest: That final touch of lemon zest isn’t just for show. It provides a bright, acidic note that cuts through the richness of the potatoes and oil, making them taste even better. This is what takes them from a basic roasted potato side dish to something extraordinary.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What are fingerling potatoes?

Fingerling potatoes are a type of small, elongated potato with thin skin.¹⁸ They get their name because they resemble the size and shape of a finger. Because their skin is so thin, you don’t need to peel them, which saves a ton of time and effort.¹⁹ This is what makes them perfect for an easy roasted potato recipe.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

While fingerling potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can also use small new potatoes or even quartered red potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. The key is to use a waxy or semi-waxy potato that holds its shape well.²⁰

How can I make them even crispier?

For an extra-crispy exterior, you can par-boil the potatoes before roasting them. Simply boil them for 5-7 minutes until they are just tender, drain them, let them steam dry for a few minutes, then toss with the oil and herbs and proceed with roasting. This method is a great trick for crispy roasted potatoes.

What other herbs can I use?

You can get creative with your herb blend! Dried herbs like oregano, basil, or a simple Italian seasoning mix work well.²¹ For fresh herbs, try a combination of sage, marjoram, or even a little dill.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

😋 Creative Serving and Pairing Suggestions

One of the best things about these herb roasted fingerling potatoes is their versatility. They can be served with almost anything!

• Main Course Partner: They are a natural fit for grilled meats like steak, chicken, or salmon.²² The savory flavor of the potatoes complements the richness of the protein perfectly.
• Brunch Staple: Serve them alongside scrambled eggs and a few slices of bacon for a delicious and hearty breakfast or brunch.
• Salad Addition: Let them cool slightly and toss them into a big green salad with a light vinaigrette. The warm, soft potatoes add a wonderful element of comfort to a crisp salad.
• Appetizer Platter: Serve them on their own as a simple appetizer with a dipping sauce like a creamy garlic aioli or a spicy ketchup. This is a great easy appetizer idea.

✨ Variations to Try

Ready to experiment with your herb roasted potatoes? Here are a few ways to mix things up and make this recipe your own.

• Spicy Roasted Potatoes: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix for a little kick.²³ You can also drizzle them with a little sriracha or chili oil after they come out of the oven.
• Garlic and Parmesan: Instead of the herb blend, use more garlic powder and add a hefty sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese in the last five minutes of roasting. The cheese will get crispy and golden-brown.
• Smoked Paprika and Cumin: For a more smoky, earthy flavor, swap out the rosemary and thyme for a blend of smoked paprika and ground cumin. This works wonderfully with chili or grilled pork.
• Lemon & Oregano: For a Mediterranean-inspired version, use dried oregano and a little extra lemon zest. Serve them with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
• With Veggies: Roast the potatoes with other hard vegetables like broccoli florets, chopped carrots, or brussels sprouts. Toss everything together with the herbs and oil and roast as directed.²⁴ Just be sure to cut the vegetables into pieces that will cook in the same amount of time as the potatoes.

The Beauty of a Simple Side Dish

Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. This recipe for herb roasted fingerling potatoes is a perfect example of that. It’s a dish that takes a humble, everyday ingredient and elevates it to something truly special with a little care and a lot of flavor. It’s the kind of side dish that has a permanent spot in my recipe rotation because it’s so easy, so reliable, and so consistently delicious. It reminds me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be made with a little bit of love and a lot of flavor.

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover for yourself why these potatoes are such a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a quiet dinner at home or for a big gathering with friends, they are sure to be a hit. Try them out and let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear about your favorite herb combinations or what you served them with. Happy cooking! 😋