Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
Extra crunchy on the outside & fluffy in the middle, these Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30 are the perfect side for any occasion. Ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weeknight meal, these potatoes bring a delightful flavor and texture that everyone will love. The combination of rosemary and garlic elevates this dish, making it a standout addition to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The infusion of garlic and rosemary creates a savory taste that enhances every bite.
- Versatile Side Dish: These potatoes pair wonderfully with meats, fish, or as part of a vegetarian spread.
- Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can create an impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Crispy Exterior: The method used ensures that your potatoes achieve the perfect crunchiness while remaining fluffy inside.
- Whole30 Approved: Enjoy this delicious recipe while adhering to your Whole30 lifestyle.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather essential tools to make cooking easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large roasting pan
- Stock pot
- Colander
- Fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Large roasting pan: Provides ample space for even cooking and crisping of the potatoes.
- Stock pot: Ideal for boiling the potatoes before roasting, ensuring they reach the right tenderness.
- Colander: Helps drain excess water from boiled potatoes effectively.
- Fork: Useful for mashing roasted garlic and mixing ingredients together.
Ingredients
To make your Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30, you’ll need:
- 4 pounds yellow potatoes – peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt (plus extra to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup duck fat (substitute olive oil, beef tallow, ghee or avocado oil)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- 1 whole head garlic (top trimmed)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary (around 2 sprigs)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (substitute grass-fed butter)
- ¼ teaspoon flakey sea salt (for finishing)
How to Make Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a large, empty roasting pan inside to heat up as well.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch. Add them to a large stock pot and cover with cold water.
Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Set over high heat and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender but not too soft (about 25 minutes).
Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them dry completely.
Step 3: Roast the Potatoes
Carefully remove the hot roasting pan from the oven. Add ¼ cup duck fat, allowing it to melt completely.
Gently shake the dried potatoes in the colander to roughen their edges.
Transfer them into the roasting pan, season with salt and pepper, then toss gently.
Nestle in the head of garlic cut-side down. Return it to the oven.
Step 4: Toss During Cooking
After about 20 minutes, toss the potatoes gently. Continue cooking until they are golden brown and crispy all over (about 55–60 minutes total).
Step 5: Finish with Garlic and Rosemary
Remove roasted garlic from the pan. Squeeze out individual cloves into a bowl.
Combine roasted garlic cloves with chopped rosemary and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. Mash together using a fork.
Toss this mixture back with your crispy potatoes in the roasting pan for an additional 5 minutes until fragrant.
Step 6: Serve
Taste your crispy roast potatoes for seasoning; adjust with flakey sea salt if needed. Transfer them to a serving bowl and enjoy!
How to Serve Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic are a versatile side dish that can elevate any meal. Their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior make them a delightful addition to various dishes.
Pair with Protein
- Roasted Chicken: The savory flavors of roast chicken complement the crispy potatoes beautifully.
- Grilled Steak: A juicy steak paired with these potatoes creates a hearty meal.
- Baked Salmon: The flaky texture of salmon goes well with the earthy rosemary in the potatoes.
Add Freshness
- Mixed Green Salad: A crisp salad balances the richness of the roast potatoes.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus offers a fresh contrast to the potatoes.
- Sautéed Spinach: This nutrient-rich vegetable adds color and vitamins to your plate.
Flavor Enhancements
- Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic aioli enhances the flavor of the crispy potatoes.
- Herbed Yogurt Sauce: A tangy sauce made with yogurt and herbs adds a refreshing touch.

How to Perfect Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
Achieving perfectly crispy roast potatoes requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your potatoes turn out great every time.
- Choose the right potatoes: Using yellow or Yukon Gold potatoes provides a creamy texture inside while getting crispy outside.
- Pre-boil before roasting: Boiling the potatoes helps create fluffiness, which is key for that crispy finish.
- Use hot fat in the pan: Preheating your roasting pan with duck fat ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving your potatoes space allows them to brown evenly without steaming.
Best Side Dishes for Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
While these crispy roast potatoes can stand alone, pairing them with other dishes enhances your meal experience. Here are some great side dishes to consider.
- Garlic Butter Green Beans: These vibrant green beans add a nice crunch and garlicky flavor.
- Cauliflower Rice Pilaf: A light, flavorful rice alternative that pairs well with savory potatoes.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized taste complements the herbs in your crispy potatoes.
- Zucchini Noodles: These low-carb noodles provide a fresh contrast for those looking for lighter options.
- Greek Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers combined with feta cheese offer a nice balance to your meal.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The crunch from coleslaw adds texture alongside the soft, fluffy interior of the roast potatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Overcrowding the pan – When you add too many potatoes at once, they steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy potatoes. Make sure to use a large roasting pan to allow space for each piece.
- Skipping the drying process – Not letting the boiled potatoes dry can lead to less crispy edges. After boiling, drain them well and let them sit in the colander for a few minutes until dry.
- Not preheating the fat – Adding cold fat to the pan does not create a crispy exterior. Always preheat your roasting pan with fat until it’s hot before adding the potatoes.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Tasting and adjusting seasoning at the end is crucial. Don’t skip this step; it ensures your potatoes are flavorful and satisfying.
- Using low-quality ingredients – The quality of your potatoes and fats makes a huge difference. Choose fresh, high-quality yellow potatoes and good-quality fat for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container.
- They can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
- Allow potatoes to cool completely before freezing.
- Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, sealing tightly. They will last for up to 2 months.
Reheating Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
- Oven – Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and spread out on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until crispy again.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish covered loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through; this may not retain crispiness.
- Stovetop – Sauté in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until heated through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic.
Can I use other herbs besides rosemary?
Yes! While rosemary pairs beautifully, you can substitute or add other herbs like thyme or parsley for different flavor profiles.
How do I make these potatoes vegan-friendly?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute duck fat with avocado oil or another plant-based oil instead of using animal fats.
What types of potatoes work best?
Yellow potatoes provide a great texture, but you can also use russet or red potatoes for different flavors and textures.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can boil and season them ahead of time, then roast right before serving for maximum crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic are not just delicious; they are incredibly versatile too! Perfect as a side dish for any meal, feel free to customize them by adding your favorite herbs or spices. This recipe guarantees satisfaction every time—give it a try!

Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30 are the ultimate comfort food that combines an irresistible crunchy exterior with a light, fluffy interior. Infused with aromatic garlic and earthy rosemary, these potatoes make an easy yet sophisticated side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. With their simple preparation and bold flavors, they’re sure to impress anyone at your table while adhering to your Whole30 lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds yellow potatoes
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup duck fat (or olive oil)
- 1 whole head garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F and heat a large roasting pan inside.
- Rinse potatoes and boil them in salted water until fork-tender (about 25 minutes). Drain and let dry.
- Remove the hot roasting pan from the oven, add duck fat, and let it melt.
- Roughen up the dried potatoes in a colander, then transfer them to the pan with salt and pepper; add the head of garlic cut-side down.
- Roast for about 55–60 minutes, tossing halfway through until golden brown.
- Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl with chopped rosemary and olive oil; mash together.
- Toss mixture with potatoes for an additional five minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Whole30
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg