Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
Extra crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, these Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30 are not just a side dish; they are a culinary delight perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply enjoying a cozy family dinner, these roast potatoes elevate your meal with their rich flavors and enticing aroma. The combination of rosemary and garlic adds a unique twist, making them irresistible to everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these roast potatoes easy to whip up for any meal.
- Delicious Flavor: The infusion of garlic and rosemary creates a delightful taste that complements various main dishes.
- Versatile Serving Options: Ideal as a side for holidays, barbecues, or weeknight dinners, they fit seamlessly into any menu.
- Whole30 Approved: These crispy potatoes align perfectly with Whole30 guidelines, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With their irresistible crunch and flavor, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Large stock pot
- Colander
- Fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Roasting pan: A spacious roasting pan ensures even cooking and browning of the potatoes.
- Large stock pot: Boiling the potatoes in a large pot helps achieve the perfect tender texture before roasting.
- Colander: Draining the potatoes properly is key to achieving that desired crispiness.
- Fork: Using a fork simplifies mashing the roasted garlic into the herb mixture for coating the potatoes.
Ingredients
For this recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 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
- Place a large, empty roasting pan in the oven and preheat it to 450F. This helps create a hot surface for crispy results.
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 baking soda.
- Set over high heat until boiling; cook until just fork-tender (about 25 minutes).
- Drain the potatoes well using a colander and let them dry fully.
Step 3: Roast the Potatoes
- Carefully remove the preheated roasting pan from the oven.
- Add duck fat and allow it to melt.
- Gently shake the colander with potatoes to rough up their edges; then add them to the roasting pan.
- Season with salt and pepper; toss gently to coat.
- Place the head of garlic cut-side down in the pan and return it to the oven.
- Cook while tossing every 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy (55–60 minutes total).
Step 4: Incorporate Garlic & Rosemary
- Remove the garlic from the pan; push out individual cloves into a bowl.
- Combine roasted garlic cloves with chopped rosemary and olive oil; mash together with a fork.
- Add this mixture back into the roasting pan; toss thoroughly with potatoes.
- Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes or until aromatic.
Step 5: Final Touches
Taste for seasoning; adjust with flakey sea salt as desired. Transfer your crispy roast potatoes to a serving bowl, serve warm, 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. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Grilled Meats
- Pair these crispy potatoes with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.
- The crispy texture complements the juiciness of grilled meats perfectly.
As Part of a Salad
- Toss the roast potatoes into a fresh salad for added crunch and flavor.
- Combine with leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing dish.
Accompanied by Dipping Sauces
- Serve with garlic aioli or your favorite Whole30-compliant dipping sauces.
- This adds an extra layer of flavor that everyone will love.
Alongside Roasted Vegetables
- Create a colorful plate by pairing these potatoes with seasonal roasted vegetables.
- The combination offers a variety of textures and flavors.
As Breakfast Hash
- Use leftover crispy potatoes in a breakfast hash with eggs and veggies.
- Simply sauté together for a quick, delicious breakfast option.

How to Perfect Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
To achieve the ultimate crispy roast potatoes, follow these handy tips.
- Preheat your pan: Heating the roasting pan ensures the potatoes start cooking immediately, promoting crispiness.
- Use cold water: Rinsing the potatoes in cold water helps remove excess starch, leading to better texture.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give the potatoes enough space on the roasting pan to allow them to crisp up evenly.
- Toss regularly: Turning the potatoes at intervals ensures they brown evenly on all sides.
- Finish with sea salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving enhances flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic pair beautifully with many dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Grilled Asparagus
Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a fresh crunch that complements the richness of the potatoes. - Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Caramelized Brussels sprouts bring an earthy flavor that pairs well with crispy roast potatoes. - Braised Greens
Sautéed kale or collard greens provide a nutritious balance to your meal while adding vibrant color. - Herbed Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs seasoned with herbs make for a hearty main that matches well with crispy sides. - Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful peppers stuffed with quinoa or meat add variety and nutritional value to your table. - Cauliflower Rice
This low-carb option provides a light base that balances out the richness of the potatoes while keeping it Whole30-friendly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your potatoes turn out perfectly crispy and delicious.
- Not soaking the potatoes: Failing to soak the potatoes can result in less crispy texture. Rinse and soak them in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Overcrowding the pan: If you crowd the roasting pan, the potatoes will steam instead of roast. Make sure there’s enough space between each potato chunk for proper air circulation.
- Using cold fat: Adding cold fat to the roasting pan can lead to soggy potatoes. Always preheat the fat until it’s hot before adding the potatoes.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting your potatoes before serving may leave them bland. Always season to your preference after roasting.
- Ignoring cooking time: Cooking times can vary based on potato size and oven type. Keep an eye on them and adjust cooking times as needed for that perfect golden brown color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crispy Roast Potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow them to cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
- You can freeze these potatoes for up to 2 months.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400F and spread the potatoes on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until crispy again.
- Microwave: Place a single layer of potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Heat in short increments, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: In a skillet, add a little oil over medium heat. Sauté the potatoes until heated through and crispy on all sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30.
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes! While yellow potatoes are ideal, you can also use Yukon gold or red potatoes for similar results.
How do I make these potatoes vegan-friendly?
To make these Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30 vegan, substitute duck fat with olive oil or avocado oil.
What can I serve with Crispy Roast Potatoes?
These delicious roast potatoes pair well with roasted meats, vegetable dishes, or as part of a hearty salad.
Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?
You can partially prepare them by boiling the potatoes in advance, then finishing them off in the oven when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30 are not only delightful but also versatile enough for any meal setting. They bring a wonderful crunch along with aromatic flavors that enhance any dish. Experiment with different herbs or spices based on your taste preferences!

Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic – Whole30 are the ultimate side dish that combines a satisfying crunch with a fluffy interior, infused with aromatic garlic and fresh rosemary. Perfect for any occasion, these potatoes elevate your meal whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner. Their irresistible flavors and textures make them a crowd-pleaser, and being Whole30 compliant means you can enjoy them guilt-free. Follow this easy recipe to create your new favorite roasted potatoes that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 pounds yellow potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup duck fat (or olive oil)
- 1 whole head garlic, top trimmed
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Flaky sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450F with a large roasting pan inside.
- Rinse potatoes under cold water, then boil in a stock pot with salted water and baking soda until just fork-tender (about 25 minutes). Drain and let dry.
- Remove the hot roasting pan from the oven, add duck fat to melt, then add the potatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper; toss gently. Place garlic cut-side down in the pan and roast for 55–60 minutes, tossing every 20 minutes until golden.
- Combine roasted garlic cloves with rosemary and olive oil; mash together and mix back with potatoes. Roast for an additional 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg