Ingredients for Crispy Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

The secret to truly exceptional Crispy Roasted Fingerling Potatoes lies in the quality of the ingredients and the right balance of flavors. While the recipe is fundamentally simple, each component plays a crucial role in achieving that coveted crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need, along with tips for selecting the best ingredients:

• • Fingerling Potatoes: 2 pounds fingerling potatoes, preferably a mix of colors (red, yellow, purple). Fingerling potatoes are the undisputed star of this recipe. Their naturally waxy texture, thin skin, and elongated shape make them ideal for roasting. Their smaller size also means they crisp up beautifully and cook relatively quickly. Opt for a mix of colors if available, as this adds visual appeal to the dish. Look for firm, smooth potatoes without any soft spots, sprouts, or green tinges. Different varieties of fingerling potatoes offer slightly different flavors and textures. Yellow fingerlings are often buttery and creamy, while red fingerlings can be slightly firmer and earthier. Purple fingerlings add a unique color and a slightly nutty flavor. Using a mix provides a more complex and interesting flavor profile. If you can only find one type, that’s perfectly fine – any fingerling potato will work wonderfully.

• • Olive Oil: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is essential for roasting potatoes, contributing to both flavor and crispiness. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and healthy fats. It helps to coat the potatoes evenly, promoting browning and crisping in the oven. The olive oil also prevents the potatoes from drying out during roasting, ensuring a tender interior. You can also experiment with other oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil, which have higher smoke points and neutral flavors, if preferred. However, olive oil imparts a classic roasted potato flavor that is hard to beat.

• • Garlic: 4-5 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic is a flavor powerhouse that adds depth and aroma to roasted potatoes. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for its robust and pungent flavor. Mincing the garlic finely allows it to infuse the potatoes with its flavor as they roast. You can also roast whole garlic cloves alongside the potatoes for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor, squeezing the roasted garlic cloves over the potatoes at the end. For a more intense garlic flavor, consider using roasted garlic oil in addition to minced garlic.

• • Fresh Rosemary: 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped. Fresh rosemary is a classic herb pairing with potatoes, adding a fragrant, piney, and slightly peppery flavor. Finely chopping the rosemary ensures it distributes evenly and releases its aroma during roasting. Dried rosemary can be used as a substitute if fresh rosemary is unavailable, but fresh rosemary provides a much brighter and more vibrant flavor. If using dried rosemary, use about 2 teaspoons and add it earlier in the cooking process to allow it to rehydrate and release its flavor. Other fresh herbs that pair well with roasted fingerling potatoes include thyme, sage, and oregano.

• • Kosher Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste. Salt is crucial for seasoning potatoes and enhancing their natural flavor. Kosher salt is preferred for its larger crystals, which distribute more evenly and season the potatoes effectively. Adjust the amount of salt to your taste. Sea salt can also be used. Proper salting is essential for drawing out moisture from the potatoes, which contributes to a crispier exterior. Don’t be afraid to season generously – potatoes can absorb a good amount of salt.

• • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent and aromatic spice that complements the rosemary and garlic beautifully. Freshly ground pepper offers a more complex and robust flavor compared to pre-ground pepper. Adjust the amount of pepper to your taste. You can also experiment with other types of pepper, such as white pepper or red pepper flakes, for different flavor nuances.

• • Optional: Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving). Grated Parmesan cheese, added after roasting, provides a salty, savory, and umami finish that elevates the dish. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality. Pre-grated Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose and may not melt as smoothly. Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor and richness. Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for Parmesan for a sharper, saltier flavor.

• • Optional: Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish). Fresh parsley, chopped and sprinkled over the roasted potatoes at the end, adds a pop of color, freshness, and a mild herbaceous note. Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice visual and flavor contrast to the rich roasted potatoes. Other fresh herbs like chives or dill can also be used for garnish.