Roast potatoes are the ultimate comfort food: crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. But what do you serve alongside them to make a complete meal? This guide offers 12 versatile side dishes that complement the rich, savory flavor of roast potatoes, from light salads to hearty proteins.
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Whether you're planning a Sunday roast, a holiday feast, or a weeknight dinner, these sides are simple to prepare and designed to balance textures and flavors. Each suggestion includes a brief description and a tip for making it your own.
Think of this as your roadmap to a well-rounded plate. With these pairings, you'll turn a simple potato dish into a memorable meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
2 lbs (900g) baby potatoes, halved
Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for best texture. Substitute with regular potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks.
3 tbsp olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor; use a neutral oil like canola if you prefer a milder taste.
1 tsp salt
Kosher salt or sea salt works best; adjust to taste.
1/2 tsp black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper gives the best aroma; pre-ground is fine in a pinch.
1 tsp garlic powder
Granulated garlic is a good substitute; use 1/2 tsp if using fresh minced garlic.
1 tsp dried rosemary
Fresh rosemary (1 tbsp chopped) can be used; thyme or oregano also work well.
1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better; nutritional yeast is a dairy-free alternative.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For garnish; dried parsley can be used, but fresh adds color and brightness.
Tips & Tricks
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet
give potatoes space to crisp up. Use two sheets if needed.
- Parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before roasting to get extra crispy edges.
- Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes after roasting so they firm up slightly before serving.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a large baking sheet inside while it heats.
2. Parboil Potatoes
Place halved potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and let steam dry for 2 minutes.
3. Season Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary until evenly coated.
4. Arrange on Sheet
Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Arrange potatoes cut-side down in a single layer.
5. Roast Potatoes
Roast for 25 minutes, then flip. Continue roasting for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
6. Add Parmesan
Sprinkle Parmesan over the potatoes and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Delicious Variations
Spicy
Add 1 tsp paprika or chili flakes along with the other seasonings for a kick.
Herbaceous
Swap rosemary for thyme and add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Cheesy
Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a gooey topping.
How to Store What To Serve With Roast Potatoes
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What protein goes with roast potatoes?
Roast potatoes pair well with almost any protein. Try roast chicken, grilled steak, baked salmon, or a hearty meatloaf.
Q: Can I make roast potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can parboil and season them up to a day in advance. Store in the fridge and roast just before serving.
Q: How do I get roast potatoes extra crispy?
Ensure they are dry before oiling, use a hot baking sheet, and don't overcrowd. Also, parboiling helps.
Q: What vegetables go with roast potatoes?
Roasted carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a simple mixed green salad are excellent choices.
Q: Can I use olive oil for roasting?
Yes, olive oil is great for roasting at high heat, but extra virgin has a lower smoke point; use regular olive oil for best results.
Now that you have your perfect side dish lineup, it's time to get cooking. Try one of these pairings tonight and see how they elevate your roast potatoes. Share your favorite combination in the comments below!
What To Serve With Roast Potatoes
What To Serve With Roast Potatoes: 12 easy side dishes that pair perfectly with crispy roast potatoes for a complete meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat Oven — Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a large baking sheet inside while it heats.
- 2Parboil Potatoes — Place halved potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and let steam dry for 2 minutes.
- 3Season Potatoes — In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary until evenly coated.
- 4Arrange on Sheet — Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Arrange potatoes cut-side down in a single layer.
- 5Roast Potatoes — Roast for 25 minutes, then flip. Continue roasting for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- 6Add Parmesan — Sprinkle Parmesan over the potatoes and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- 7Garnish and Serve — Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
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