Whole Roasted Baby Potatoes

Name: Whole Roasted Baby Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 500 g (1.1 lb) baby potatoes - all roughly the same size so they cook evenly (See Note 1); 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (See Note 2); 1 tbsp fresh rosemary - finely chopped; 1 tbsp polenta - finely ground; sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper - to taste

For the full recipe including quantities and method, click the "jump to recipe" button, or scroll through and read our helpful tips along the way.

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These Whole Roasted Baby Potatoes with Polenta will become one of your favourite side dishes. They are quickly and easily made and go with almost every main dish. It takes just a few minutes to prepare them and get them in the oven, leaving you free to get on with the rest of your meal.

Round dish of roasted potatoes garnished with some rosemary leaves.

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Why we love this recipe:
Ingredients in this recipe:
Step by step instructions:
Tips for success and FAQs:
Serving suggestions:
More delicious recipes for you to try:
Whole Roasted Baby Potatoes

Why we love this recipe:

The ingredients they contain are readily available. The Roasted Potatoes require very little hands-on time as we use whole baby potatoes with the skin on. They are perfect for busy nights when time is short and as a bonus, they are family-friendly.

You will love these Whole Roasted Baby Potatoes because:

This is a simple, easily prepared, inexpensive side dish containing ingredients which are readily available.

There is very little hands-on time, leaving you free to get on with something else.

The baby potatoes cook quickly in the oven, making this dish ideal when you are short of time.

Many people with specific dietary requirements are able to enjoy this dish as it is gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free and vegan.

Coating them in polenta adds crunch.

This is a side dish which will go with almost any meal.

Ingredients in this recipe:

Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

Baby potatoes – also known as cocktail potatoes or new potatoes.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – for the best flavour and nutritional benefit.

Rosemary – we use the fresh herb; it is aromatic and adds great flavour.

Polenta – I use polenta (cornmeal) to add a little crunch to the skin of the potatoes.

Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper – add seasoning to your taste.

Step by step instructions:

Steps 1-2 of preparing this recipe in a photo collage - tossing the potatoes and other ingredients in a bowl and the potatoes on a baking tray ready to roast.

To begin, preheat your oven and line a sheet pan with baking paper. Wash and thoroughly dry the baby potatoes.

Add the potatoes to a large bowl, along with the olive oil, rosemary and polenta/cornmeal. Season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine and ensure the potatoes are evenly coated in each ingredient.
Place the potatoes on the sheet pan, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Roast until they’re golden brown and evenly cooked.

Roasted potatoes on baking paper, garnished with some rosemary sprigs.

Tips for success and FAQs:

For the potatoes to cook evenly, it is best for them to be a similar size. Don’t crowd the potatoes on the baking tray, cook them on two baking trays if necessary. If they are crowded, they will steam rather than roast.

Customise the potatoes to suit your taste. Use herbs of your choice, such as thyme or oregano. Consider using spice, a sprinkle of paprika, sprinkle with grated parmesan or serve with sour cream and fresh, sliced chives.

Do I need to boil the potatoes before roasting?

These baby potatoes are young and tender so there is no need to boil them first and make more work for yourself. However, when roasting large potatoes, I always par-boil them as this helps a nice crust to form.

Can I make the potatoes ahead of time?

I feel that they are at their best if served immediately after they are cooked. However, if it is more convenient, you can make them an hour or two ahead and reheat them to serve. Alternatively, you could prepare the herb oil and potatoes separately a day ahead and assemble and bake when you are ready.

Serving suggestions:

These Polenta Roasted Potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to many meals. They’re delicious alongside:

Steak, sausages or chops
Baked salmon or grilled fish
Roast Chicken
Creamy Lemon Chicken
Chicken Patties or Crispy Chicken Thighs

More delicious recipes for you to try:

A simple, tasty side dish can really elevate a meal. Here are some more of our favourite side dish recipes for you to try:

These Roasted Baby Potatoes with Polenta are certain to become a regular side dish. You will love how easy they are to prepare and how much family and friends will enjoy them. I look forward to hearing from you if you try them.

Alex xx