Crispy Rosemary Butter Roasted Potatoes Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a side dish that’s both comforting and impressive, this Crispy Rosemary Butter Roasted Potatoes Recipe hits all the marks. The golden Yukon golds get perfectly crispy on the outside, thanks to a generous bath of melted butter, while the rosemary and garlic infuse every bite with an earthy, aromatic flavor. It’s the kind of recipe I come back to again and again—especially when friends drop by because it’s just effortless to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
What really makes this Crispy Rosemary Butter Roasted Potatoes Recipe special is how it manages to feel both rustic and elegant simultaneously. Whether you’re serving it alongside Sunday roast, a casual weeknight chicken, or even brunch, the buttery crispiness combined with fresh rosemary elevates the humble potato to something truly memorable. Plus, this recipe is forgiving—you’ll find it hard to mess up, and that’s a win in my book!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients create a simple yet flavorful harmony. I always start with fresh, quality potatoes and let the butter and rosemary work their magic. Here’s what I keep handy to make these potatoes shine.
- Yukon gold potatoes: I love these for their creamy interior and ability to crisp up beautifully; choose small ones so they cook evenly.
- Salted butter: Melted for coating the potatoes; it adds richness and helps achieve that golden crust.
- Fresh rosemary: Chopped for direct flavor and sprigs tossed in to infuse the butter with herby goodness.
- Garlic cloves: Smashed, not minced—this gently roasts and flavors the potatoes without overpowering them.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning; kosher salt especially helps draw out moisture for crispiness.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on at the end for that satisfying crunch and flavor burst.
Variations
I often tweak this Crispy Rosemary Butter Roasted Potatoes Recipe depending on the mood or what’s in season. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility—you should definitely feel free to make it your own.
- Swap herbs: Sometimes I swap rosemary for thyme or oregano for a different herbal twist that still complements the butter well.
- Adjust garlic intensity: If you love garlic like I do, add an extra clove or two for a bolder punch.
- Use olive oil instead of butter: For a dairy-free option, olive oil works great and still achieves that crisp texture.
- Add a spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes before roasting for some warmth.
How to Make Crispy Rosemary Butter Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Parboil the Potatoes
Start by giving your potatoes a good scrub—you don’t want any dirt messing up that buttery crust. Then, cut any larger potatoes in half to keep all pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and parboil the potatoes for about 8 minutes; they should be tender on the outside but still firm inside. This step is key to getting that perfect crisp because the potatoes will be just soft enough to roast nicely without falling apart.
Step 2: Melt Butter with Rosemary and Garlic
While the potatoes are parboiling, melt your butter gently in a pan. Add the chopped rosemary and the smashed garlic cloves to infuse the butter with those warm flavors. I let it simmer on low for a few minutes until the butter smells heavenly. This infused butter will coat the potatoes, so don’t rush this step—it’s where the flavor starts to build.
Step 3: Roast Until Golden and Crispy
Drain the potatoes well and let them dry a bit—wet potatoes won’t crisp well. Toss the potatoes in the rosemary butter along with a sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper. Spread them out on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 40 minutes, turning halfway through so they brown evenly. Around the 30-minute mark, you’ll start to smell that incredible aroma, and the edges should look beautifully golden.
How to Serve Crispy Rosemary Butter Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes
I love sprinkling flaky sea salt right after the potatoes come out of the oven—it adds a delicate crunch and amps up the flavor instantly. If you want a fresh pop, a little chopped parsley or extra fresh rosemary leaves make a lovely garnish that brightens the dish without overpowering it.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Rosemary Butter Roasted Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with just about anything! I often serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a simple green salad for balance. It’s also a great partner to Easter or holiday ham and brings a cozy feel to any weeknight meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I sometimes mound the potatoes on a wooden serving board with fresh rosemary sprigs scattered around—it looks rustic but elegant. Another idea I’ve tried is serving them in small ramekins or individual cast iron skillets, making everyone feel like they’re getting a personal portion straight from the oven.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Rosemary Butter Roasted Potatoes taste great the next day if you store them right. I let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 3 days, making them a great candidate for meal prep or quick reheat dinners.
Freezing
While potatoes sometimes get a bit watery when frozen, I’ve found that you can freeze these roasted potatoes successfully if you freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’re best used in cooked dishes later, like hash or soups, but for an easy reheat, just defrost and crisp them up under the broiler or in a hot pan.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy magic, I skip the microwave and reheat these potatoes in a hot oven or skillet with a drizzle of a little extra butter or oil. This method revives the texture much better than zapping them, which tends to make them soggy. It usually takes just 10–15 minutes at 400°F to get them warm and crispy again.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of potatoes for this Crispy Rosemary Butter Roasted Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon golds are my favorite for their creamy texture and good crisp, you can use red potatoes or even fingerlings. Just keep in mind that starchy potatoes like Russets tend to be fluffier inside but may need a little more careful handling to avoid falling apart.
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Do I have to use fresh rosemary, or can dried rosemary work?
Fresh rosemary is best here because it imparts a bright, vibrant aroma that really shines when roasted. Dried rosemary can be used if that’s what’s on hand, but use only about half the amount and crush it finely to release more flavor. Just be aware it won’t taste quite as fresh or punchy.
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Should I peel the potatoes before roasting?
I usually leave the skins on for this recipe since they crisp up nicely and add a bit of rustic texture. Peel them if you prefer, but by keeping the skins, you save prep time and add nutrients.
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How do I make sure the potatoes get crispy and not soggy?
Parboiling your potatoes, drying them well, spreading them out in a single layer on the baking sheet, and using enough melted butter are all crucial. Avoid overcrowding and flipping halfway through helps them brown evenly on all sides.
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Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a good-quality olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. The rosemary and garlic flavors still come through beautifully, and olive oil helps get the potatoes just as crispy.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Rosemary Butter Roasted Potatoes Recipe has become one of those “go-to” dishes that I can rely on to impress and comfort at the same time. It’s one of those simple pleasures—crispy edges meeting tender centers, fragrant rosemary warming the kitchen, and buttery garlic wrapping it all up. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone wanting to elevate their potato game without fuss. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be reaching for this recipe over and over!
PrintCrispy Rosemary Butter Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Crispy Rosemary Butter Roasted Potatoes are golden and tender small Yukon gold potatoes roasted to perfection with fragrant fresh rosemary, garlic, and rich melted butter. This savory side dish features a perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior, enhanced by a touch of flaky sea salt for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds small Yukon gold potatoes
Seasoning & Flavorings
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 3 rosemary sprigs
- 4-6 cloves garlic, smashed
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Flaky sea salt, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches a high temperature for crispy roasting.
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash the Yukon gold potatoes thoroughly and dry them. If the potatoes are large, cut them in halves or quarters so they are uniformly sized for even cooking.
- Melt the butter and combine flavors: Melt the salted butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Add the chopped fresh rosemary and smashed garlic cloves into the butter to infuse the flavors.
- Toss potatoes with butter mixture: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the melted butter mixture until they are evenly coated. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Roast the potatoes: Spread the potatoes out on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Arrange the rosemary sprigs on top to infuse aroma. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 35-45 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Finish and serve: Remove the rosemary sprigs. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the roasted potatoes for added crunch and flavor. Serve hot as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary, but fresh provides a more vibrant taste.
- Make sure the potatoes are dry before roasting to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent butter and oils from spilling over while roasting.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for garlickiness.
- These potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad.