Roasted Potatoes with Thyme and Sea Salt

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a plate of crispy roasted potatoes, especially when they’re seasoned with fresh herbs and a sprinkling of sea salt. This recipe for roasted potatoes with thyme and sea salt takes the humble potato to the next level by infusing it with the earthy aroma of thyme and the delicate crunch of sea salt flakes. The result is a dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor.

Roasting potatoes is one of the simplest yet most rewarding cooking techniques, allowing the natural sweetness of the potatoes to come through while achieving that coveted golden-brown crust. This dish is versatile enough to accompany any meal, whether you’re serving it as a side for roasted meats, vegetables, or even enjoying it as a snack.

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to make perfect roasted potatoes with thyme and sea salt, sharing tips for achieving maximum crispiness and flavor.

Ingredients

To make this roasted potato dish, you will need:

• 1 kg (2 lbs) small or medium potatoes, washed and cut into wedges or cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Sea salt flakes, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Garlic cloves, crushed

Instructions

1. Preparing the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F). While the oven is heating, wash the potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing off any dirt from the skins. There’s no need to peel them, as the skins add texture and flavor to the dish.

Cut the potatoes into even-sized wedges or cubes, depending on your preference. The key to evenly roasted potatoes is ensuring they are all similar in size so they cook at the same rate.

2. Seasoning the Potatoes

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, making sure each piece is well-coated. The olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up in the oven while adding a rich, savory flavor.

Strip the leaves from the fresh thyme sprigs and sprinkle them over the potatoes. If you’re using dried thyme, scatter it evenly over the potatoes. Fresh thyme brings a fragrant, earthy aroma to the dish, while dried thyme offers a slightly more concentrated flavor.

Season the potatoes generously with sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper. The sea salt adds a satisfying crunch and enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.

For an extra layer of flavor, add a few crushed garlic cloves to the baking sheet. The garlic will roast alongside the potatoes, infusing them with a subtle, aromatic taste.

3. Roasting the Potatoes

Spread the seasoned potatoes out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the potatoes aren’t overcrowded on the tray, as this will prevent them from becoming crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets to give the potatoes enough space to roast properly.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust on all sides.

The potatoes are ready when they are crispy on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork. If you prefer extra crispiness, you can roast them for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking on them frequently to avoid burning.

4. Finishing Touches

Once the potatoes are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle a few more fresh thyme leaves over the top for garnish, along with an extra pinch of sea salt flakes if desired.

Serve the roasted potatoes hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces or alongside your main course.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

• Choosing the Right Potatoes: For the best results, use waxy or all-purpose potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. These varieties hold their shape well during roasting and develop a creamy interior while crisping up on the outside.

• Crispiness: To achieve maximum crispiness, make sure the potatoes are well-coated in olive oil and spaced out on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the tray can cause the potatoes to steam rather than roast. For even crispier potatoes, try parboiling them for 5 minutes before roasting to remove excess moisture.

• Herb Variations: While thyme adds a classic earthy flavor, you can experiment with other herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or even a mix of Italian herbs. Fresh herbs offer the best flavor, but dried herbs work well in a pinch.

• Garlic: Roasted garlic adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the potatoes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked. You can leave the garlic cloves in their skins to protect them during roasting, then squeeze the soft garlic out before serving.

Variations

• Cheesy Potatoes: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting. The cheese will melt and create a crispy, savory topping that pairs perfectly with the thyme and sea salt.

• Spicy Potatoes: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. The spice will complement the earthy thyme and elevate the flavor of the potatoes.

• Lemon Potatoes: For a bright, zesty flavor, toss the potatoes with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving. The citrus will balance the richness of the olive oil and the warmth of the thyme.

Why This Recipe Works

This roasted potato dish works so well because it combines the natural flavors of the potatoes with the aromatic freshness of thyme and the crunch of sea salt. Roasting the potatoes at a high temperature allows them to develop a perfectly crispy exterior while staying soft and fluffy on the inside.

The simplicity of the ingredients ensures that the natural flavors shine through, while the thyme and sea salt add just enough complexity to make the dish special. Whether you’re serving this as a side dish for a family meal or as part of a larger spread, roasted potatoes with thyme and sea salt are always a crowd-pleaser.