Crispy Lemon-Herb Roasted Potatoes

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These lemon-herb potatoes are a versatile side dish that marries the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with the aromatic notes of oregano, pairing beautifully with a range of main courses from roasted chicken and pork to seafood. We love the robust and earthy flavor of oregano, but feel free to swap it out for another fresh herb that pairs well with lemon, such as rosemary or sage.

a recipe photo of the Crispy Lemon-Herb Roasted Potatoes
Photo:

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4

Crispy Lemon-Herb Roasted Potatoes are a standby side dish that goes with everything from baked chicken to burgers. Potatoes, especially with the skin on, are a nutrition force—rich in vitamin C, potassium and fiber. They are one of the most versatile vegetables and one of the most inexpensive. Turning the potatoes halfway through roasting yields a beautiful golden brown and crispy outside, while keeping the inside fluffy and tender—the hallmark of a great roasted potato. Read more for our expert tips on how to ensure even roasting.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • Remember to cut the potatoes into uniform-size pieces to ensure even roasting. Spread the potatoes out on the baking sheet to prevent them from steaming.
  • To prevent cut potatoes from turning brown, toss them with oil and lemon juice. It’s best to cut them just before using them.
  • You can use any leftover potatoes to make a breakfast hash the next morning.
  • Store the potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Notes

  • This recipe is all about the potato and how to make it shine. The flavor and texture will make you love it as a side dish, but the nutrition will make it a keeper. Potatoes are rich in potassium, which is beneficial for healthy blood pressure. Keep the skins on to get the added fiber, which benefits your heart and gut health. 
  • Acidity from the lemon enhances the flavor of the potatoes and adds brightness during cooking and at the finish. Using potatoes and lemons together provides a punch of vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin and will help your body absorb iron more efficiently. 
  • Olive oil tops the list of heart-healthy oils thanks to its monounsaturated fats, which help reduce inflammation and keep cholesterol levels in a healthy range. 
  • This recipe uses a mix of dried oregano, onion powder and black pepper. Did you know dried herbs provide the same health benefits as fresh herbs? Oregano, both dried and fresh, is rich in antioxidants and can help support your immune system, so don’t leave out the herbs!
the ingredients to make the Crispy Lemon-Herb Roasted Potatoes

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into ¾-inch pieces

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, plus grated zest and additional juice for garnish

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • Chopped fresh oregano for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss potatoes with 3 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon each onion powder and salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet until well coated.

    a step to make the Crispy Lemon-Herb Roasted Potatoes

    Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

  2. Roast, tossing once, until golden brown and crispy, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a platter. Garnish with lemon zest, lemon juice and/or chopped oregano, if desired.

    a step to make the Crispy Lemon-Herb Roasted Potatoes

    Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What type of potato is best for roasting?

    For this recipe, we wanted a potato that cooks up creamy on the inside and gets a nice crisp skin. That’s why we chose red potatoes. Fingerling potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes would work just as well.

  • Can I make lemon-herb potatoes ahead of time?

    Roasted potatoes don’t reheat well, so we would avoid making this recipe ahead of time, but if you do, reheat them in an air fryer for best results.

  • What should I serve with lemon-herb potatoes?

    These potatoes go with nearly everything, but we think they would go particularly well with our Simple Roast Chicken, Rosemary & Garlic-Basted Sirloin Steak and Pistachio-Crusted Halibut.

EatingWell.com, August 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

180 Calories
10g Fat
21g Carbs
2g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size ½ cup
Calories 180
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 21g 8%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 2g 5%
Total Fat 10g 13%
Saturated Fat 1g 7%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Vitamin A 0µg
Vitamin C 25mg 28%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 2mg 10%
Folate 19µg
Vitamin K 10µg
Sodium 272mg 12%
Calcium 19mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 28mg 7%
Potassium 497mg 11%
Zinc 0mg 3%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Sarah Pflugradt, Ph.D., RDN, CSCS
Sarah Pflugradt

Sarah Pflugradt is a registered dietitian who holds a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her extensive background in dietetics has made her a sought-after expert in family and youth sports nutrition.

and
Linda Frahm

Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications, such as Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country magazines, and has edited cookbooks for Dovetail Press and The Taste Curators.

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