Heart Shaped Roasted Potatoes

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about taking an everyday vegetable and making it feel like a tiny work of art. I remember one blustery Saturday morning, looking out at the gray sky and wanting to infuse a little joy into our brunch. These heart-shaped roasted potatoes came to mind, a playful nod to brightening the day. They're such a simple gesture, yet they always bring a smile.

I first whipped these up on a whim for a friend's potluck brunch, thinking they'd be a cute addition. As I pulled the baking sheet from the oven, the aroma of roasted garlic and thyme filled my kitchen, a comforting warmth against the chilly air outside. Everyone gravitated toward them, not just for the novelty of the shape, but for that irresistible crispy edge.

Ingredients

• Potatoes: Four large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect here; their starchy interiors get wonderfully fluffy, while the outsides crisp up beautifully.
• Olive oil: Just enough to coat the potatoes, helping them achieve that golden-brown perfection and carrying the flavors of the seasoning.
• Sea salt & Freshly ground black pepper: These form the foundational seasoning, enhancing the natural potato flavor.
• Garlic powder: A little bit of this goes a long way, adding a mellow, savory depth that everyone loves.
• Dried thyme (or rosemary): This herb brings a classic, earthy aroma that pairs exquisitely with roasted potatoes.
• Chopped fresh parsley: An optional garnish, but a sprinkle of vibrant green adds a fresh pop of color and flavor at the end.
• Flaky sea salt: A final touch, offering a delightful textural crunch and a burst of savory goodness.

Instructions

Get Your Oven Ready:

Preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Prep Your Spuds:

Carefully peel your potatoes, then slice them into even ½-inch thick rounds. Consistency in thickness helps them cook evenly.

The Fun Part—Shape 'Em Up:

Grab your small heart-shaped cookie cutter and press it firmly into each potato slice to create those charming hearts. Don't toss those trimmings—they're perfect for hash browns or a quick soup later!

Season & Toss:

In a large bowl, combine your heart-shaped potato pieces with the olive oil, sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Give everything a good, gentle toss until each potato heart is beautifully coated.

Arrange for Roasting:

Spread your seasoned potato hearts in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they have a little breathing room; crowding them can lead to steaming instead of crisping.

Roast to Perfection:

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven and roast for about 25–30 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through so both sides can get equally golden and crisp.

Garnish & Serve:

Once they're beautifully golden brown and tender, transfer them to a serving platter. If you like, sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt for an extra flourish. Serve them immediately while they're still warm and delicious!

Save

One Valentine’s Day, my partner surprised me with a small, unexpected gesture – he tried making dinner. These potatoes were his contribution, and watching him carefully cut each heart, a little furrow of concentration on his brow, made them the most special side dish I’d ever had. It was a tangible expression of care, making a simple potato feel truly extraordinary.

Choosing Your Potato Pal

The choice of potato really does make a difference for these roasted beauties. Starchy potatoes like Russets break down slightly on the inside, giving you that fluffy interior contrast to a crispy skin. Yukon Golds, while slightly less starchy, offer a beautiful buttery flavor and a lovely creamy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they tend to hold their shape too well and won't get quite as fluffy when roasted.

Flavor Twists & Herb Explorations

While garlic and thyme are a winning combination, don't be afraid to experiment with other herbs and spices. A touch of smoked paprika can add a wonderful smoky depth, or a pinch of dried oregano might transport you to the Mediterranean. Rosemary is another fantastic choice, particularly if you're serving these with roasted lamb or chicken. Just remember to adjust the quantities to your taste, starting small and adding more if needed.

Prepping & Storing Smart

Life gets busy, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy these charming potatoes! You can definitely do some prep work ahead of time to make serving them even easier.

• You can peel and cut your potato hearts a day in advance, storing them submerged in cold water in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent browning.
• For reheating, the best method is to spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and re-crisped.
• Leftover roasted potatoes are fantastic chopped up and added to a morning scramble or a frittata the next day.

Save

These heart-shaped roasted potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re a little parcel of joy, perfect for sharing. I hope they bring as much delight to your table as they have to mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ What's the secret to extra crispy heart-shaped potatoes?

For an extra crispy result, soak your potato slices in cold water for about 30 minutes before cutting them. After soaking, ensure they are thoroughly dried before seasoning and roasting.

→ Which type of potatoes should I use for this dish?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended. Their starch content and texture are ideal for achieving a crispy exterior and fluffy interior when roasted.

→ Can I customize the seasoning for these roasted potatoes?

Absolutely! While the suggested seasoning is simple, feel free to experiment. You could try different dried herbs like oregano or a blend like Herbes de Provence to vary the flavor profile.

→ What if I don't have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?

While a cookie cutter creates the distinct heart shape, you can still enjoy delicious roasted potatoes. Simply cut the potato slices into small wedges or cubes, then proceed with the same seasoning and roasting steps.

→ What dishes pair well with heart-shaped roasted potatoes?

These versatile roasted potatoes are a fantastic accompaniment to many meals. They pair nicely with roasted meats, grilled fish, or can serve as a charming and festive vegetarian side dish on their own.

→ Can I use the leftover potato trimmings?

Yes, don't waste them! The potato trimmings are perfect for other culinary uses, such as adding to soups to thicken them, or pan-frying them to make delicious hash browns.