Crispy Oven-Roasted Potatoes and Onions (Recipe!)
Roasted onions and potatoes are some of the best versatile side dishes to make. The crispy, golden outside and soft, flavorful inside make them a go-to guest at family dinners, barbecues, and weeknight meals. This dish is so simple, but it demonstrates how basic elements can become something special. Now let’s get into the world of the best crispy oven-roasted potatoes Details: and onions.
Why Roasted Onions and Potatoes Are a Hit for a Crowd
Many households around the world have roasted onions and potatoes. But why are they so popular? The answer is their incomparable mix of flavor, texture, and simplicity of prep. Potatoes are inherently starchy and filling, making them the ideal canvas for any seasoning. Onions, however, add a swirl of sweetness and complexity as they caramelize in the roasting.
This recipe is so adaptable. Whether you’re hosting a sit-down dinner or a casual meal at home, roasted onions and potatoes go with just about any protein or vegetable. They’re also inherently gluten-free and vegan and inexpensive and thus available to most.
Effects on Cooking Potatoes with Onions
Both sides can be let to go a little golden brown in a single pan, giving them a matching flavor profile. Roasting the onions lets them release natural sugars that coat the potatoes, imparting an irresistible caramelized finish. The potatoes, in turn, absorb some moisture from the onion for tender bites full of flavor.
Adding this combo also saves time and energy in the kitchen. Rather than making two separate side dishes, you can just roast both vegetables on the same pan. It’s a win-win!
How to Choose the Best Potatoes for Roasting
Which Potatoes are Best for Crisping?
Not all potatoes are the same when it comes to roasting. For the crispiest results, choose one of these starchy or all-purpose potatoes:
- Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content leaves you with a beautifully crispy crust.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These have golden skin and creamy flesh and strike an excellent balance between crispiness and flavor.
- Red Potatoes: These hold their shape nicely, developing a tasty crisp edge.
The Importance of Texture for Roasted Potatoes
When roasting potatoes, texture is everything. Starchy potatoes break down a bit with cooking, which lets their edges crisp beautifully. Waxy potatoes such as fingerlings can be roasted, though they won’t get the same crunch.
Seasoning with Onions for Flavor Boost
Types of Onions to Use
Picking the right onion can mean the difference between success and failure in the roast. Some of the best onion types for roasting are:
- Yellow Onion: Mild, versatile onions that caramelize beautifully.
- Red Onions: These are a bit sweet and provide a pop of color.
- White Onions: Milder than yellow onions, slightly sweet.
How to Manage Onion Sweetness and Potatoes
It’s easy to balance the sweetness of onions with this earthy counterpoint.
So, a pinch of salt, pepper, or a dash of fresh herbs like rosemary can balance the sweetness while also adding flavor.
Roasted Onions and Potatoes ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make perfect roasted potatoes and onions:
- Potatoes: 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes These varieties turn crisp while still tender on the inside.
- Onions: 2 yellow or red, medium-sized onions. Yellow onions add some sweetness, while red onions are milder in flavor.
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons of so—the extra virgin olive oil for a full-flavored and healthy fat that encourages crispiness.
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves minced garlic for aroma and flavor.
- Herbs: 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano. You can also use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color), 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt.
- Optional Add-ins: Grated parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or chopped parsley for garnish.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
For the perfect roastedUse a variety for the best roasted potatoes, such as russet or Yukon Gold. Russet potatoes turn crispy and fluffy, while Yukon Gold lends a buttery taste.
Selecting the Perfect Onions
Red and yellow onions are good for roasting. Red onions are slightly sweeter and mellower in flavour, yellow onions are a bit more assertive.
Tools You’ll Need
- What You Need: A sharp knife and cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or roasting pan
- Parchment paper for easy cleanup
Instructions: How to Make Crispy Roasted Potatoes and Onions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven guarantees crisp potatoes and onions.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Into bite-sized cubes, or wedges, if that’s what you prefer.
- Peel the onions and cut them into thick wedges. Make the pieces on the large side, so they don’t burn when roasted.
Combine Ingredients:
- Combine potatoes and onions in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces with seasoning.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
- Arrange the potatoes and onions in a single layer. Don’t crowd so there’s airflow and crisping.
Roast:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring the potatoes and onions halfway through for even browning.
- For added crispiness, broil in the last 2-3 minutes, being careful not to burn them.
Serve:
- When the potatoes and onions are golden brown and crispy, take them out of the oven.
- Top with chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, or a dash of chili flakes, if you like.
Tricks for Roasted Onions and Potatoes Perfected
- Use the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russets are great for roasting because they have a chunky texture that crisps up.
- Cut Evenly: Uniformly cut pieces help the potatoes and onions to cook evenly.
- Don’t Skimp on Oil: Olive oil is what gets you that golden, crispy texture, so don’t be bashful.
- High Heat is Low (Accessible) Talk: Roasting one inch at 425°F idealizes mass of crunchy edges and delicate centers.
- Don’t crowd: Spread the potatoes and onions on the baking sheet. Soggy — overcrowding traps steam Overcrowding traps steam, creating soggy vegetables.
- Mess with the Flavor: For an interesting twist, squeeze in a little lemon juice, drizzle balsamic glaze, or sprinkle on a bit of smoked paprikan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Preheat: Always preheat your oven. Beginning with a cold oven may result in uneven cooking and soggy potatoes.
- Chopping Vegetables Inconsistently: With misproportioned pieces, some will be raw and others will be charred. Aim for uniformity.
- Not Using Enough Oil: If you simply don’t use enough oil, the potatoes and onions dry out rather than go crispy.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Vegetables need space to roast—if they’re packed too tightly into the pan, they’ll steam instead. Use more than one pan if necessary to space out the fritters.
- Don’t Flip: Flipping halfway through cooking promotes even browning and prevents one side from becoming over-dark.
- Omitting the Broil: Not broiling at the end can leave the potatoes less crispy. A few minutes under the broiler is a world of difference.
- Overlooked Seasoning: Potatoes and onions require a healthy amount of seasoning to make them sing. Don’t skimp on the salt, herbs and spices.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers:
- Let the roasted potatoes and onions cool completely, and then transfer them to an airtight container.
- Keeps well stored in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Reheating for Crispiness:
- Conventional oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C. Spread the leftovers on a rimmed baking sheet and reheat for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed and crisp.
- Air Fryer: An alternative is to reheat the shipping packets opened at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: While convenient, this method will result in less crispy potatoes. Nazariy: Use it only for reheating quickly.”
Freezing (Optional):
- Freeze roasted potatoes and onions in a single layer on a baking sheet, then move to a freezer bag.
- Bake from frozen (the oven’s best friend) at 400°F (200°C) until heated through and golden brown.
- Roasted Onions and Potatoes Health Benefits
Nutrient Powerhouses:
- Potatoes contain vitamins C and B6, potassium, and dietary fiber. They are a great source of sustaining energy and help support overall health.
- Back to Top Antioxidant and Quercetin: Onions are rich in antioxidants, especially quercetin, which lowers inflammation levels and increases immunity.
Heart Health:
- The potassium in potatoes helps control blood pressure, and the flavonoids in onions promote cardiovascular health.
Digestive Benefits:
- Potatoes and onions both contain a lot of fiber, which is good for digestion and contributes to a healthy gut microbiome.
Low in Calories (If Roasted):
- Roasting with just a little oil keeps this dish light but filling, and it is therefore suitable for many diets.
Versatility for Diets:
- It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and easily adapted to low-sodium diets with season adjustment.
- Potatoes are also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These serve as energy sources and help with digestion.
- Onions are rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.
- Toss the vegetables with olive oil and roast them. This adds beneficial fats that your body needs to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
Why This Recipe Works
Potatoes and caramelized onions are the definition of a dynamic duo. The high roasting temperature allows onions to develop their natural sweetness and gives the potatoes a crispy crust. With just the right hint of herbs, spices, and oil, this is a simple and flavorful dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Oven-roasted potatoes and onions are a fantastic, versatile dish. Pair them with:
- Grilled Chicken or Steak The robust flavors pair nicely with protein dishes.
- Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs or eggs fried sunny-side up.
- Vegetarian Dishes: Serve along roasted vegetables: carrots, zucchini, and peppers for a complete vegetarian meal.
- Sauces: Serve ketchup, garlic aioli, or sour cream for dipping.
Flavors and Seasons ideas
You can roast onions and potatoes and season them simply with salt, pepper, and oil if you like, and they will be perfectly delicious, but add herbs and spices, and the dish as a whole becomes so much more. even further.
Herbs and Spices to Go on Roasted Potatoes and Onions
- Rosemary and Thyme: Ideal for a traditional, savory taste.
- Smoked Paprika: Offers a smoky, subtly sweet flavor.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Enhances the flavor profile.
- Cumin and Coriander: For warm, earthy undertones.
Chili Flakes or Cayenne Pepper—Great for those who like a proper little bite
Soaking Garlic or Other Vegetables
For even more variety, you might throw in whole garlic cloves or bell peppers or cut up carrots. These vegetables roast as well as potatoes and onions, which paired well with it and added a splash of colour.
The Secret to Getting It Extra Crispy
Roasted onions and potatoes crisp up like magic, which can feel almost like an art, but if you follow a few tricks, you’ll get it right every time.
The Importance of Oil
These need a liberal drape of oil to remain crisp. Olive oil is a natural option since it contributes a rich flavor, though avocado oil works well here too for a higher smoke point and sunflower oil for a neutral flavor. The oil causes the potatoes and onions to brown evenly and keeps them from drying out.
Properly Spacing Your Vegetables
One of the biggest mistakes is overcrowding the baking sheet. If the vegetables are too close together, they’ll steam rather than roast, leaving you with soggy results. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving enough room for hot air to circulate. If you’re working with a lot, use two baking sheets.
Preheating the Baking Sheet
Preheating your baking sheet in the oven before adding the vegetables can give you an extra-crispy edge. When the potatoes and onions hit the hot pan, they start to sizzle immediately, creating that golden crust you’re aiming for.
✅Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand
7 Secrets to Perfect Potatoes and Onions: Crispy Oven-Roasted Delight
Crispy Roasted Potatoes and Onions All products featured on Bon Appétit are independently selected by our editors.
Easy and versatile, these crispy roasted potatoes and onions go with everything! Crispy potatoes, herby rosemary, and jammy roasted onions layered far thin. This easy potato side dish will be a new favorite in the rotation!
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
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Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
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Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400F. Step 2: Prepare Vegetables: Wash and dry potatoes. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. Cut the onion into wedges or thick slices.
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Mix seasonings in a large mixing bowl; mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, rosemary or thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Coat Vegetables: Transfer the potatoes and onions to the bowl and toss until evenly covered with the seasoning mixture.
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Spread on a Baking Sheet: Transfer the vegetables to a baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer. For easy cleanup, feel free to line parchment paper.
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Roast: Transfer to a greased baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, taking time to flip the vegetables halfway. They’re finished when the potatoes are golden brown and fork-tender, and the onions are caramelized.
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Serve: Enjoy hot as a side dish with your favorite protein or on their own!
Note
- You can line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier clean-up so that no potatoes or onions will stick to it. Aluminum foil sticks to potatoes and onions.
- Don't skimp on the olive oil! It allows the potatoes and onions to crisp up nicely.
- Use waxy potatoes like red-skinned or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best results.
- Cut the onions thicker than the potatoes so they don’t burn. Onions are high in natural sugars, so they don’t take as long to cook and can burn more easily.
- Slice the potatoes and onions on a mandoline. If you don’t have a mandoline, try not to stress about achieving perfectly thin, even slices. My mom and grandma used a knife every time.
- Try to give the potatoes and onions a single layer on a big baking sheet to maximize surface area for crispiness and even cooking.
- Don't open the oven. The high heat is necessary for these potatoes to get nice and crisp. If you keep opening the oven but check on them, the heat will go down, and they will cook slowly.
- For variation and added nutrition, try mixing in some other vegetables with the potatoes and onions on the sheet pan. I love throwing in jalapeños or red peppers or other root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, celery root, sweet potatoes, yams, turnips, radishes, or rutabagas.
- I love how simple-flavored this recipe is, but you can switch up the vibe with the spices/herbs you use.