Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Sage: Crispy, Delicious and Easy to Make

### Instructions for Roasting Potatoes with Garlic and Sage

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your **oven** to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key to achieving that crispy, golden exterior on the potatoes.

#### 2. **Prepare the Potatoes**
Wash and scrub the potatoes well to remove any dirt. If you’re using baby potatoes, you can leave them whole or cut them in half, depending on their size. For larger potatoes, cut them into evenly sized cubes or wedges to ensure they cook at the same rate. The more uniform the size, the better they will roast.

#### 3. **Season the Potatoes**
In a large mixing bowl, toss the prepared potatoes with **olive oil**, **minced garlic**, **chopped sage**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Make sure all the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. If you want a stronger flavor, you can add more garlic or sage to taste.

#### 4. **Roast the Potatoes**
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a **baking sheet**, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. If the potatoes are too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisping up, so give them enough space to roast properly. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

#### 5. **Roast Until Golden and Crisp**
Roast the potatoes for about **35-45 minutes**, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides. The potatoes are done when they’re golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. The garlic should also become fragrant and slightly caramelized by this point.

#### 6. **Garnish and Serve**
Once the potatoes are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven and garnish with a sprinkle of **fresh parsley** for color and a burst of freshness. Serve the roasted potatoes hot, either as a side dish or a snack. They pair wonderfully with just about any protein, or you can enjoy them on their own with a dipping sauce of your choice.

### Tips for the Perfect Roasted Potatoes

1. **Use the Right Potatoes**: For the crispiest results, choose **waxy potatoes** (like Yukon Golds or red potatoes) or **fingerling potatoes**, which hold their shape well when roasted. If you prefer a fluffier interior, you can opt for **russet potatoes**.

2. **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause the potatoes to steam rather than roast, resulting in a less crispy texture.

3. **Preheat the Baking Sheet**: For extra crispiness, preheat the baking sheet in the oven while it’s heating up. Adding the potatoes to a hot baking sheet helps them begin crisping as soon as they hit the pan.

4. **Don’t Skimp on Olive Oil**: The olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up and enhances the flavor. Be sure to coat them generously, but not excessively. You want them to be evenly coated, not drenched.

5. **Adjust the Herbs**: Sage is a great herb for this dish, but you can easily switch it up based on your preferences. Try using **rosemary**, **thyme**, or even **oregano** if you’d like a different herbal note. Fresh herbs tend to have the best flavor, but dried herbs work well too if that’s what you have on hand.

6. **Add Parmesan for Extra Flavor**: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some **grated Parmesan cheese** over the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of roasting. This will give the potatoes a golden, cheesy crust that is irresistible.

### Variations of Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Sage

– **Lemon Garlic Sage Potatoes**: Add a zest of **lemon** to the potatoes before roasting for a refreshing citrus twist. You can also squeeze some lemon juice over the potatoes right after they come out of the oven for added brightness.
– **Spicy Roasted Potatoes**: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some **red pepper flakes** over the potatoes along with the garlic and sage. This adds a kick without overpowering the dish.
– **Bacon Roasted Potatoes**: For a savory, smoky flavor, toss some **crispy bacon bits** with the roasted potatoes in the last few minutes of cooking. The bacon adds crunch and richness to the dish.
– **Vegetarian Delight**: Toss the roasted potatoes with some **fresh spinach** or **kale** after they come out of the oven for a nutrient-packed twist.

### Conclusion

**Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Sage** are the perfect combination of crispy, tender, and flavorful. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this dish is ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. The garlic and sage infuse the potatoes with an irresistible savory aroma, while the crispy texture ensures that each bite is satisfying.

This recipe is versatile enough to complement any meal, from roasted meats to grilled vegetables, or simply served with your favorite dipping sauce. Give it a try at your next dinner and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of perfectly roasted potatoes.