Ultimate Crispy Herb-Roasted Potatoes with Bell Peppers

I’ve perfected this recipe for Crispy Herb-Roasted Potatoes with Bell Peppers through years of testing various techniques. This side dish combines the irresistible crunch of perfectly roasted potatoes with the sweet tenderness of bell peppers, all enhanced by aromatic fresh herbs.

The Science Behind Perfect Roast Potatoes

The secret to achieving ultimate crispiness lies in the par-boiling process. This initial cooking step creates a slightly roughened exterior on the potatoes, which then forms an incredibly crunchy surface during roasting. This technique was popularized by British chefs and has become the gold standard for roasted potato preparation.

Prep & Timing Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Par-boiling Time: 7 minutes
• Roasting Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6 portions

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling
• Colander
• Large rimmed baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

Main Components

• 1.5 lbs (680g) baby potatoes, halved
• 2 red bell peppers, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)

Herbs and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnish

• Additional fresh herbs
• Flaky sea salt

Detailed Instructions

Preparation Phase

1. Position oven rack in the upper third of the oven
2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
3. Wash and halve potatoes (keep sizes uniform for even cooking)
4. Clean and dice bell peppers into 1-inch pieces
5. Mince garlic and chop fresh herbs

Par-boiling Process

1. Fill a large pot with cold water and add 1 tablespoon salt
2. Add halved potatoes to cold water
3. Bring to a boil over high heat
4. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5-7 minutes until edges are slightly tender
5. Drain potatoes in a colander
6. Shake the colander vigorously to rough up potato edges (this creates more surface area for crisping)
7. Let potatoes steam dry for 2 minutes

Seasoning and Roasting

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper
2. Add par-boiled potatoes to the bowl
3. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all surfaces
4. Spread potatoes cut-side down on a large baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch
5. Roast for 20 minutes undisturbed

Adding Bell Peppers

1. Remove baking sheet from oven
2. Add diced bell peppers around the potatoes
3. Drizzle peppers with a touch more olive oil if needed
4. Return to oven for 5-10 minutes until:

• Potatoes are golden brown and crispy
• Peppers are tender with slight char on edges

Finishing Touches

1. Remove from oven
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley
3. Season with additional flaky sea salt if desired
4. Transfer to serving dish

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Don’t skip the par-boiling step – it’s crucial for achieving maximum crispiness
2. Use waxy potatoes for best results (Yukon Gold or similar varieties work well)
3. Ensure potatoes are completely dry before adding oil and seasonings
4. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – potatoes need space to crisp
5. Resist the urge to flip potatoes during the first 20 minutes of roasting

Storage and Reheating

• Best served immediately while crispy
• Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 165
• Total Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 395mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 3g

Serving Suggestions

These crispy herb-roasted potatoes with bell peppers make an excellent side dish for:

• Grilled or roasted meats
• Baked fish
• Vegetarian main courses
• Sunday roast dinners
• Holiday meals

The combination of crispy, golden potatoes and sweet, tender bell peppers creates a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with almost any main course. The fresh herbs add brightness while the garlic provides a savory depth that makes this dish irresistibly delicious.