Directions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a large, heavy baking sheet on the middle rack while the oven heats so it gets hot; this helps the potatoes crisp on contact.
Prepare the potatoes: Scrub the red potatoes well and pat them dry with a clean towel. Halve them lengthwise so each piece has a broad, flat surface that will sit cut-side down on the pan.
Season the potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved red potatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, and chopped fresh rosemary. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss until every potato is lightly coated with oil and the rosemary is well distributed.
Arrange on the hot pan: Carefully remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven. Quickly spread the potatoes onto the pan in a single layer, placing them cut-side down. Make sure they are not crowded; space between pieces allows the edges to crisp instead of steam.
Roast until crisp and golden: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for 25–30 minutes without stirring, or until the cut sides are deeply golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. If your oven runs cool, you may need an extra 5 minutes.
Finish and serve: Use a thin spatula to loosen and flip a few potatoes to check the color—there should be a good, even crust on the cut sides. Transfer the hot potatoes to a white ceramic serving bowl. Scatter a few small fresh rosemary sprigs over the top for aroma and color. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt and pepper if needed, then serve immediately while the skins are still crisp.
Variations & Tips
To keep the spirit of the 3-ingredient method, think of any additions as optional accents rather than part of the base recipe. For a slightly different flavor profile, swap in other woody herbs for the rosemary: fresh thyme leaves or a mix of thyme and rosemary work beautifully and still pair well with most main dishes. If you prefer a softer interior with extra-crispy edges, parboil the halved potatoes in salted water for 5–7 minutes, drain very well, then rough up the cut sides slightly with a spoon before tossing with oil and rosemary; they’ll roast faster and develop more texture. For extra browning, use a dark, heavy baking sheet or a preheated cast-iron skillet—both conduct heat more aggressively than a shiny pan. You can also adapt this method for a sheet-pan supper by adding sturdy vegetables like carrot coins or halved Brussels sprouts to the pan (tossed separately with oil so you can keep the potatoes’ 3-ingredient base intact), staggering their roasting time so everything finishes together. Leftovers re-crisp nicely in a hot skillet with a teaspoon of oil, and any extra can be turned into a quick hash the next morning with sautéed onions and a fried egg on top.
