This Skillet Roasted Baby Potatoes recipe has been a beloved staple in my kitchen for years. Despite having prepared it countless times, I hesitated to share it on my blog, considering it perhaps too “simple.” However, after numerous requests from friends and family who consistently rave about its flavor and ease, they convinced me that its simplicity is precisely its charm and what makes it truly blog-worthy.

So, here it is! This recipe proves that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require complex steps. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet delivers an unbelievably satisfying taste. As an added bonus, these pan-roasted baby potatoes are naturally compliant with various dietary needs, being dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and even Whole30-compliant (though no one needs to know how healthy they are!). They effortlessly elevate any meal, making them a perfect go-to side for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Why You Will Fall in Love with This Easy Baby Potato Recipe

These crispy skillet roasted baby potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re a culinary revelation waiting to happen in your kitchen. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites:

• Effortless Comfort Food That Impresses! This dish strikes the perfect balance between simple preparation and gourmet appeal. When I serve these, guests are consistently amazed by their flavor and beautiful presentation. They often ask for the “secret” to achieving such perfectly cooked potatoes, assuming I’ve spent hours creating something truly sophisticated, when in reality, it’s incredibly straightforward. It’s the ultimate comfort food that tastes like a special occasion without any of the fuss.
• Irresistibly Delicious Flavor! There’s a reason this is, hands-down, one of my most requested and cherished potato side dishes. The combination of the rich olive oil, simple seasoning, and the unique cooking method creates an unparalleled depth of flavor. Each bite offers a delightful explosion of savory goodness that complements nearly any main course, from a simple roasted chicken to a gourmet steak.
• Naturally Food Allergen-Friendly for Everyone! Finding a delicious recipe that caters to various dietary restrictions can be a challenge, but these skillet roasted baby potatoes fit the bill perfectly. They are naturally free from the top 9 food allergens, making them safe and enjoyable for almost everyone at your table. Beyond that, they are also dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and Whole30-compliant. This makes them an ideal choice for inclusive meal planning, ensuring everyone can enjoy a hearty and flavorful side. (If you love compliant recipes, check out my Zoes Kitchen Potato Salad copycat recipe too!)
• The Perfect Crispy Exterior and Tender Interior! The magic of this recipe lies in its two-step cooking process. We start these baby potatoes on the stovetop in a hot skillet, which initiates that coveted crispy skin. Then, we finish them in the oven, allowing them to roast to perfection, ensuring they become wonderfully tender and fluffy on the inside while maintaining that irresistible golden, crunchy exterior. This method guarantees a texture contrast that is truly addictive.

Ingredient Notes & Expert Tips for Perfect Roasted Potatoes

This truly simple side dish relies on just four fundamental ingredients, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more. You’ll need baby or petite potatoes, high-quality olive oil (or avocado oil), and a touch of salt and pepper to bring out their natural deliciousness.

Does It Matter What Color Baby Potatoes I Use?

Absolutely not! This recipe is incredibly versatile and works perfectly with any variety of petite or baby potatoes. Whether you choose vibrant purple potatoes, classic red potatoes, buttery yellow potatoes, or a beautiful medley like the one you see in the photos, the results will be equally fantastic. Each color offers a slightly different visual appeal, making a mixed bag particularly stunning on your plate. While all options are great, I confess a soft spot for the small purple potatoes. Whenever I find a bag of all-purple ones, I make sure to grab them and whip up a batch using this exact method!

Do I Need to Peel the Potatoes?

No, there’s no need to peel these lovely baby potatoes! Their thin skins are not only edible but also contribute to the delicious crispiness and add valuable nutrients and fiber to your dish. Just ensure you wash your potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing gently to remove any dirt. Leaving the skin on also significantly cuts down on prep time, making this recipe even quicker and easier.

Can I Add More Seasoning?

While this recipe shines with just salt and pepper, feel free to get creative with your seasonings! A sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs like rosemary and thyme can add another layer of flavor. For a touch of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes would be excellent. Add these additional seasonings during the pan-frying stage to allow their flavors to meld beautifully with the potatoes and oil.

How to Make Perfect Crispy Skillet Roasted Baby Potatoes

Achieving perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside baby potatoes is surprisingly simple with this method. Follow these steps for a side dish that’s sure to impress!

STEP 1: Prepare Your Potatoes. Begin by thoroughly washing your baby potatoes. Depending on their size, you’ll want to cut them for even cooking. Small baby potatoes can simply be halved, while larger ones might need to be quartered or even cut into sixths. The goal is to have pieces of similar size to ensure they cook uniformly. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) during this time.

STEP 2: The Pan-Frying Secret. This is the crucial step for achieving that incredible crispy texture. Heat your olive oil (preferably extra virgin for best flavor) in a large cast-iron skillet or another heavy, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your cut potatoes along with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Pan-fry the potatoes for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden crust on several sides. This initial pan-frying creates a fantastic crispy layer that oven roasting alone cannot replicate.

The trick to making these roasted baby potatoes so incredibly delicious and perfectly crispy is this initial pan-frying step in olive oil before transferring them to the oven. While you can technically skip this step when you’re truly pressed for time or feeling a bit lazy, I highly recommend against it. Trust me, the potatoes are never quite as good without that initial stovetop sear, as the skin won’t achieve that irresistible crispiness on the outside. It’s a small extra effort for a huge flavor payoff!

STEP 3: Oven Roast to Perfection. If you’re using an oven-proof skillet (like a cast-iron skillet), simply transfer it directly to your preheated oven. Otherwise, carefully transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C), or until they are fork-tender on the inside and beautifully golden and crisp on the outside. Give them a gentle shake halfway through for even browning.

STEP 4: Serve and Enjoy! Carefully remove the skillet or baking sheet from the oven. Let the roasted potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. At this point, taste and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt and pepper if needed. These skillet roasted baby potatoes are comfort food at its finest – and they look absolutely gorgeous on your plate without any extra effort! Plus, remember, this recipe is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and Whole30-compliant!

Skillet Roasted Baby Potatoes

Kelly Kirkendoll