Little Potatoes Recipe (with Video)

Little Potatoes Recipe: Little potatoes might be small in size, but they’re big on flavor and incredibly easy to work with. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing a meal for the whole family, this little potatoes recipe is going to be your new favorite side dish. These bite-sized spuds are creamy, naturally buttery, and absorb flavors beautifully, making them the perfect blank canvas for a variety of seasonings and cooking styles. You can roast them, boil them, smash them, or throw them into your air fryer—they turn out amazing every time.

What makes them even more lovable? They’re quick to prep and cook, which means you can whip up a delicious dish in under 30 minutes. Ready to turn your humble bag of little potatoes into a star at the dinner table? Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide and uncover just how simple and satisfying this dish really is.

What Are Little Potatoes?

Little potatoes, often called baby potatoes or new potatoes, are just what they sound like—small, immature potatoes harvested before they reach full size. Don’t let their size fool you. These little guys are packed with flavor and offer a rich, creamy texture that’s hard to beat. Unlike larger russet or Idaho potatoes, little potatoes have thinner skins, which means you don’t need to peel them. That’s a win for both flavor and convenience.

They come in a variety of colors and types: red, yellow, white, and even purple. Each type has its own unique texture and taste, but all of them cook quickly and soak up seasonings beautifully. Their compact size makes them perfect for fast cooking methods like roasting or boiling, and because they’re so tender, they’re ideal for recipes where you want a soft inside and crispy outside.

These potatoes are often used in gourmet dishes and fine dining, but you don’t need to be a professional chef to make them shine. Just a few simple ingredients and the right technique will make you fall in love with this humble vegetable all over again.

Health Benefits of Little Potatoes

Let’s talk nutrition. Little potatoes are not just tasty—they’re also good for you. These small spuds are naturally low in calories and fat but are high in essential nutrients. A single serving is packed with potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure, and vitamin C, which supports your immune system.

Here are a few health perks of adding little potatoes to your meals:

• Rich in fiber: Especially when you leave the skin on.
• High in antioxidants: Particularly the colorful varieties like purple or red.
• Naturally gluten-free: Making them ideal for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low on the glycemic index: They won’t spike your blood sugar like some other starches.
• No cholesterol or fat: As long as you don’t smother them in butter or cheese (unless you want to, of course).

So the next time someone says potatoes are unhealthy, just remind them: it’s not the potato—it’s how you cook it. And with this recipe, we’re keeping things delicious and nutritious.

Types of Little Potatoes You Can Use

Not all little potatoes are created equal. Different varieties bring different textures and flavors to the table. Here’s a quick breakdown of your best options:

• Baby Red Potatoes: Slightly sweet and creamy, with a red skin that holds up well when roasting or boiling.
• Baby Yukon Gold: Buttery flavor and golden color. Perfect for mashing or smashing.
• Fingerlings: Long, narrow, and a bit waxy. These are ideal for slicing and roasting.
• Purple Potatoes: Bold in color and rich in antioxidants. Adds a fun visual twist to your dish.
• Mixed Medley: A colorful mix of baby potatoes that gives your dish a rustic, gourmet look.

When choosing your potatoes, try to get ones that are uniform in size. This ensures even cooking, whether you’re roasting, boiling, or air frying.

Why You’ll Love This Little Potatoes Recipe

Still on the fence about trying this recipe? Here’s why you’re going to absolutely love it:

• Quick and Easy: You don’t need fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen.
• Minimal Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples and you’re ready to roll.
• Versatile: Change up the herbs, spices, and cooking method to suit any meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday feast or Tuesday night dinner, everyone will want seconds.
• Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, buttery and soft inside—basically potato perfection.

If you’re tired of boring, bland side dishes, these little potatoes are your solution. They’re reliable, customizable, and just plain delicious.

List of Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to get started on your little potato masterpiece:

Essential Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs little potatoes (any variety)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme (or both!)
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color and depth)

Optional Add-Ons:

• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Lemon zest for brightness
• Chili flakes for a spicy kick
• Balsamic glaze drizzle

These ingredients can be mixed and matched to suit your taste. Want a cheesy version? Toss in parmesan. Feeling spicy? Sprinkle on some cayenne. The sky’s the limit.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Good news—you won’t need anything fancy to pull off this recipe. Just a few kitchen basics:

• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs or spatula
• Air fryer (optional, for air fryer method)
• Saucepan (for boiling)

Make sure to preheat your oven or air fryer ahead of time. Cooking little potatoes is all about that high heat crisp!

Preparation Tips Before You Begin

Before jumping into cooking, a few simple prep steps will make your little potatoes recipe shine. These tiny spuds don’t require much effort, but a bit of attention beforehand can take your dish from average to amazing.

Wash Thoroughly

Even though the skin is thin and edible, little potatoes still grow in the dirt, and no one wants a gritty bite. Rinse them under cold water and give them a good scrub with your hands or a soft brush to remove any remaining soil. If you spot any blemishes or sprouts, trim them with a paring knife.

Keep the Skin On

One of the biggest perks of little potatoes is their thin, tender skin. Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it also helps hold everything together during cooking, especially when roasting or smashing. Plus, it crisps up beautifully in the oven or air fryer.

Uniform Size Matters

If you’re working with a mixed bag of little potatoes and some are noticeably larger than others, slice the larger ones in half to ensure even cooking. This is especially important for roasting or boiling—uneven sizes can lead to some being overcooked while others stay underdone.

Dry Them Well

This is a pro tip! Once washed, pat the potatoes dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps them crisp up better when roasting or air frying.

Season in a Bowl, Not on the Pan

Toss your potatoes with oil and seasoning in a mixing bowl before laying them on the baking tray or putting them in the air fryer. This ensures they’re evenly coated and every bite is flavorful.

Now that you’re prepped and ready, let’s walk through how to make perfect little potatoes, step by step.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Little Potatoes

This is the heart of our recipe—the full walk-through. Whether you’re roasting, boiling, or air frying, follow these steps for delicious little potatoes every time.

Step 1: Wash and Prep the Potatoes

Begin by rinsing your little potatoes under cold water to remove dirt. Leave the skins on for extra flavor and nutrients. Pat them dry, then cut larger ones in half for even cooking while keeping smaller ones whole.

Step 2: Preheat Oven or Stovetop

Decide whether you’re roasting, boiling, or sautéing. For roasting, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). If boiling or sautéing, set your pot or pan on medium heat so it’s ready once the potatoes are seasoned.

Step 3: Seasoning

Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Coat them evenly so every bite is flavorful.

Step 4: Cooking Methods – Roasting, Boiling, Sautéing

Roast for 25–35 minutes until golden.
Boil for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender.
Sauté in a skillet for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally for crisp edges.

Step 5: Serving and Garnishing

Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley, melted butter, or grated Parmesan for a delicious finish.

Roasted Little Potatoes Recipe (Oven)

Roasting is the most popular way to cook little potatoes because it brings out their natural sweetness and gives you that irresistible crispy skin. Here’s a simple oven-roasted little potatoes recipe you can use any day of the week.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash and dry potatoes. Cut any large ones in half.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss potatoes in the mixture until evenly coated.
5. Spread out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. Once golden and crispy, remove and garnish with fresh herbs.

These roasted little potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and full of flavor. Perfect with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or just as a snack on their own.

Boiled Little Potatoes Recipe

Boiling is the fastest method if you’re short on time. While it won’t give you crispy skin, it results in incredibly creamy and soft little potatoes that soak up flavors beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs little potatoes
• Salted water
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Fresh dill or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash the potatoes, leaving the skins on.
2. Fill a pot with enough water to cover the potatoes. Add a generous pinch of salt.
3. Bring water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Cook potatoes for 12–15 minutes or until fork-tender.
5. Drain and return to the pot.
6. Add butter, minced garlic, and herbs. Toss to coat.
7. Serve warm.

Want a creamy mash? Just use a fork to lightly crush them and mix with more butter and herbs for a rustic mashed version.

Smashed Little Potatoes Recipe

If you’ve never tried smashed potatoes, prepare to be amazed. This version combines the best of both worlds—boiled softness inside and roasted crispiness outside.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs little potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary
• Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes until fork-tender (about 12–15 minutes).
2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. Drain and let them cool slightly.
4. Place potatoes on a greased baking sheet.
5. Using the bottom of a cup, gently press each potato until it’s about ½-inch thick.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until crispy and golden.
8. Optional: sprinkle parmesan during the last 5 minutes.

This method is crunchy, cheesy, and dangerously addictive.

Air Fryer Little Potatoes

If you’ve got an air fryer, this is hands down one of the easiest ways to make crispy little potatoes with less oil and no mess.

Instructions:

1. Toss washed and dried potatoes with oil, garlic powder, salt, and herbs.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Place potatoes in the basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway.
5. Serve with dipping sauce or as a side dish.

Air fryer potatoes are super crispy, fast, and perfect for healthy weeknight dinners.

Flavor Variations You Can Try

One of the best things about little potatoes is how adaptable they are. With just a few tweaks, you can give them entirely new personalities. Whether you’re in the mood for something herby, cheesy, zesty, or spicy—there’s a variation to match. Here are some flavor-packed ideas to switch up your usual routine:

1. Garlic Parmesan Little Potatoes

• Toss your cooked little potatoes in melted butter, minced garlic, and grated parmesan.
• Add a sprinkle of parsley and black pepper.
• Pop them under the broiler for 2–3 minutes for an extra golden, cheesy crust.

2. Spicy Paprika Potatoes

• Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and some garlic powder before roasting.
• These are perfect for those who like a little heat with their crunch.

3. Lemon Herb Potatoes

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over roasted or boiled potatoes.
• Add chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
• This combo is light, fresh, and perfect for spring or summer meals.

4. Balsamic Glazed Potatoes

• Drizzle cooked potatoes with a balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade).
• Add crumbled feta and chopped basil for a Mediterranean vibe.

5. Ranch-Style Potatoes

• Mix potatoes with ranch seasoning before air frying or roasting.
• Serve with a side of ranch dip for double the flavor.

Flavor variations like these ensure that you’ll never get bored of little potatoes. Mix it up based on what’s in your pantry or the vibe of your meal—it’s hard to go wrong.

Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got some leftovers? Don’t worry—little potatoes reheat beautifully and can be repurposed into new meals.

How to Store:

• Place cooled potatoes in an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Avoid sealing them while still hot—trapped steam will make them soggy.

How to Reheat:

1. Oven: Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes. This brings back the crisp.
2. Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes. Perfectly crispy again.
3. Microwave: For a quick option, microwave in 30-second bursts, but note they’ll be softer.
4. Stovetop: Sauté leftovers in a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil for 5–7 minutes.

Bonus Tip:

Use leftover little potatoes in:

• Breakfast hash with eggs and onions
• Potato salad
• Frittatas or casseroles
• Wraps and burritos

Waste not, want not. Your little potatoes can shine a second time around!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though little potatoes are simple to cook, a few small missteps can mess up the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Skipping the Wash

Always wash your potatoes. Even if they look clean, a quick rinse gets rid of residual dirt and debris.

2. Forgetting to Dry Them

Wet potatoes won’t roast or crisp up properly. After washing, pat them dry with a towel before cooking.

3. Overcrowding the Pan

If you’re roasting, give the potatoes space. Crowding leads to steaming rather than roasting, and you’ll miss out on that golden crunch.

4. Under-seasoning

Little potatoes are blank canvases—they need seasoning to come alive. Be generous with salt, herbs, and spices.

5. Not Flipping Midway

When roasting or air frying, flip the potatoes halfway to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.

Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll get perfect little potatoes every single time.

What to Serve with Little Potatoes

These versatile spuds are the ultimate sidekick. They pair well with just about anything, so let’s break it down:

With Meat:

• Grilled steak
• Roasted chicken
• Pork chops
• Lamb skewers
• BBQ ribs

With Seafood:

• Baked salmon
• Shrimp scampi
• Grilled tilapia
• Fish and chips (try replacing fries with roasted little potatoes!)

Vegetarian Options:

• Stuffed bell peppers
• Grilled veggie skewers
• Baked tofu or tempeh
• Mushroom stroganoff

On Their Own:

• With a creamy dip as an appetizer
• Tossed into a green salad
• Served with eggs for breakfast or brunch

Little potatoes are the kind of side that never steal the spotlight but always complete the plate.

FAQs about Little Potatoes Recipe

1. Can I freeze cooked little potatoes?

Yes, you can! Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

2. How long do little potatoes last in the fridge?

Raw little potatoes can last up to 2 weeks in a cool, dark place. Cooked ones should be stored in the fridge and eaten within 3–4 days.

3. Do I need to peel little potatoes?

Nope! Their skin is thin, tender, and packed with nutrients. Leave it on for better flavor and texture.

4. Can I make little potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can boil or roast them in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat just before serving.

5. What herbs go best with little potatoes?

Rosemary, thyme, parsley, dill, chives, and basil are all excellent. Fresh or dried both work well depending on the dish.

Conclusion

There you have it—your ultimate guide to making little potatoes that are crispy, creamy, flavorful, and totally addicting. Whether you’re roasting them in the oven, smashing them for extra crunch, boiling them for a soft side, or crisping them up in the air fryer, little potatoes deliver big flavor in a small package.

They’re affordable, fast, and incredibly versatile. With endless flavor combinations and cooking methods, you’ll never get tired of making them. So next time you’re looking for a comforting side dish that’s guaranteed to impress, grab a bag of little potatoes and give one of these recipes a try.

Let your taste buds lead the way—and don’t be surprised if they steal the show at dinner!