Roasted Heart Shaped Potatoes

The first time I attempted heart-shaped anything in the kitchen, it was a complete disaster that ended in laughter and takeout. These potatoes though, they somehow worked on the first try, transforming an ordinary Tuesday dinner into something that made my family actually pause before eating. The smell of garlic and rosemary wafting through the house became an instant signal that something special was happening.

I made these for Valentine's Day one year when we were too broke for a fancy restaurant dinner. My partner pretended not to notice I'd spent forty minutes cutting out potato hearts while the oven preheated, but the way they kept reaching for just one more told me everything.

Ingredients

• Yukon Gold or red potatoes: These varieties hold their shape beautifully and develop the best crispy skin without becoming mealy
• Olive oil: Creates that golden exterior we're all chasing and helps the herbs cling to every surface
• Fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic roasts into sweet, mellow pockets of flavor unlike anything from a jar
• Fresh rosemary and thyme: Woody herbs stand up to high roasting temperatures better than delicate ones
• Sea salt: Essential for drawing out moisture and ensuring those crispy edges we want
• Fresh parsley: Adds a bright pop of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 425°F and line that baking sheet with parchment now so you're not scrambling later when your hands are covered in oil

Transform the potatoes:

Slice your potatoes lengthwise into half-inch slabs, then press that heart cookie cutter into each one and save the scraps for breakfast hash tomorrow

Make the magic coating:

Whisk together the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper until it looks like a fragrant green paste

Coat every heart:

Toss those potato hearts gently in the marinade until every surface is glistening and covered in herbs

Arrange for success:

Lay them out in a single layer without crowding because steam is the enemy of crispy potatoes

Roast to perfection:

Let them go for 30 to 35 minutes but flip them halfway through when you remember so both sides get equally golden

Finish with flair:

Hit them with fresh parsley and flaky salt right when they come out of that hot oven

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These became my go-to contribution for friend dinner parties after everyone kept asking when I'd bring them again. Something about those little heart shapes makes people feel taken care of in a way regular side dishes never do.

Mix Up Your Potatoes

Sweet potatoes add gorgeous color and a slight sweetness that plays beautifully against the savory herbs. I've done a mixed batch and watching people choose between golden and red hearts became its own kind of dinner party game.

Timing Is Everything

I learned the hard way that these need to go into a hot oven immediately after coating. Letting them sit in the marinade too long makes the garlic burn before the potatoes cook through, and nobody wants bitter charcoal bits on their cute heart potatoes.

Make Them Your Own

The herb combination that changed everything for me was adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the mix. It gives these little hearts an unexpected depth that makes people pause and wonder what that secret ingredient is.

• Parmesan cheese in the last five minutes creates a salty crispy crust
• Lemon zest added after roasting brightens everything beautifully
• These reheat surprisingly well in a toaster oven

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These heart-shaped potatoes turned a simple side dish into something that makes people feel special before they even take a bite.

Recipe Questions

→ What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal due to their texture and ability to crisp well while staying tender inside.

→ Can I use other herbs besides rosemary and thyme?

Yes, herbs like oregano or sage can be substituted for a different flavor profile, enhancing the dish's aroma.

→ How can I ensure the potatoes become crispy?

Roasting at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) and flipping halfway through helps achieve a crisp exterior without drying out the inside.

→ Is there an alternative to the heart-shaped cutter?

If unavailable, you can slice the potatoes into uniform slabs or other shapes, though the heart shape adds a festive touch.

→ Can these potatoes be paired with other dishes?

They complement grilled meats, fish, or fresh salads, adding a visually appealing and flavorful side component.