Save to Pinterest These heart-shaped potatoes are sliced and seasoned with olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and aromatic rosemary. They are roasted until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Ideal for special occasions or to brighten any meal with their charming shape and delightful flavor.
Preparation involves cutting the potatoes into 1 cm thick rounds, using a heart-shaped cutter, then tossing with seasonings before roasting at 220°C (425°F) for 25–30 minutes. Optional garlic enhances aroma, and soaking the potatoes before cooking can increase crispiness.
The first time I made these, my kitchen smelled like a rustic European bistro. I was experimenting with potato shapes for Valentine's Day, and something about the combination of rosemary and hearts just felt right. Now they've become my go-to whenever I want to make a regular dinner feel like a celebration.
Last Valentine's Day, I made these for a small dinner party and watched everyone's faces light up when they saw the platter. My friend's daughter kept asking if I bought them from a fancy bakery. There's something about heart shapes that just makes food taste better, or maybe it's all that fresh rosemary talking.
Ingredients
- Yukon Gold or red potatoes: These varieties hold their shape beautifully and develop the most satisfying crispy edges. About 800 grams gives you plenty of hearts.
- Olive oil: Two tablespoons helps achieve that perfect golden crunch. I've learned that tossing them thoroughly really matters.
- Fresh rosemary: Two tablespoons finely chopped releases those aromatic oils that make your kitchen smell amazing. Dried rosemary just won't give you the same effect here.
- Sea salt and black pepper: One and a half teaspoons salt and half teaspoon pepper is the right ratio to make the flavors pop without overwhelming.
- Garlic: Two cloves minced is optional but I never skip it anymore. It adds that subtle savory depth that people can't quite put their finger on.
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 220°C (425°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prep step makes everything else flow smoothly.
- Shape your hearts:
- Peel the potatoes and slice into 1 cm thick rounds. Use that heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts from each slice, saving the scraps for soup or mashed potatoes later.
- Season with love:
- In a large bowl, toss the potato hearts with olive oil, salt, pepper, chopped rosemary, and minced garlic until every piece is coated.
- Arrange for roasting:
- Lay them out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet without overlapping. This space is what creates those crispy edges we're after.
- Roast to perfection:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch for that gorgeous golden brown color and crispy edges to develop.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and get them to the table while they're still hot and irresistible.
Save to Pinterest My niece now requests these every time she visits. What started as a gimmicky holiday idea has become a genuine family favorite. Last week she even helped me cut out the hearts, making it a proper kitchen activity instead of just cooking dinner.
Making Them Extra Crispy
After years of making these, I've discovered that the soaking step is what separates good from great. That cold water bath draws out surface starch and helps the potatoes develop that restaurant-quality crunch. Just don't skip the drying part afterwards.
Sweet Potato Twist
Sweet potatoes work beautifully here and add gorgeous color to your plate. They cook slightly faster, so start checking at 20 minutes. The natural sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the rosemary and creates a stunning presentation.
Perfect Pairings & Serving Ideas
These potatoes shine alongside roasted chicken or a simple steak dinner. I've also served them as part of a brunch spread with eggs. The heart shape makes them perfect for showers, birthday celebrations, or any occasion that calls for something special.
- A simple garlic aioli takes these to the next level
- Try them with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill
- Keep extra rosemary handy for garnishing right before serving
Save to Pinterest These heart-shaped potatoes have a way of turning ordinary meals into memories. Hope they bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine.
Common Questions
- → What type of potatoes work best for this dish?
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Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal due to their balance of waxy and starchy texture, which crisps well while remaining fluffy inside.
- → How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
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Soak the cut potato hearts in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning and roasting. This removes excess starch and helps achieve a crispier texture.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
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You can slice and shape the potatoes in advance, storing them in cold water to prevent browning. Season and roast just before serving for best results.
- → Is it necessary to use fresh rosemary?
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Fresh rosemary provides the most vibrant flavor and aroma, but dried rosemary can be used in a pinch with adjusted quantity.
- → What cooking temperature is recommended?
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Roast the potatoes in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) to ensure they cook evenly and achieve a golden, crispy finish.
- → Can garlic be omitted from the seasoning?
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Yes, garlic is optional and can be excluded if preferred; the dish remains flavorful with rosemary and seasoning alone.
