Roasted Heart Potatoes – Easy Valentine’s Day Side Dish Recipe

Roasted Heart Potatoes turn a simple side dish into something special for Valentine’s dinner at home. I started making these a few years back when I wanted something cute but not fussy, and they’ve become part of our valentines dinner ideas at home rotation. The potatoes get golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft inside, and cutting them into hearts takes maybe five extra minutes.

What makes these work well for Valentine’s Day food ideas dinner is that they’re easy enough for a weeknight but feel thoughtful. You can prep them ahead if you’re making a bigger meal, and they pair with just about anything.

Picking the Right Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes work best for these Roasted Heart Potatoes because they hold their shape when cut and get that nice crispy exterior. Russets work too if that’s what you have. Just avoid waxy red potatoes since they don’t crisp up as well.

Choose larger potatoes so you can cut multiple hearts from each one. Medium potatoes give you maybe 2-3 hearts, but large ones let you get 4-5. Save the scraps for hash browns or mashed potatoes later.

What You’ll Need

1. 5-6 large Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 pounds)
2. 3 tablespoons olive oil
3. 1 teaspoon kosher salt
4. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
5. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
6. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
7. Small heart-shaped metal cookie cutter (2-3 inches)

How to Cut Heart Shapes

Peel your potatoes and slice them about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices get too crispy and can burn, while thicker ones don’t cook through evenly. Use a metal cookie cutter instead of plastic. Metal pushes through raw potato way easier and you won’t risk breaking your cutter.

Press the cutter straight down through each slice and twist slightly to release. Drop the heart shapes into a bowl of cold water as you work to keep them from turning brown. This is one of those valentine foods for kids that looks impressive but really isn’t complicated.

The Parboiling Step

Here’s what makes these potatoes extra crispy. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add your heart-shaped potatoes, and cook for 5-7 minutes. They should be almost tender when you poke them with a fork, but not falling apart. This pre-cooking step is what lets the outside get really golden without overcooking the inside.

Drain them well and let them sit in the colander for about 5 minutes. You want the steam to escape completely so they’re dry on the surface. Wet potatoes steam in the oven instead of roasting, and you’ll miss out on that crispy texture.

Seasoning and Roasting

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Mix the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary in a large bowl. Add the cooled potato hearts and toss gently. You want them coated but not dripping with oil.

Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. Crowded potatoes steam instead of roast. If you need to, use two pans. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through with a spatula. They’re done when the edges are golden brown and crispy.

For what to make for valentines dinner, these pair perfectly with steak, chicken, or salmon. They’re also great as snacks for valentines party if you’re doing something casual.

Making Them Work for Different Meals

These Roasted Heart Potatoes fit into lots of meal plans. As part of vday dinner ideas, serve them alongside roasted chicken and green beans. For at home valentines dinner ideas that include kids, pair them with chicken tenders or mini burgers. They’re mild enough that most kids will eat them.

If you’re planning Valentine’s Day food dinner for the family, make a double batch. They reheat well in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, getting crispy again. The microwave makes them soggy, so skip that.

You can also change up the seasonings. Try paprika and cumin for a smoky flavor, or parmesan and Italian herbs if you want something cheesy. The basic technique stays the same.

Storage and Prep Ahead Tips

Cut and parboil the potatoes up to 2 days ahead. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, toss with oil and seasonings, then roast as directed. They might need an extra 5 minutes in the oven since they’re starting cold.

Fully cooked Roasted Heart Potatoes keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them spread out on a baking sheet at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again, about 10-12 minutes.

For valentines meal for kids or regular family dinners, this make-ahead option saves time on busy evenings. Just pull them from the fridge and pop them in the oven while you handle everything else.

FAQ

Can I skip the parboiling step?

You can, but they won’t be as crispy. Raw potatoes take longer to roast and the outside often burns before the inside cooks through. Parboiling gives you that perfect crispy-outside, fluffy-inside texture in less time.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?

Cut the potatoes into rounds, cubes, or wedges instead. The cooking method works the same way. You can also use any other shape cutter you have, stars, circles, whatever fits your meal theme.

How do I keep the heart shapes from breaking when I toss them?

Toss them gently with your hands instead of shaking the bowl vigorously. The hearts are a bit delicate after parboiling, so careful mixing keeps them intact. A few broken ones won’t ruin the dish though.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes. Parboil as directed, then air fry at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Work in batches so they’re not crowded. Air fryer potatoes get extra crispy.

What else can I serve with Roasted Heart Potatoes?

They pair well with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, baked fish, or salads. For Valentine’s Day specifically, try them with filet mignon, herb-crusted salmon, or roasted chicken breast. They’re also good with breakfast foods like eggs and bacon.

Will sweet potatoes work for this recipe?

Sweet potatoes work but they cook faster and get softer. Reduce the parboiling time to 3-4 minutes and watch them closely while roasting. They’ll be done in about 20 minutes instead of 30.