Montreal Steak Seasoned Roasted Baby Potatoes
The aroma always takes me back. As a child, my grandfather, a butcher by trade, always had a special blend of spices he’d generously sprinkle on everything grilled or roasted. It wasn’t until years later, rummaging through his old recipe box after he passed, that I discovered the secret ingredient: Montreal steak seasoning. The familiar scent, a symphony of garlic, pepper, and coriander, instantly transported me back to summer evenings on his porch, the sizzle of the grill, and the comforting presence of family. These roasted baby potatoes, generously coated in that very same spice blend, are a tribute to those memories, a simple dish elevated by the magic of flavour and nostalgia.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: About 4 cups
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- ½ onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons McCormick’s Montreal Brand steak seasoning
- ¼ cup olive oil
Equipment Needed
- Roasting pan
- Large bowl (optional, for tossing)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
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Thoroughly wash the baby potatoes. There’s no need to peel them unless you prefer to.
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Slice the baby potatoes into approximately 1-inch thick slices. Smaller potatoes can be halved; larger ones may need to be quartered to ensure even cooking.
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In a roasting pan, combine the sliced baby potatoes and the thinly sliced onion.
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Generously sprinkle the Montreal Steak seasoning over the potatoes and onions. Aim for an even coating.
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Pour the olive oil over the mixture.
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Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure that the potatoes and onions are well coated with the oil and seasoning. You can do this directly in the roasting pan or in a large bowl for easier mixing, then transfer to the pan. Distribute the potatoes in a single layer for optimal roasting.
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Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for approximately 30 minutes.
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After about 15 minutes of baking, turn the potatoes and onions using a spatula or tongs to promote even browning on all sides.
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The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and have soft centres. Test for doneness by piercing a potato with a fork – it should slide in easily.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Crispy Perfection: For extra crispy potatoes, don’t overcrowd the roasting pan. Give the potatoes enough space so they aren’t steaming, but roasting. If necessary, use two pans.
- Spice it Up: While the recipe calls for McCormick’s Montreal Steak Seasoning, feel free to experiment with other spice blends. A smoky paprika blend or an Italian herb mix can also be delicious.
- Even Slicing: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, try to slice them into uniformly sized pieces.
- Pre-Soaking (Optional): If you have the time, you can soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before roasting. This helps to remove excess starch and can contribute to a crispier exterior. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before adding the oil and seasoning.
- High Heat Finish: For extra browning and crispiness, you can broil the potatoes for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch them closely to prevent burning!
- Make Ahead: You can slice the potatoes and onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Drain and dry them well before proceeding with the recipe.
- Don’t Skimp on the Oil: The olive oil helps the potatoes roast properly and prevents them from sticking to the pan. Make sure they are generously coated.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These Montreal steak seasoned roasted baby potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve them alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, pan-seared fish, or even vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf or grilled halloumi.
For a simple and satisfying meal, top the potatoes with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. They also make a fantastic addition to breakfast or brunch – try serving them with fried eggs and bacon.
Storage: Leftover roasted potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of olive oil. Microwave reheating is possible, but the potatoes may lose some of their crispness.
Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze roasted potatoes. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven, adding a few minutes to the cooking time. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly softer after freezing and thawing.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 284 kcal | N/A |
| Total Fat | 13.7 g | 21% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g | 9% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 14.3 mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37 g | 12% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.6 g | 22% |
| Sugars | 3.2 g | N/A |
| Protein | 3.9 g | 7% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Variations & Substitutions
- Sweet Potatoes: Substitute sweet potatoes for baby potatoes for a sweeter and more vibrant dish.
- Different Onions: Try using red onion for a slightly sharper flavour, or shallots for a more delicate taste.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the roasting pan, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli, for a more complete side dish. Be mindful of different cooking times – add vegetables that cook faster towards the end.
- Herbs: Enhance the flavour with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. Add them to the roasting pan along with the potatoes and onions.
- Garlic: Add minced garlic to the roasting pan for an extra layer of flavour.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
A: Yes, you can. Just make sure to cut them into roughly 1-inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan since it doesn’t contain any animal products.
Q: What if I don’t have Montreal steak seasoning?
A: You can make your own blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, coriander, dill seed, red pepper flakes, and salt.
Q: How can I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?
A: Make sure to coat the potatoes well with olive oil and don’t overcrowd the pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Q: Can I grill these potatoes instead of roasting them?
A: Yes, you can. Place the potatoes and onions in a grill basket or on a piece of foil and grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and slightly charred.
Final Thoughts
I sincerely hope you give this recipe a try! It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to transform humble baby potatoes into a star side dish. The Montreal steak seasoning adds a depth and complexity that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and find your own perfect combination of flavors. And most importantly, enjoy the process of cooking and sharing this delicious dish with your loved ones. I’d love to hear your feedback and any creative twists you add to the recipe! Bon appétit!