Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe
If you have been searching for the ultimate Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe that results in golden, crunchy exteriors and fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth interiors, look no further. This recipe perfectly balances simple ingredients with a technique that transforms humble potatoes into a show-stopping side dish that everyone will rave about. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a Sunday roast, or just a comforting weeknight dinner, these crispy roast potatoes will steal the spotlight every time with their irresistible texture and mouthwatering flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to bring these crispy roast potatoes to life. Each component plays an important role in delivering perfect crispiness, seasoning, and aromatic depth.
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (2 lbs): These varieties provide the ideal starchy balance for a crispy outside and fluffy inside.
- Olive oil or duck fat (¼ cup): A generous coating ensures even roasting and a golden finish; duck fat adds richness if you want to indulge.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural potato flavor.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds mild heat and depth.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a subtle savory note that pairs beautifully with herbs.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (1 tablespoon finely chopped): Or dried (1 teaspoon) for fragrant herbal undertones.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon, optional): A clever addition that helps break down the potato surface to maximize crispiness.
How to Make Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Parboil the Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the optional baking soda along with a generous pinch of salt. The baking soda works wonders by creating a starchy coating that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Boil the peeled and chunked potatoes for about 10 minutes until they’re tender on the outside but still firm inside—this ensures they won’t turn to mush when roasted. Drain them well and give the colander a good shake to rough up the surfaces, which will create that much-loved crispy texture once roasted.
Step 2: Heat Your Fat of Choice
While the potatoes are draining, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your roasting pan with olive oil or duck fat inside the oven to heat it until shimmering and hot. This step is key because adding the potatoes to hot fat initiates the crisping process immediately, helping to lock in a golden crust on every surface.
Step 3: Coat and Season the Potatoes
Carefully add the parboiled potatoes to the hot fat, tossing to ensure every piece is coated in that flavorful oil. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and your choice of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Spread the potatoes out so they have space between each piece—crowding them will steam rather than crisp them.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and roast the potatoes for 40 to 45 minutes. Turn them once or twice during cooking to brown all sides evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when the potatoes are irresistibly golden and crisp on the outside with a fluffy, tender interior that makes every bite a delight.
How to Serve Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your crispy roast potatoes even further, sprinkle some flaky sea salt just before serving for bursts of salty crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or extra rosemary can add a vibrant, fresh aroma that complements the rich roast perfectly. A little lemon zest also brightens the dish for a refreshing twist.
Side Dishes
These potatoes pair spectacularly well with roasted meats, such as chicken, beef, or lamb, but they’re equally fantastic alongside a vegan main like a hearty mushroom stew. Crisp greens, like sautéed spinach or a simple arugula salad, balance the richness while sauces like gravy or garlic aioli add another layer of flavor for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, serve your crispy roast potatoes in rustic individual bowls topped with dollops of sour cream or crème fraîche and sprinkled with chives. For a party or casual dining, try stacking them on a board alongside a variety of dips and garnishes to invite guests to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover crispy roast potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them well sealed to prevent them from drying out and to maintain as much crispness as possible.
Freezing
While potatoes are best freshly roasted, you can freeze leftover cooked potatoes by first letting them cool completely, then spreading them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents clumping so you can reheat portions as needed. Use within 1 month for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring your crispy roast potatoes back to life, avoid the microwave which makes them soggy. Instead, reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes to restore that coveted crispy crunch. Toss them halfway through reheating for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are preferred for their texture, but you can experiment with red potatoes or fingerlings. Just keep in mind that waxier potatoes might be less fluffy inside but can still roast nicely crisp.
Why do you add baking soda when boiling the potatoes?
The baking soda raises the pH level of the water, which breaks down the potato surfaces slightly, creating a rough, starchy exterior perfect for crisping up in the oven. It’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference.
Is duck fat necessary or can I just use olive oil?
Duck fat isn’t necessary but adds a luxurious flavor and golden crispiness. Olive oil is great for a vegan-friendly option and still produces delicious, crispy roast potatoes.
How do I know when the potatoes are done roasting?
They should be deep golden brown and crispy on all sides, and when you pierce one with a fork, the inside should be soft and fluffy without resistance.
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time before roasting?
You can parboil and dry the potatoes ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before roasting, which is helpful for meal prep. Just make sure they’re at room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe has quickly become a beloved classic in my kitchen because it delivers that perfect balance of crispy edges and soft interiors every single time. The straightforward ingredients and easy steps mean anyone can create a show-stopping side dish that elevates any meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy of perfectly roasted potatoes with friends and family!
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Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This recipe for Crispy Roast Potatoes delivers perfectly golden, crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside potatoes seasoned with garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of olive oil or duck fat. Using a parboiling step with baking soda improves the crispiness by roughening the potato edges, making this an ideal side dish for holiday meals or comforting dinners.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
For Roasting
- ¼ cup olive oil or duck fat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for extra crispness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the potatoes to a golden crisp.
- Parboil Potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the baking soda (if using) and a generous pinch of salt. Add the potato chunks and boil for 10 minutes until the potatoes are just tender on the outside but still firm inside.
- Drain and Roughen: Drain the potatoes well in a colander, then shake gently to roughen their edges. This rough texture will improve crispiness when roasting.
- Heat Oil in Pan: Place your roasting pan with the olive oil or duck fat in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes until the fat is shimmering hot.
- Coat Potatoes in Hot Oil: Carefully add the parboiled potatoes to the hot oil and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer with space between each piece.
- Roast Potatoes: Roast in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, turning once or twice during cooking. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serve: Serve the crispy roast potatoes hot, optionally garnished with extra fresh herbs or flaky sea salt for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Parboiling with baking soda creates a starchy surface that crisps beautifully.
- For extra flavor, add smashed garlic cloves or lemon zest to the roasting oil before adding potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: British, American
