Crispy roast potatoes are a classic side dish that everyone loves. Golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavor, these potatoes are perfect for pairing with roasts, grilled meats, or even as a snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, every bite is a delight.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples are all you need for this recipe.
- Versatile: Pair with almost any meal or customize with your favorite seasonings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, these potatoes are always a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Potatoes (Yukon Gold, Russet, or Maris Piper are ideal)
- Olive oil or duck fat
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder or minced garlic
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Boil the Potatoes:
- Peel and cut the potatoes into even-sized chunks (about 2 inches). Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the edges begin to soften but the potatoes remain firm.
- Drain and Roughen:
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot. Shake the pot gently to roughen the edges of the potatoes; this helps create a crispy exterior.
- Season and Coat:
- Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or melted duck fat and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder or minced garlic.
- Roast the Potatoes:
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching for maximum crispiness.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 as a side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Cheesy Potatoes: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili flakes to the seasoning.
- Lemon Herb: Toss the potatoes with lemon zest and fresh dill for a zesty twist.
- Garlic Butter: Drizzle melted garlic butter over the potatoes before serving for extra indulgence.
- Vegan Option: Use avocado oil or coconut oil instead of duck fat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze roasted potatoes in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven.
FAQs
1. What are the best potatoes for roasting?
Yukon Gold, Russet, or Maris Piper potatoes are ideal for their balance of starchiness and fluffiness.
2. Why do I need to boil the potatoes first?
Parboiling softens the edges, which helps them crisp up beautifully during roasting.
3. Can I leave the skins on?
Yes, leaving the skins on adds extra texture and flavor. Just scrub the potatoes well before cooking.
4. How do I make my potatoes extra crispy?
Use a hot oven, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and roughen the edges of the potatoes after boiling.
5. Can I make these potatoes in an air fryer?
Yes, cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
6. Can I add other vegetables to the roasting pan?
Yes, carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts work well, but keep them in separate sections to avoid steaming the potatoes.
7. What’s the best oil for crispy roast potatoes?
Olive oil, avocado oil, or duck fat are excellent choices for a golden, crispy finish.
8. Can I season the potatoes with spices other than salt and pepper?
Absolutely! Try smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or curry powder for different flavor profiles.
9. How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet?
Use parchment paper or a well-greased baking sheet, and ensure the potatoes are well coated in oil.
10. Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
Partially roast the potatoes, then finish crisping them in the oven just before serving.
Conclusion
Crispy roast potatoes are a simple yet irresistible side dish that can elevate any meal. With their golden, crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, they’re the ultimate comfort food. Customize them with your favorite herbs and spices, and enjoy this timeless classic today!
Print
Crispy Roast Potatoes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: British
Description
These Crispy Roast Potatoes are perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, with a fluffy interior. Seasoned to perfection, they’re the ultimate side dish for any meal. Simple yet irresistible, these potatoes will be a hit every time!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (1 kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or duck fat for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a large baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato chunks and parboil for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are just starting to soften.
Rough Up the Potatoes:
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Shake the pot vigorously to rough up the surfaces of the potatoes. This helps create a crispy texture during roasting.
Season the Potatoes:
- In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the potatoes and toss until evenly coated.
Roast the Potatoes:
- Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and spread the potatoes out in a single layer. Ensure they’re not overcrowded to allow even crisping.
- Roast for 45–50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
Serve:
- Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish, garnish with extra herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crunch: After parboiling, let the potatoes dry completely before tossing them in oil and seasonings.
- Duck fat or beef tallow: These fats provide an extra depth of flavor for a luxurious twist.
- Variations: Add Parmesan cheese or chili flakes for added flavor.