Crispy roasted potatoes are a beloved classic and a must-have side dish for any meal. The golden, crunchy exterior paired with a soft, tender interior makes these potatoes irresistible. Whether you’re serving them alongside a juicy roast, grilled meats, or simply enjoying them as a savory snack, this recipe guarantees you’ll end up with crispy perfection every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Texture: Crispy and golden on the outside with a fluffy and soft inside, creating a delicious contrast in every bite.
- Simple and Accessible Ingredients: Using just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe allows you to create a gourmet side dish without any fuss.
- Versatile: These crispy potatoes can complement nearly any main course. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite seasonings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by all ages, these potatoes are sure to impress your guests or family members during any meal.
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 great choices)
- Olive oil or duck fat (for extra richness)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder or minced garlic
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fragrant garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). To prevent the potatoes from sticking, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, or you can lightly grease the sheet with oil.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into even chunks, approximately 2 inches each. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the potato chunks. Let them simmer for about 8-10 minutes until the edges of the potatoes begin to soften but the center remains firm. This parboiling step helps to achieve that crispy exterior later.
Step 3: Drain and Roughen the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are boiled, drain them thoroughly and then return them to the pot. Here’s the key step for crispiness: gently shake the pot to roughen the edges of the potatoes. These roughened edges will get beautifully crispy during roasting.
Step 4: Season and Coat
Transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them generously with olive oil or melted duck fat for added flavor. Then, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (or minced garlic, if you prefer a more robust garlic flavor). Toss everything together to coat the potatoes evenly.
Step 5: Roast the Potatoes
Now it’s time to roast! Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the potatoes aren’t touching one another; this ensures each potato gets crisp and golden. Place them in the preheated oven and roast for about 40-50 minutes. Be sure to flip the potatoes halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and become golden all over.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and crispy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Cheesy Potatoes: Add grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting to create a cheesy, savory finish.
- Spicy Kick: Spice things up by adding cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
- Lemon Herb: For a zesty twist, toss the potatoes with lemon zest and fresh dill before roasting.
- Garlic Butter: Drizzle melted garlic butter over the potatoes just before serving for a rich, indulgent flavor.
- Vegan Option: If you prefer a vegan-friendly recipe, substitute duck fat with avocado oil or coconut oil for roasting.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover crispy potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To restore their crispiness, reheat the potatoes in a 400°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze roasted potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup olive oil or duck fat For extra richness, duck fat can be used.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Alternatively, use minced garlic.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped Fresh thyme or parsley can also be used.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Peel and cut the potatoes into even 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 the potatoes and return them to the pot. Shake the pot gently to roughen the edges of the potatoes.
- Transfer the potatoes to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or melted duck fat, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (or minced garlic). Toss to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. This helps them get crispy during roasting.
- Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the best potatoes for roasting?
- The best potatoes for roasting are those with a high starch content, such as Yukon Gold, Russet, or Maris Piper. These varieties provide the perfect balance of fluffiness and crispness.
- Why do I need to boil the potatoes before roasting?
- Parboiling the potatoes softens the edges, making them more susceptible to crisping up in the oven. The process also helps them cook evenly.
- Can I leave the skins on the potatoes?
- Yes, leaving the skins on adds extra flavor and texture to the potatoes. Just make sure to scrub them thoroughly before cooking.
- How do I achieve extra crispy potatoes?
- To get an extra crispy finish, use a hot oven, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, and roughen the edges of the potatoes after boiling.
- Can I make these potatoes in an air fryer?
- Yes! You can cook these potatoes in an air fryer at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Can I add other vegetables to the roasting pan?
- Absolutely! Vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts can be added to the roasting pan. Just make sure to keep them in separate sections so the potatoes can roast properly.
- What’s the best oil for crispy roast potatoes?
- Olive oil, avocado oil, or duck fat are excellent choices for achieving a crispy and golden finish. These oils not only add flavor but also help with crispiness.
- Can I season the potatoes with spices other than salt and pepper?
- Yes! Feel free to experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or even curry powder to create different flavor profiles.
- How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet?
- Make sure you use parchment paper or grease the baking sheet well. Also, coat the potatoes evenly in oil to prevent sticking.
- Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?
- Yes! You can partially roast the potatoes and then finish roasting them in the oven just before serving to restore the crispiness.
Conclusion
These crispy roasted potatoes are a perfect side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With their irresistible golden crust and fluffy interior, they complement a variety of dishes and are a crowd favorite. Customize them with your favorite herbs, seasonings, or even cheesy toppings for added flavor. Enjoy this timeless dish and elevate your next meal with these crispy, golden bites of goodness!
With these crispy roasted potatoes, you’re sure to impress your guests or family members. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a casual dinner, or even a snack, they will undoubtedly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.