Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside—these crispy roast potatoes are the ultimate side dish for any meal. Simple yet flavorful, they pair perfectly with roasts, grilled meats, or even a casual dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: Achieve the ideal combination of crispy exteriors and tender interiors.
- Versatile Side: Complements a wide range of dishes, from hearty roasts to lighter meals.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- Foolproof Method: Step-by-step instructions ensure perfect potatoes every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- Olive oil or duck fat
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: Garlic, rosemary, thyme
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel the potatoes and cut them into even-sized chunks for uniform cooking.
- Parboil: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the potatoes, and cook for 7–10 minutes until slightly softened but not fully cooked. Drain and let them steam dry for a few minutes.
- Rough Up the Edges: Shake the potatoes in the colander to roughen their surfaces. This helps create a crispy texture.
- Season and Oil: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil or duck fat, salt, and pepper. Add optional garlic and herbs if desired.
- Roast: Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded. Roast for 45–50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy hot, garnished with extra herbs or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6 as a side dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a touch of heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan in the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- Lemon Herb: Toss with lemon zest and fresh parsley before serving.
- Vegan Option: Use olive oil instead of duck fat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover roast potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
1. What kind of potatoes are best for roasting?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they crisp up well while maintaining a fluffy interior.
2. Why should I parboil the potatoes before roasting?
Parboiling softens the interior and creates rough edges, which enhance crispiness during roasting.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can parboil the potatoes a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, then roast when ready.
4. How can I make these extra crispy?
Ensure the potatoes are dry before roasting and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Using duck fat can also enhance crispiness.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the baking sheet?
Yes, but keep in mind that other vegetables might cook faster. Add them halfway through roasting.
6. Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes, but they may not get as crispy due to their higher sugar content.
7. How do I prevent sticking on the baking sheet?
Use parchment paper or a non-stick baking tray. Tossing the potatoes well in oil also helps.
8. Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?
Absolutely. Roast in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
9. How do I reheat leftovers without losing crispiness?
Reheat in the oven or air fryer, as microwaving tends to make them soggy.
10. What herbs pair well with roast potatoes?
Rosemary, thyme, and parsley are classic choices, but dill and chives also work beautifully.
Conclusion
Crispy roast potatoes are a timeless and versatile side dish that’s easy to prepare and always impresses. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, their perfect combination of textures and flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
PrintCrispy Roast Potatoes
These crispy roast potatoes are golden, crunchy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. Perfect as a side dish, they pair wonderfully with any meal, from roasts to simple weeknight dinners. A simple recipe with delicious results every time!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes (including parboiling)
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American, British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly-sized chunks (about 1–2 inches).
- Parboil
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes until slightly softened. Drain and let them dry for 5 minutes.
- Season
- Return the potatoes to the pot, add olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly. Gently shake the pot to roughen the edges of the potatoes; this helps create a crispy texture.
- Roast
- Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for maximum crispiness.
- Roast for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite main dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a hot baking tray and ensure the potatoes are completely dry before seasoning.
- You can substitute olive oil with duck fat or butter for a richer flavor.