Introduction
When it comes to side dishes, few can rival the comfort and versatility of perfectly roast potatoes. Golden, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are the perfect complement to nearly any main course. Whether you’re serving them alongside a Sunday roast, a holiday feast, or a casual dinner, roast potatoes have an unmatched ability to elevate a meal. Their flavor, texture, and simplicity make them a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.
If you’re looking for the ultimate recipe for roast potatoes, look no further. This guide will show you how to make the best roast potatoes—crispy, golden, and tender—every time. With the right techniques and a few helpful tips, you can achieve perfect roast potatoes that will leave everyone at the table coming back for seconds (or thirds). Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and easy to follow, yet guarantees restaurant-quality results.
So, let’s dive into why roast potatoes are so beloved, how to make them to perfection, and how you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences. From selecting the right potato variety to achieving that irresistible crunch, you’ll find all the tips and tricks you need to master this dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: The ideal roast potato should have a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. This recipe walks you through the steps to achieve that perfect texture every time.
- Versatile: Roast potatoes pair beautifully with nearly any dish—whether it’s a roast chicken, steak, fish, or even a vegetarian platter, they’re guaranteed to complement whatever you’re serving.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need to buy any fancy ingredients or obscure spices. This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it simple to whip up with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Customizable: While this recipe provides a delicious base, you can easily adapt it to your tastes by experimenting with different herbs, spices, and seasonings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: If you’re serving a group, roast potatoes are an easy dish to prepare in large batches. They’re always a hit, whether you’re hosting a big family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a BBQ.
- Easy to Make: With just a few key steps, anyone can create crispy, golden roast potatoes. It’s a foolproof recipe that ensures great results, even for beginners.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can par-boil the potatoes ahead of time, then roast them later. This makes the dish even easier to prepare when you’re cooking for a crowd or when you have a busy schedule.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including boiling and roasting)
- Servings: 4-6 people
- Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 220, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 9g, Protein: 4g
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet are ideal choices)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil for a neutral flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, helps with crispiness)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes
The type of potatoes you use is key to achieving the perfect roast. The best varieties for roasting are Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes. Yukon Golds are creamy and waxy, which helps them hold their shape while roasting, while Russets are starchy, giving them a fluffier interior. You can use either, or even a combination of both.
Make sure the potatoes are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. If you’re using larger potatoes, cut them into equal-sized chunks—around 1 1/2 to 2-inch pieces. Smaller potatoes can be roasted whole, or halved.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Once your potatoes are prepared, the first step is to par-boil them. This crucial step softens the potatoes and helps them cook evenly while ensuring a crispy exterior when roasted. Start by placing the chopped potatoes in a large pot, then cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for around 8-10 minutes. You want them to be just starting to soften, but not fully cooked through. The potatoes should be easy to pierce with a fork, but still a little firm in the center.
Tip: Don’t overcook the potatoes in the boiling water, as they will become too mushy and won’t crisp up in the oven. Aim for a slight fork resistance when testing them.
Step 3: Drain and Shake
Once the potatoes are par-boiled, carefully drain them in a colander. Then, give them a shake. This may sound simple, but it’s an important step for getting crispy edges. By shaking the potatoes in the colander, you create little nicks and cracks on the surface, which will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Allow the potatoes to sit in the colander for a minute or two to steam off excess moisture. This will help them crisp up even better in the oven.
Step 4: Season the Potatoes
While the potatoes are cooling slightly, prepare your seasoning. Pour the olive oil onto a baking sheet and preheat it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. The hot oil will help the potatoes achieve a crispier crust.
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. If you want extra crispiness, toss in a tablespoon of flour to the seasoning mixture. This helps coat the potatoes with a fine layer that will make the outside more golden and crispy.
Once the oil is hot, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and add the potatoes. Toss the potatoes in the oil until they are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them and toss again, ensuring every piece is evenly seasoned.
Step 5: Roast the Potatoes
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 45-50 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through for even browning. You’ll want the potatoes to be golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t burn, but allow the potatoes to become perfectly crispy and caramelized.
Tip: If your potatoes are not crispy enough towards the end of the cooking time, feel free to increase the oven temperature by 10-15°F or place them under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Just be sure to watch them carefully to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the potatoes are golden and crisp, remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. This short resting period helps the crispiness settle and prevents the potatoes from losing their texture.
For a finishing touch, melt some butter and drizzle it over the potatoes for added richness and flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or additional rosemary for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve
- With a Roast Dinner: Roast potatoes are often served as a side dish alongside roast beef, roast chicken, or roast lamb. They complement the meat’s flavors and absorb all the delicious juices and gravies.
- At a Barbecue: These crispy potatoes are perfect for outdoor BBQs, paired with grilled steaks, sausages, or vegetables. They can be served as an accompaniment to practically any grilled dish.
- With a Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the rich, comforting roast potatoes. Try adding a light cucumber salad or tomato and avocado salad to balance the flavors.
- For a Comforting Meal: Roast potatoes also make a hearty and comforting dish all on their own. Add some sautéed greens or a dollop of sour cream for a simple and satisfying meal.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Herb Variations: While rosemary is the classic herb for roast potatoes, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme, oregano, or even sage. Fresh herbs will impart a lovely, aromatic flavor to the potatoes.
- Add Cheese: For extra indulgence, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or cheddar on the potatoes in the final few minutes of roasting. The cheese will melt and crisp up, adding a savory layer of flavor.
- Spicy Roast Potatoes: Add a little kick to your roast potatoes by sprinkling paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes onto the potatoes before roasting. The spice will enhance the crispy exterior with an extra depth of flavor.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan-friendly version, skip the butter and use olive oil for roasting. The potatoes will still have a wonderfully crispy texture and flavor without the dairy.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time by boiling and shaking them, then storing them in the fridge for a day. When you’re ready to roast, simply toss them in hot oil and bake as usual.
Conclusion
The best roast potatoes are a staple side dish for any occasion, and with this recipe, you can make them crispy, golden, and delicious every time. From the perfect balance of soft and fluffy interiors to crispy, golden exteriors, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a wide range of mains. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, hosting a family dinner, or just looking for a comforting meal, these roast potatoes will become your go-to recipe for a perfect side every time.
Print
The Best Roast Potatoes: A Crispy, Golden Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Description
There’s something undeniably special about roast potatoes—crispy, golden exteriors with a soft, fluffy interior that melts in your mouth. Perfectly roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with any meal, especially during special occasions like holidays, Sunday dinners, or family gatherings. What makes these roast potatoes stand out is their irresistible crunch and the savory flavor that comes from perfectly balanced seasonings and a hot oven.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet are ideal choices)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil for a neutral flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, helps with crispiness)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes
The type of potatoes you use is key to achieving the perfect roast. The best varieties for roasting are Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes. Yukon Golds are creamy and waxy, which helps them hold their shape while roasting, while Russets are starchy, giving them a fluffier interior. You can use either, or even a combination of both.
Make sure the potatoes are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. If you’re using larger potatoes, cut them into equal-sized chunks—around 1 1/2 to 2-inch pieces. Smaller potatoes can be roasted whole, or halved.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Once your potatoes are prepared, the first step is to par-boil them. This crucial step softens the potatoes and helps them cook evenly while ensuring a crispy exterior when roasted. Start by placing the chopped potatoes in a large pot, then cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for around 8-10 minutes. You want them to be just starting to soften, but not fully cooked through. The potatoes should be easy to pierce with a fork, but still a little firm in the center.
Tip: Don’t overcook the potatoes in the boiling water, as they will become too mushy and won’t crisp up in the oven. Aim for a slight fork resistance when testing them.
Step 3: Drain and Shake
Once the potatoes are par-boiled, carefully drain them in a colander. Then, give them a shake. This may sound simple, but it’s an important step for getting crispy edges. By shaking the potatoes in the colander, you create little nicks and cracks on the surface, which will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Allow the potatoes to sit in the colander for a minute or two to steam off excess moisture. This will help them crisp up even better in the oven.
Step 4: Season the Potatoes
While the potatoes are cooling slightly, prepare your seasoning. Pour the olive oil onto a baking sheet and preheat it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. The hot oil will help the potatoes achieve a crispier crust.
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. If you want extra crispiness, toss in a tablespoon of flour to the seasoning mixture. This helps coat the potatoes with a fine layer that will make the outside more golden and crispy.
Once the oil is hot, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and add the potatoes. Toss the potatoes in the oil until they are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them and toss again, ensuring every piece is evenly seasoned.
Step 5: Roast the Potatoes
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 45-50 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through for even browning. You’ll want the potatoes to be golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t burn, but allow the potatoes to become perfectly crispy and caramelized.
Tip: If your potatoes are not crispy enough towards the end of the cooking time, feel free to increase the oven temperature by 10-15°F or place them under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Just be sure to watch them carefully to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the potatoes are golden and crisp, remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. This short resting period helps the crispiness settle and prevents the potatoes from losing their texture.
For a finishing touch, melt some butter and drizzle it over the potatoes for added richness and flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or additional rosemary for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 4g
