The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever

These are the best crispy roast potatoes ever! Perfectly golden, fluffy on the inside, and crunchy on the outside, they make a delightful side dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, these roast potatoes will impress everyone at the table. Plus, they are gluten-free and can easily be made vegan with just a simple swap of oil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Crispiness: The baking soda helps create that perfect crispy exterior that everyone loves.
• Flavor-Packed: Infused with garlic and rosemary, these potatoes are bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair them with your favorite meats or serve them alongside veggie dishes.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is approachable for all cooks.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, gatherings, or just a comforting weeknight meal.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the best crispy roast potatoes ever, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Baking sheet
• Small saucepan
• Metal spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes evenly before roasting.
• Fine-mesh strainer: Helps to strain the infused oil without losing any garlic or herbs.
• Baking sheet: Provides ample space to spread out the potatoes for even roasting.
• Metal spatula: Perfect for flipping and turning the potatoes without breaking them.

Ingredients

These are the most flavorful crispy roast potatoes you’ll ever make. And they just happen to be gluten-free and vegan (if you use oil) to boot.

For the Potatoes

• Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (4g) baking soda
• 4 pounds (about 2kg) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters, sixths, or eighths depending on size (see note)
• 5 tablespoons (75ml) extra-virgin olive oil, duck fat, goose fat, or beef fat

For Flavoring

• Small handful picked rosemary leaves, finely chopped
• 3 medium cloves garlic, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Small handful fresh parsley leaves, minced

How to Make The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Adjust the oven rack to center position and preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) or 400°F (200°C) if using convection.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes

Heat 2 quarts (2L) of water in a large pot over high heat until boiling.
1. Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt (about 1 ounce; 25g), baking soda, and potatoes.
2. Stir well and return to a boil.
3. Reduce to a simmer and cook until a knife meets little resistance when inserted into a potato chunk—this should take about 10 minutes after returning to a boil.

Step 3: Prepare Flavoring Oil

Meanwhile, combine olive oil, duck fat, or beef fat with rosemary, garlic, and a few grinds of black pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat.
1. Cook while stirring constantly until garlic begins to turn golden—this should take about 3 minutes.
2. Immediately strain oil through a fine-mesh strainer set over a large bowl. Reserve garlic/rosemary mixture separately.

Step 4: Coat Potatoes

Once cooked, drain the potatoes carefully and let them rest in the pot for about 30 seconds to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
1. Transfer them into the bowl with infused oil.
2. Season with more salt and pepper as desired.
3. Toss gently until coated; there should be a thick layer of mashed potato-like paste on each chunk.

Step 5: Roast Potatoes

Spread the potatoes evenly onto a large rimmed baking sheet.
1. Roast without moving them for 20 minutes.
2. After that time, use a thin metal spatula to release any stuck pieces; shake pan gently and turn potatoes.
3. Continue roasting until deep brown and crisp all over—this will take an additional 30 to 40 minutes.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Transfer roasted potatoes into a large bowl and add reserved garlic/rosemary mixture along with minced parsley.
1. Toss well to coat thoroughly.
2. Season again if needed with salt and pepper before serving immediately.

Enjoy your deliciously crispy roast potatoes!

How to Serve The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever

The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever are incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of dishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.

With Roasted Chicken

• Juicy roast chicken pairs perfectly with crispy potatoes, soaking up the flavorful juices on your plate.

As Part of a Veggie Platter

• Serve the crispy potatoes alongside an assortment of seasonal vegetables for a colorful and healthy side dish.

Dipped in Garlic Aioli

• A creamy garlic aioli makes for a fantastic dipping sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor to each bite.

Accompanied by Fresh Herbs

• Garnish the potatoes with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance their aroma and presentation.

With a Lemon Zest Finish

• A sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving adds brightness and balances the richness of the dish.

How to Perfect The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever

To achieve the ultimate crispiness in your roast potatoes, follow these tips for perfect results every time.

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy varieties like russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture.
• Parboil Before Roasting: Pre-cooking the potatoes softens them and helps create that desired crispy outer layer.
• Use Hot Oil: Make sure your oil is hot before adding potatoes; this promotes immediate crisping.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each potato piece space to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• Toss with Seasonings: Coat your potatoes well in oil and seasonings for maximum flavor throughout.
• Shake Occasionally: Turning the potatoes during roasting ensures they brown evenly on all sides.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever

These side dishes pair wonderfully with The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever, making your meal complete and satisfying.

1. Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears grilled until slightly charred add a fresh crunch.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a savory complement with their nutty flavor.
3. Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet, glazed carrots offer a contrast to the savory potatoes, creating a balanced plate.
4. Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans add color and freshness alongside your crispy roast potatoes.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These colorful peppers filled with grains or vegetables make for a hearty option.
6. Cauliflower Gratin: Creamy cauliflower gratin adds richness and works well with the crunchy texture of the potatoes.
7. Quinoa Salad: A light salad with quinoa, vegetables, and dressing provides a nutritious and refreshing side.
8. Creamy Coleslaw: Crunchy slaw brings a tangy bite that contrasts nicely with the warm roasted flavor of potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure you achieve The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever, keep these common mistakes in mind.

• Not Prepping the Potatoes Properly: Failing to cut potatoes into uniform sizes can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure all pieces are similar in size for consistent results.

• Skipping the Baking Soda: Baking soda helps create that perfect crispy texture. Don’t skip this ingredient; it’s essential for achieving the ideal crunch.

• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing too many potatoes on one pan can cause steaming instead of roasting. Spread them out in a single layer to allow for proper browning.

• Ignoring the Oil Temperature: If your infused oil isn’t hot enough, potatoes won’t crisp up. Make sure to heat it until just before it starts smoking for optimal results.

• Not Tossing the Potatoes: Neglecting to toss the potatoes during roasting can lead to uneven crispiness. Be sure to turn them occasionally for a golden, crunchy exterior.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever

• Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread potatoes on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through, though this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and reheat potatoes until golden and crispy, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever:

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, both russet and Yukon Gold potatoes work well. Choose based on your preference for texture and flavor.

How do I make these roast potatoes vegan?

Simply replace any fat with extra-virgin olive oil to keep these potatoes vegan while maintaining their delicious crunch.

What should I serve with crispy roast potatoes?

These roast potatoes pair excellently with roasted vegetables, salads, or as a side for grilled meats like chicken or turkey.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can prep the potatoes earlier in the day and roast them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How do I achieve maximum crispiness?

Ensure that all excess moisture is removed from the potatoes before roasting, and don’t overcrowd your baking sheet!

Final Thoughts

These The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different herbs or spices based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you’ll discover how easy it is to create the perfect side dish that everyone will love!