The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever
Table of Contents
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of crispy roast potatoes wafting from the kitchen, a scent that instantly transports me back to my childhood. Growing up, Sundays were always special in our home. The kitchen would be bustling, the air filled with warmth and laughter, as my family gathered around the table to enjoy a hearty meal. And, of course, no Sunday roast was complete without my grandmother’s perfectly crispy roast potatoes. They were golden nuggets of joy, with a crunch that gave way to a fluffy interior, seasoned to perfection with herbs from her garden.
These potatoes are more than just a side dish; they are a testament to the beauty of simple, honest cooking. Their crispy exterior and soft, tender insides make them a comforting staple that I now pass on to my own family. The secret lies in the technique—parboiling the potatoes with baking soda, which helps create that irresistible crust, and infusing the oil with fragrant rosemary and garlic. It’s a recipe that embodies the homemade passion I cherish, allowing me to share a piece of my past with everyone who gathers at my table. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef, this recipe is approachable and foolproof, promising the kind of satisfaction that only comes from creating something truly delicious with your own hands.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
These crispy roast potatoes bring a delightful twist to any meal, making them a must-have for your dining experience. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:
Unbeatable Texture: The combination of a crispy exterior and fluffy interior is a texture match made in heaven. Every bite is a delightful contrast that will keep you coming back for more. The parboiling process with baking soda breaks down the potato surfaces, ensuring a crispy finish once roasted.
Flavorful Infusion: The use of infused oil with rosemary and garlic elevates these potatoes beyond the ordinary, adding layers of flavor that are both aromatic and savory. This infusion process allows the robust flavors of the rosemary and garlic to permeate through every piece, creating a taste that is both familiar and exciting.
Family Tradition: This recipe is a beautiful way to connect with family traditions and create new memories. The simple joy of cooking and sharing this dish brings people together, just like it did in my childhood. Sharing these potatoes is like sharing a piece of history, a culinary legacy passed down through generations.
Easy and Approachable: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels. It’s as easy as it is rewarding, proving that anyone can create something delicious. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to achieve perfection with this dish; just a love for good food and a willingness to try.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up these delightful bites, you won’t need much—just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade snacks:
Large Pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes to the perfect tenderness before roasting them to crispy perfection. A robust pot retains heat well, ensuring even cooking of the potatoes.
Fine-Mesh Strainer: This helps in straining the infused oil, ensuring you capture all the flavors without any bits. It’s important for achieving a smooth finish and for removing any burnt garlic or rosemary pieces.
Large Bowl: Perfect for tossing the potatoes with infused oil, allowing for even coating and seasoning. A wide, deep bowl gives you the room to really shake and toss the potatoes, ensuring every piece is perfectly coated.
Rimmed Baking Sheet: Ensures even roasting and prevents the potatoes from rolling off, making it easier to achieve that perfect crisp. The high sides help contain the potatoes as you turn them, preventing any from escaping.
Thin Metal Spatula: Handy for turning and shaking the potatoes without breaking them, ensuring they remain intact and crispy. A flexible spatula helps in gently lifting the potatoes without damaging their delicate crust.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (4 g) baking soda
- 4 pounds (about 2 kg) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters, sixths, or eighths, depending on size
- 5 tablespoons (75 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, duck fat, goose fat, or beef fat
- Small handful picked fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
- 3 medium cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Small handful fresh parsley leaves, minced
Instructions
Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) or 400°F (200°C) if using convection. Heat 2 quarts (2L) water in a large pot over high heat until boiling. Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt (about 1 ounce; 25g), baking soda, and potatoes and stir. Return to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until a knife meets little resistance when inserted into a potato chunk, about 10 minutes after returning to a boil.
Meanwhile, combine olive oil, duck fat, or beef fat with rosemary, garlic, and a few grinds of black pepper in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Cook, stirring and shaking pan constantly, until garlic just begins to turn golden, about 3 minutes. Immediately strain oil through a fine-mesh strainer set in a large bowl. Set garlic/rosemary mixture aside and reserve separately.
When potatoes are cooked, drain carefully and let them rest in the pot for about 30 seconds to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Transfer to bowl with infused oil, season to taste with a little more salt and pepper, and toss to coat, shaking bowl roughly, until a thick layer of mashed potato–like paste has built up on the potato chunks.
Transfer potatoes to a large rimmed baking sheet and separate them, spreading them out evenly. Transfer to oven and roast, without moving, for 20 minutes. Using a thin, flexible metal spatula to release any stuck potatoes, shake pan and turn potatoes. Continue roasting until potatoes are deep brown and crisp all over, turning and shaking them a few times during cooking, 30 to 40 minutes longer.
Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and add garlic/rosemary mixture and minced parsley. Toss to coat and season with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 1 hour • Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes • Calories: 220 • Servings: 6
Note: For an extra hint of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving. The cheese adds a nutty, savory dimension to the potatoes, making them even more irresistible.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
These crispy roast potatoes not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:
Potatoes: Rich in potassium and vitamin C, potatoes offer energy-boosting carbohydrates and are naturally fat-free. They are also a good source of fiber, which can aid in digestion and keep you feeling full longer.
Olive Oil: Known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, olive oil enhances flavor while promoting cardiovascular health. It’s a staple in many healthy diets, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Rosemary: This herb is not only fragrant but also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Rosemary is believed to improve digestion and boost memory, making it a smart addition to any dish.
Garlic: A powerhouse of flavor, garlic also offers immune-boosting properties and can help lower cholesterol levels. It’s been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and is a great way to add depth to your cooking.
Parsley: This vibrant herb is high in vitamins A, C, and K, adding a fresh finish and nutritional boost to your dish. Parsley also acts as a natural breath freshener, a bonus after a garlic-rich meal.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These crispy roast potatoes are versatile companions to various beverages and dishes, making them perfect for any occasion:
Roast Chicken: The classic pairing of roast chicken and crispy potatoes is a match made in heaven, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. The savory, juicy flavors of the chicken complement the crispy, aromatic potatoes perfectly.
Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the potatoes, offering a refreshing contrast. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the potatoes, balancing the meal beautifully.
Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine enhances the savory notes of the potatoes, perfect for a cozy dinner. The tannins in the wine can help cleanse the palate, preparing you for the next delicious bite.
Apple Cider: For a non-alcoholic option, apple cider pairs beautifully, adding a touch of sweetness to the savory dish. The sweet notes of the cider play well with the herbs and spices in the potatoes, making for a delightful combination.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
To keep your crispy roast potatoes fresh and delightful, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until crispy again. This method helps retain their crunch without drying them out.
Freezing: Although not ideal, you can freeze the potatoes for up to a month. To reheat, place them directly from the freezer into a hot oven and roast until heated through and crispy. This will help maintain the texture as much as possible.
Creative Leftovers: Turn leftovers into a delicious breakfast hash by sautéing with onions, bell peppers, and eggs. Or, mash them into a base for a comforting potato soup. These versatile potatoes can be transformed into new dishes that are just as satisfying.
As you embrace the art of homemade cooking, remember that each dish you create carries the love and warmth of those who taught you. These crispy roast potatoes are more than a recipe; they are a tradition, a connection to the past, and a promise of new memories shared around the table. So gather your loved ones, savor the flavors, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a meal made with care and heart.
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The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) or 400°F (200°C) if using convection. Heat 2 quarts (2L) water in a large pot over high heat until boiling. Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt (about 1 ounce; 25g), baking soda, and potatoes and stir. Return to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until a knife meets little resistance when inserted into a potato chunk, about 10 minutes after returning to a boil.
- Meanwhile, combine olive oil, duck fat, or beef fat with rosemary, garlic, and a few grinds of black pepper in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Cook, stirring and shaking pan constantly, until garlic just begins to turn golden, about 3 minutes. Immediately strain oil through a fine-mesh strainer set in a large bowl. Set garlic/rosemary mixture aside and reserve separately.
- When potatoes are cooked, drain carefully and let them rest in the pot for about 30 seconds to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Transfer to bowl with infused oil, season to taste with a little more salt and pepper, and toss to coat, shaking bowl roughly, until a thick layer of mashed potato–like paste has built up on the potato chunks.
- Transfer potatoes to a large rimmed baking sheet and separate them, spreading them out evenly. Transfer to oven and roast, without moving, for 20 minutes. Using a thin, flexible metal spatula to release any stuck potatoes, shake pan and turn potatoes. Continue roasting until potatoes are deep brown and crisp all over, turning and shaking them a few times during cooking, 30 to 40 minutes longer.
- Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and add garlic/rosemary mixture and minced parsley. Toss to coat and season with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
