If you’re searching for the kind of roast potato that disappears from the plate before anything else, you need to try The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever. Fluffy inside, glass-shatteringly crisp outside, packed with golden, garlicky flavor—these beauties will absolutely ruin you for any other potato side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Crunchy Edges: Each potato chunk is surrounded by a golden, super-crispy crust created by par-boiling and roughing up the spuds before roasting.
- Herby, Garlicky Flavor: Infused oil mingles with tiny flecks of fresh rosemary and garlic, seasoning every bite from the inside out.
- Fluffy, Tender Middles: Baking soda in the water breaks down the potato surface, guaranteeing a creamy, cloud-like interior.
- Impresses at Any Occasion: Whether for Sunday roast, holidays, or just a special weeknight, The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever steal the spotlight every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever is delightfully short, but each element plays an essential role in that perfect bite—earthy, crisp, lightly herby, deeply savory. Don’t skip or skimp; this is where the magic begins!
- Kosher salt: Not just for boiling—the salt ensures your potatoes are seasoned all the way through right from the start.
- Baking soda: Just a small amount breaks down the potato surface, helping to develop that ultra-crispy crust as they roast.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: These varieties have the perfect balance of starch and moisture; go for russets for extra crunch, Yukons for a slightly waxier finish.
- Extra-virgin olive oil, duck fat, goose fat, or beef fat: The fat of your choice infuses flavor and aids browning—duck or goose fat will give you next-level richness.
- Fresh rosemary leaves: Chopped rosemary gives a piney, savory aromatic note that makes these potatoes feel festive and special.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds deep, rounded flavor to the infused oil and the final toss.
- Freshly ground black pepper: For just the right hint of warmth.
- Fresh parsley leaves: Minced parsley added at the end brings brightness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
Variations
The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever are endlessly adaptable! Don’t be afraid to personalize them with herbs, spices, or the fat of your choice—whatever works for your pantry, tastes, or dietary needs.
- Swap the Herbs: Try thyme, sage, or oregano instead of rosemary for a different earthy flavor profile.
- Change the Fat: Use refined coconut oil for a vegan twist, or experiment with schmaltz for a new depth.
- Spice it Up: Dust with smoked paprika, chili flakes, or cumin for an extra flavor kick before roasting.
- Lemon Zest Finish: Grate a little fresh lemon zest with the parsley at the end for a zippy, fresh twist.
How to Make The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever
Step 1: Parboil the Potatoes
Begin by bringing a big pot of heavily salted water—don’t forget the baking soda!—to a rolling boil. Add your peeled, chunked potatoes and simmer until just fork-tender. This is the secret behind that creamy center and craggy, crunch-ready exterior.
Step 2: Infuse the Oil
While the potatoes go for a swim, gently heat your fat of choice with fresh rosemary, minced garlic, and a crack of black pepper in a small saucepan. As soon as the garlic turns the barest golden color, strain it all into a big bowl, reserving the flavorful solids for later.
Step 3: Rough Up the Potatoes
Once drained, shake the potatoes in the colander or pot to roughen the surface. This step looks messy, but it’s how you create those crisp bits that make The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever truly live up to the name!
Step 4: Toss with Infused Oil
While still steamy, toss the potatoes in the infused oil until every piece is glossy and coated with a paste of potato mash—don’t be shy, rough tossing is where the crunch forms.
Step 5: Roast Until Deeply Golden
Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a rimmed sheet and slide them into a fiercely hot oven. Roast without moving for 20 minutes, then turn, shake, and roast until the potatoes are crispy, golden-brown, and outrageously crunchy—usually another 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 6: Toss with Herbs and Serve
Now, for that glorious herby finish! Toss the piping-hot potatoes with the reserved garlic-rosemary mixture and fresh parsley. Add a final sprinkle of salt and black pepper, and you’re ready for crunchy, craveable bliss.
Pro Tips for Making The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever
- Rough It Up: After draining, shake the potatoes vigorously—this scuffs the surfaces and encourages all those crunchy, toasty bits.
- Hot Oven, Hot Sheet Pan: A preheated baking sheet (if you have time) gives the potatoes an instant sizzle, so they start to crisp up as soon as they hit the pan.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your potatoes plenty of space to roast. Overcrowding creates steam rather than crunch!
- Use the Right Fat: For extra flavor and color, try duck or goose fat—the high smoke point means the edges will get even more golden and delicious.
How to Serve The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever
Garnishes
The sprinkling of fresh parsley at the end adds a burst of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the crunchy, golden potatoes and herby aroma. If you love a little extra richness, try finishing with a light dusting of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted butter for that chef’s-kiss touch.
Side Dishes
The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever make the ultimate partner for juicy roast chicken, beef, or pork—especially with pan gravy or au jus on the menu. For a more casual meal, pile them next to a crisp salad or serve simply with steamed green beans and a lemony vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them “Jenga-style” on a platter for fun, or serve in little parchment cones for a party-ready finger food. You can even toss leftovers into a breakfast hash with eggs and greens—these potatoes never last long, but if they do, get playful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool completely before popping them into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, and honestly, they’re so good you might find yourself sneaking a cold crispy bite right from the fridge.
Freezing
For best results, freeze your roast potatoes on a tray in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they’ll stay separated and won’t turn mushy when you’re ready to reheat.
Reheating
To revive that irresistible crunch, spread cold potatoes on a sheet pan and pop them in a hot oven—400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes does the trick. A few minutes under the broiler at the very end will bring the golden crispness right back.
FAQs
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Can I make The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever ahead of time?
Absolutely! For maximum crispiness, you can parboil and rough up the potatoes, then let them cool and refrigerate a few hours (or even overnight) before tossing with oil and roasting. They’re at their crunchiest straight from the oven, so roast right before serving.
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Why do you add baking soda to the boiling water?
The small amount of baking soda helps the surface starches of the potatoes break down just enough to form a paste on the exterior. This is the magic that delivers that ultra-crispy, golden shell when roasted.
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Can I use different types of potatoes?
Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes deliver the best texture—fluffy and crisp. Other types, like red or waxy potatoes, won’t get as crunchy but will still be delicious if that’s what you have!
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What’s the best way to reheat these potatoes?
Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet and reheat in a hot oven. Avoid the microwave, which makes them soggy. A few minutes under the broiler revives their signature crunch beautifully!
Final Thoughts
You truly haven’t lived until you’ve tried The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever! They’re simple, spectacular, and always the first thing to vanish at the dinner table. Give this recipe a spin and watch every hand reach for seconds—your crispy potato legend starts now.
PrintThe Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever Recipe
Learn how to make the best crispy roast potatoes ever with this easy recipe that guarantees perfectly crispy and flavorful potatoes every time.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 75 mins
- Total Time: 85 mins
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Kosher salt:
2 tablespoons
Baking soda:
1/2 teaspoon
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes:
4 pounds, peeled and cut
Extra-virgin olive oil, duck fat, goose fat, or beef fat:
5 tablespoons
Fresh rosemary leaves:
Small handful, chopped
Garlic cloves:
3, minced
Black pepper:
Freshly ground
Fresh parsley leaves:
Small handful, minced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Adjust oven rack, preheat to 450°F, boil water with salt and baking soda. Add potatoes and cook until just tender.
- Infuse Oil: Combine oil/fat with rosemary, garlic, pepper. Cook until fragrant, then strain.
- Coat Potatoes: Toss drained potatoes in infused oil until a paste forms.
- Roast: Spread potatoes on a baking sheet, roast until crispy and browned.
- Finish: Toss roasted potatoes with garlic/rosemary mixture and parsley. Season and serve.
Notes
- Make sure to shake the bowl roughly to create a mashed potato-like paste on the potatoes.
- Use a flexible metal spatula to release any stuck potatoes during roasting.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg