If there’s one side dish that never fails to steal the show, it’s this Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe that I absolutely adore. Imagine golden, crunchy exteriors giving way to fluffy, tender insides, all infused with fragrant herbs and garlic. It’s comfort food at its finest yet elegant enough for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a family dinner or just craving a crowd-pleasing snack, these roast potatoes will quickly become your kitchen favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that satisfying crunch and aromatic flavor. From the olive oil that crisps up the skins to the fresh herbs that add a burst of earthiness, every element matters.
- 2 lbs (900g) baby potatoes or russet potatoes: Choose smaller potatoes for a perfect crisp or russets peeled for fluffier insides.
- 3 tbsp olive oil: This helps the potatoes roast beautifully and develop that irresistible golden crust.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a subtle savory punch that complements the potatoes perfectly.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or fresh, finely chopped): Offers an earthy fragrance that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Brings a hint of herbal brightness that balances the richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every bite.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a finishing touch.
How to Make Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for a crisp result. Meanwhile, peel and cut your potatoes into uniform chunks so they cook evenly. Lining your baking sheet with parchment or a light grease will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Parboil Potatoes for Perfect Texture
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the potatoes. Boil them for about 10 minutes until they’re just tender but not fully cooked. This step is key because it softens the inside while allowing the outside to become crispy during roasting.
Step 3: Drain and Steam Off Moisture
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them sit for a few minutes. The brief steaming dries excess surface moisture, which is essential for achieving that sought-after crispiness in the oven.
Step 4: Toss Potatoes with Oil and Herbs
Transfer the potatoes into a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is well coated; this step infuses the flavor deeply and encourages even roasting.
Step 5: Roast to Crispy Perfection
Spread the potatoes evenly on your baking sheet in a single layer to prevent overcrowding. Roast in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through to promote uniform browning and crunchiness on all sides.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once golden and crispy, remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you like a burst of color and freshness. Serve them hot to enjoy their full flavor and delightful texture.
How to Serve Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but don’t hesitate to experiment with a dusting of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice. These little touches brighten the dish and enhance those crispy edges.
Side Dishes
Crispy roast potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with hearty mains like roast chicken, beef, or pork. They also complement vegetarian dishes beautifully, like a robust ratatouille or a rich mushroom gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these potatoes stacked in a rustic bowl with dollops of garlic aioli or chimichurri sauce on the side. They also make a fantastic addition to a loaded potato salad or as crispy bites on a brunch spread alongside eggs and bacon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover crispy roast potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They might lose some crispness but retain their tasty herb-infused goodness.
Freezing
While freezing roast potatoes can impact texture, you can freeze them on a baking sheet first until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents clumping so you can reheat just what you need later.
Reheating
To bring back as much crispiness as possible, reheat leftovers in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. This quick blast of heat will restore that delightful crunch we cherish in this Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use any type of potato for this recipe?
You can use baby potatoes, russets, or other starchy varieties. Baby potatoes hold their shape well, while russets give a fluffier center. Just ensure the chunks are cut evenly for consistent cooking.
Why do you parboil the potatoes before roasting?
Parboiling softens the potato interiors so they become tender without drying out during roasting. It also helps create a rough surface that crisps up wonderfully in the oven.
How do I get my roast potatoes extra crispy?
Besides parboiling and using hot oil, spreading them in a single layer and flipping halfway through roasting maximizes surface contact with heat for optimal crunch.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe is naturally vegan since it relies on olive oil and herbs—no animal products needed to achieve delicious flavor and texture.
What herbs work best besides rosemary and thyme?
You can experiment with oregano, sage, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs should be added after roasting to preserve their brightness.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about mastering the perfect Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe, and I promise once you try this one, it will become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of simplicity, flavor, and texture means every bite feels special. So go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to a batch of these golden delights—they might just become the highlight of your meal!
Print
Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These Crispy Roast Potatoes are golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside, flavored with aromatic garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 lbs (900g) baby potatoes or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Seasonings
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or fresh, finely chopped)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes in a large pot with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked through.
- Drain and Steam: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them sit for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to steam off, helping to achieve crispiness later.
- Season Potatoes: Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl. Add olive oil, minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Roast Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to ensure all sides become golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once roasted to a perfect crisp, remove the potatoes from the oven. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy roast potatoes.
Notes
- Using russet potatoes will yield a fluffier interior, while baby potatoes keep a creamier texture.
- Flipping the potatoes halfway is crucial for even browning and crispness.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried, but use double the amount if using fresh.
- For extra crispiness, parboil the potatoes and then rough them up slightly by shaking them in the colander before seasoning.
- These potatoes make a great side for roasted meats, grilled dishes, or vegetarian meals.
