Roast potatoes are a timeless classic, beloved for their crispy exterior and fluffy interior. This simple yet satisfying dish has been a staple on tables around the world for generations. Originating from traditional British cuisine, roast potatoes have evolved into a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course.

Despite its humble beginnings, mastering the art of perfectly roasted potatoes can be a challenge for even the most experienced home cooks. However, with the right technique and a few key ingredients, anyone can achieve crispy perfection.

In this recipe, we’ll dive into the secrets of creating the ultimate roast potatoes. With just a handful of ingredients – potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper – you can transform ordinary spuds into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re serving them alongside a Sunday roast or as a weeknight side dish, these roast potatoes are sure to impress.

Expert Tip: For an extra crispy exterior, place a baking sheet or roasting rack in the oven while preheating, then add the potatoes directly onto the hot surface.

Ingredients

Potatoes: Potatoes are the core of this dish, their natural starchiness contributing to the beautiful texture we’re seeking. By boiling them first, we activate their inherent creaminess, then by roasting, we create an exterior crunch that’s a delight to bite into.

Olive Oil: Olive oil serves several roles. It’s not just about making the potatoes crispy; it’s also a carrier of flavour, a medium that evenly spreads the heat, and adds its own distinct nutty, fruity profile to the dish. Alternatively, duck fat or goose fat can be used for a more decadent, richer flavour.

Rosemary: Few herbs marry with potatoes as well as rosemary. Its pine-like, slightly lemony fragrance infuses the potatoes, elevating their natural taste. If rosemary isn’t available, thyme or sage can serve as worthy substitutes, though each brings its own distinct note to the table.

Salt: Salt is essential to bring out the natural flavours of all the other ingredients. It makes the potatoes taste more potatoey, the olive oil oilier, and it draws the fragrance out of the rosemary.

Black Pepper: Lastly, freshly ground black pepper adds a final punch. It’s not just about heat; pepper also has subtle notes of pine and citrus which complement the other flavours well. If you’d like a different type of heat, a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot paprika could also work.

Expert Tip: Ensure the potatoes are cut into uniform-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Roast Dinner: Pair these roast potatoes with a succulent roast chicken, beef, or lamb for a classic Sunday roast. Add some steamed vegetables and gravy for a hearty and comforting meal that will satisfy the whole family.
• Holiday Feast: Impress your guests during holiday gatherings by serving these roast potatoes alongside a festive turkey or ham. Complete the spread with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and roasted vegetables for a festive feast to remember.
• Brunch Bonanza: Incorporate these roast potatoes into a leisurely weekend brunch. Serve them alongside eggs cooked to your liking, crispy bacon or sausage, and toast for a delicious and satisfying start to the day.
• Vegetarian Delight: Make these roast potatoes the star of a vegetarian feast by pairing them with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, and a flavorful vegetarian gravy. Their crispy exterior and robust flavor will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
• Party Pleaser: Serve these roast potatoes as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. Arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, ketchup, or sriracha mayo for a tasty finger food that will disappear in no time.
• Picnic Perfection: Pack these roast potatoes in a picnic basket for a delicious outdoor meal. Enjoy them cold or at room temperature alongside sandwiches, salads, and refreshing beverages for a hassle-free picnic experience.

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, toss the potatoes in garlic-infused olive oil before roasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ensure my roast potatoes are crispy?

Achieving crispy roast potatoes requires a two-step process. First, parboil the potatoes until they are just tender. Then, ensure they are thoroughly dried before adding them to the hot oil in the roasting tin. This helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

While fresh rosemary provides the best flavor and aroma, dried rosemary can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent than fresh, so you may need to adjust the quantity accordingly.

How long do roast potatoes last?

Roast potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are at their crispiest. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven until warmed through and crispy.

Can I use other herbs and seasonings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your roast potatoes. Thyme, garlic powder, paprika, or even Parmesan cheese can all add delicious flavor variations.

Why do I need to roughen up the edges of the potatoes before roasting?

Roughening up the edges of the potatoes before roasting serves a couple of purposes. Firstly, it creates more surface area, allowing for better browning and crispiness. Secondly, it helps to release some of the starches from the potatoes, which also contributes to a crispier exterior.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Garlic Butter Potatoes
• Garlic Roasted Potatoes
• Spicy Potatoes
• Baked Potato Wedges
• Garlic Chilli Potatoes

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Roast Potatoes

by Nabeela Kauser

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food at its finest with our delicious Roast Potatoes recipe. Easy to prepare, these crispy, aromatic spuds will surely become your go-to side dish.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Side Dish, Sides

Cuisine British, Western

Servings 6

Calories 196 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 kg Potatoes Peeled and cut into small chunks
• ▢ 50 ml Olive Oil
• ▢ 2-3 sprigs Rosemary
• ▢ Salt To taste
• ▢ Black Pepper To taste

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.
• In a large pot, place the potato quarters and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Roughen up the edges of the potatoes by shaking the pot vigorously.
• In a large roasting tin, add the olive oil and place it in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to heat up.
• Carefully add the potatoes to the roasting tin, tossing them to coat them in the hot oil.
• To the roasting tin, add the rosemary sprigs, salt, and pepper.
• Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy, turning the potatoes occasionally.
• Serve hot as a side dish and enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 702mgFibre: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 33mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Cheap, Dinner, Food, Healthy, Potato, Recipe, Roast Dinner

Tried this recipe?Mention @CookwithNabeela or tag #CookwithNabeela!