Crispy Roasted Potatoes
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When it comes to comfort foods, few contenders rival the humble potato. These crispy roasted potatoes embody everything we love about potatoes ā they are tender and creamy on the inside, yet have the most spectacular golden crunch. Coated with fragrant thyme and oil and roasted to perfection, this hearty side dish offers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Can't get enough potatoes? Check out these smoky roast potatoes or this roasted fingerling potatoes recipe.
No table spread is complete without a side dish of warming potatoes, and this crispy oven roasted potatoes recipe has all the tips and tricks to getting your potatoes super crispy and flavorful.
Ingredients needed
It only takes a few wholesome ingredients to crisp up your oven roasted potatoes. Gather these items:
- Yukon gold potatoes: These little babies have the perfect starch content to make a creamy potato wrapped in a crispy skin.
- Baking soda:Ā Boiling potatoes in baking soda cooks them faster, helps the texture, and makes them crispier!
- Fat:Ā We love the luscious flavor from combining duck fat, bacon fat, and melted butter. If you're after a lighter option, opt for olive oil.
- Fresh thyme: For aromatic and earthy notes.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Enhances the natural flavors while adding a gentle kick.
How to make crispy roast potatoes
Follow these simple instructions for the crispiest spuds on the block:
- Prep: While the oven preheats, grab a baking sheet and line it with either parchment paper or a baking mat. Cut up the potatoes.
- Boil potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Let the potatoes boil for around 10 minutes.
- Shake and dry: Drain the potatoes in a colander and shake it up to roughen the potatoes. Leave them to dry for one minute.
- Season and mix: Combine the oil, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl then add the potatoes. Toss to give them a good mix.
- Bake to perfection: Spread the seasoned potatoes out on your baking sheet in a single layer and put them into the oven for 30 minutes. Then, flip them over and finish them off for another 10-15 minutes in the oven. When they become a golden color, take them out, sprinkle some extra thyme on top, and enjoy!
Why add baking soda when boiling your potatoes
One of the secrets to ultra crispy roasted potatoes is boiling them in baking soda before they hit the oven. Baking soda raises the pH level of the water, making it more alkaline, which breaks down the outer layers of the potatoes. This has a dual effect: it accelerates the cooking process making tender potatoes, but also releases more starch into the water. As the potatoes simmer away, they soak in this starchy slurry, getting softer and starchier. The coating leads to beautiful browning when roasted. This is what creates the incredible textural contrast you crave ā a soft, creamy inside encased in a crispy, golden exterior!
Spud selection
Potato picking is a crucial step! We've opted for yukon gold potatoes for two key reasons: First, their ideal starch and sugar content, which is perfect for achieving the desired soft-inside-crispy-outside texture. The second reason is for the taste ā they have a buttery flavor that is just delectable in this recipe. In a pinch, russet potatoes would be our next choice due to their starch content.
5 tricks for crispy roast potatoes
When it comes to achieving the perfect roasted potatoes, you're aiming for the crispy golden skin that makes a satisfying crunch when you sink your teeth into them. Here are some tips to get the irresistibly crispy skin:
- Pre-boil in baking soda: Boiling the potatoes prior to roasting them softens them to make the creamy inside, and baking soda aids in breaking them down to release starch ā just be mindful not to overcook them in this step!
- Perfect potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes have a great sugar and starch ratio to make the interior fluffier and the outside crispier. Pay attention to the size of your potatoes when cutting them, and cut in larger chunks to maximize the contrast between creamy center and crispy exterior. Each chunk should take two bites to eat.
- Space them out: Make sure your potatoes are spaced out in an even layer. Avoid overcrowding as they will steam if they don't have space. Give them enough air circulation so they can crisp up.
- A hot oven: Ensure the temperature is right to ensure browning and crispy exterior.
- Roasting time:Ā The perfect roasting time will depend on the sugar and starch content of the potatoes. While we give approximate roasting times in the recipe, it does depend on the potatoes you get and their starch content can be affected by many factors, such as the season or how they've been stored. Ultimately, keep an eye on them and wait to see them crisp up with a golden coat.
What to serve with crispy roasted potatoes
Potatoes are known for their versatility, and this is one heck of a wholesome side dish that tastes like home. You can put them on the table next to ANYTHING and they'll be a hit! Serve these at Thanksgiving, potlucks, as part of your Christmas spread, or on any weeknight. Our favorite main to serve with these potatoes is our baked pork chops ā it's the most popular recipe on our website.
Round out a meal and serve these alongside proteins, like these delicious mains:
Make it a spread! A fresh and crisp green salad or nutritious vegetables can balance the richness of these potatoes:
- Kale Apple Salad
- Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
- Grilled Vegetable Salad with Giant Hot Croutons
For a hearty breakfast, serve alongside:
Recipe FAQs
What sauces or dips can I serve these with?
These crispy oven roasted potatoes are a perfect vessel for any sauce or dip! Our top picks are harissa mayo, chipotle mayo, mayo mustard, or BBQ sauce. You can use your favorite bottled sauce, like ketchup or mayonnaise, if you wish.
Can I store any leftovers?
In the unlikely event of leftovers, these can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat in a pan, or in a hot oven to maintain the crispiness!
Can I peel the skin?
You could, however, the skin helps these potatoes become so crispy and flavorful, so peeling them would change the texture and flavor of the final result
How do I make these gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free?
These potatoes are gluten-free. To make them dairy-free or vegan, opt for olive oil as your fat source.
Can I use other seasoning?
Yes, you can get creative with seasonings. We love these potatoes with a bit of salt, pepper, and thyme, but you can use other fresh herbs or spice powders. You could try a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika, or add some rosemary or parsley. Have a look at our spice blends for more inspiration ā our top pick is this Italian seasoning recipe.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lb Yukon gold potatoes
- Ā¼ teaspoon baking soda
- Ā¼ cup olive oil, duck fat, bacon fat, or melted butter (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (plus more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Ā½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Turn your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the potatoes into 8 pieces each. (First, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Then, place them cut side down and cut both halves lengthwise then cut them crosswise once to make cubes.)2 lb Yukon gold potatoes
- Add the baking soda to a large pot of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes and boil them for 10 minutes.Ā¼ teaspoon baking soda
- Drain the potatoes using a colander then shake the colander to rough up the potatoes. They should look like they're coated in mashed potatoes. Let them dry for 1 minute.
- Transfer the potatoes to a bowl and add the oil, thyme, salt, and pepper and mix well.Ā¼ cup olive oil, duck fat, bacon fat, or melted butter, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon sea salt, Ā½ teaspoon black pepper
- Spread the potatoes out in an even layer on the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Turn the potatoes over and then continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, until they are golden brown and super crispy. Serve the potatoes with extra fresh thyme sprinkled over top.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our side dish recipes!
These potatoes were so good, I used olive oil. I’d never tried the baking soda before, what a difference! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
They were so yumy!
Unbelievably easy and crispy! The whole family loved these potatoes!
Love this Crispy Roasted Potatoes recipe, so easy and crispy. My family loves them every time I make them. Thanks for sharing š
Stop it. These were the most perfect roasted potatoes EVER! Boiling them first, who knew?? I’m hooked.
These are seriously the crispies potatoes I’ve ever made. I don’t think I’ll ever make roast potatoes any other way!