Name: Crispiest Roast Potatoes That Will Change Your Dinner Game
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 kg Potatoes (fluffy types like Maris Piper or King Edward); 2 tablespoons Cornflour (helps achieve a crispy crust); 1 teaspoon Salt (plus extra for water); 100 ml Rapeseed Oil (or another high smoke-point oil)

As I stood in my kitchen, the comforting aroma of sizzling oil filled the air, unlocking cherished memories of family gatherings. This is where my journey to uncover the secret to the Crispiest Roast Potatoes began. Not only do these potatoes elevate any meal with their stunning golden exterior, but they also come together in just under an hour, making them a perfect side dish for busy weeknights or festive feasts. With just a few simple ingredients and a technique that even novices can master, you’ll be left with crispy edges and fluffy insides that will have your loved ones reaching for seconds. Are you ready to revolutionize your potato game? Let’s dive into this easy, yet mouthwatering recipe!

Why Are These Roast Potatoes Irresistible?

Crispy edges guarantee that every bite is a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy center. Easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can impress their guests. Versatile enough to accompany any dish, from weeknight meals to holiday feasts, ensuring they fit perfectly into your dinner plans. Flavor-packed, the addition of cornflour is the secret weapon for that extra crispy texture everyone loves! Plus, they cook in just under an hour, saving you time in the kitchen while maximizing flavor and satisfaction.

Crispiest Roast Potatoes Ingredients

• Unlock the key to your new favorite side!

For the Potatoes

Potatoes – 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) of fluffy types like Maris Piper or King Edward create the best texture.
Cornflour – 2 tablespoons help achieve that irresistibly crispy crust.
Salt – 1 teaspoon plus extra for water enhances the potato flavor throughout.

For the Oil

Rapeseed Oil – 100 ml or another high smoke-point oil is essential for that perfect crispy finish.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispiest Roast Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C FAN / 220°C conventional (390°F). This temperature is key for achieving that golden, crispy exterior. While the oven warms up, it’s the perfect time to prepare your potatoes, making sure they’ll be ready for roasting in no time.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel your 1.5 kg of fluffy potatoes, like Maris Piper or King Edward, and cut them into quarters. If your potatoes are on the smaller side, simply halve them. This uniformity ensures even cooking, setting the stage for those irresistibly crispy roast potatoes.

Step 3: Boil the Potatoes
Place the cut potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, just until they become fork-tender. This step begins breaking down the potato’s surface, which is crucial for achieving that delightful crispy finish.

Step 4: Drain and Rough Up the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are fork-tender, drain them thoroughly and return them back to the pot. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornflour and 1 teaspoon of salt over them, then cover with a lid. Shake gently for about 30 seconds to rough up the edges, creating nooks and crannies that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 5: Preheat the Oil
Pour 100 ml of rapeseed oil into a roasting tray, ensuring it’s about 1 cm deep. Place the tray in the preheated oven to heat the oil for around 5–10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough to crisp your potatoes to perfection.

Step 6: Coat the Potatoes in Oil
Carefully remove the hot roasting tray from the oven. Add the roughed-up potatoes to the hot oil, turning them gently to ensure they’re fully coated. The sizzling sound tells you the oil is at the right temperature, ready to caramelize and crisp the potatoes.

Step 7: Roast to Perfection
Place the tray back in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. After this, flip the potatoes using a spatula to ensure even cooking. Roast for another 20–30 minutes, keeping an eye on them until they turn golden brown and crispy. The irresistible aroma will make waiting worth every minute!

How to Store and Freeze Crispiest Roast Potatoes

Fridge: Store any leftover roast potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven for the best texture.

Freezer: If you want to freeze them, let the potatoes cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months frozen.

Reheating: For a quick reheat, place frozen potatoes directly in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 25–30 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Room Temperature: It's best not to leave cooked potatoes at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.

What to Serve with Crispiest Roast Potatoes

The perfect side kicks off culinary adventures, transforming your family meal into a cherished dining experience.

Herb-Crusted Chicken: Juicy and tender, this flavorful chicken complements the crispy potatoes with its savory herbs for a mouthwatering meal.
Garlic Butter Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed in garlic butter add a burst of color and a fresh crunch that beautifully balances the rich flavors.
Beef Wellington: This show-stopping dish pairs perfectly with crispy roast potatoes, showcasing textures and flavors that will impress your guests.
Creamy Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw brings a refreshing contrast to the crispy potatoes, creating a symphony of flavors on your plate.
Gravy: Rich and flavorful gravy drizzled over the potatoes enriches every bite, enhancing their deliciousness and making the meal feel extra special.
Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers add depth and color to your plate, complementing the potatoes while providing wholesome goodness.
Fresh Salad: A light, citrusy salad with arugula and cherry tomatoes adds a refreshing crispness that balances perfectly with the crispy roast potatoes.
Chilled Chardonnay: A glass of chilled Chardonnay pairs beautifully with roast potatoes, enhancing their flavor profile and offering a delightful dining experience.
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a silky chocolate mousse to round off the meal provides the perfect sweet contrast to the salty, crispy potatoes.

Expert Tips for the Crispiest Roast Potatoes

Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for fluffy types like Maris Piper or King Edward, as they yield the best texture for your crispiest roast potatoes.
Boil Wisely: Don't overcook the potatoes; simmer them until fork-tender, about 8–10 minutes. Overcooked potatoes can fall apart before roasting!
Shake It Up: When roughing up the edges after adding cornflour, be gentle but thorough. This step creates those delightful nooks that turn crispy in the oven.
Preheat the Oil: Ensure your oil is piping hot before adding potatoes—this is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy finish. Look for a shimmering surface!
Flip for Evenness: After the first 20 minutes of roasting, flip the potatoes to ensure all sides crisp up evenly, preventing any soggy bits.
Patience Pays Off: Don’t rush the final cooking phase! Allow those last 20–30 minutes in the oven to develop that irresistible golden-brown crust.

Crispiest Roast Potatoes Variations

Customize your Crispiest Roast Potatoes for a delightful twist that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your meal!

Herb-Infused: Toss chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme with the potatoes before roasting for a fragrant touch.
Garlic Lovers: Add minced garlic to the oil before roasting to infuse the potatoes with a warm, roasty aroma. The garlic caramelizes beautifully, making each bite delightful.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some chili flakes or smoked paprika before roasting for an extra layer of flavor that packs a punch. This will awaken your taste buds, turning a classic side into a bold statement.
Cheesy Finish: Grate some Parmesan or aged cheddar over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a crispy, cheesy topping. This gooey indulgence adds a richness that takes the dish over the top!
Mediterranean Vibe: Add sliced olives and a sprinkle of feta cheese to the potatoes after roasting for a fresh, tangy twist that brightens the dish. Each bite will transport you to the sunlit coasts of the Mediterranean.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the finished potatoes for a sweet and tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with their crispiness. This addition adds a touch of elegance to your meal.
Sweet Potato Swap: Use sweet potatoes for a beautiful, colorful dish with a subtle sweetness. Sweet potatoes need less cooking time, making them a speedy alternative that still delivers on flavor!
Vegan Delight: Replace rapeseed oil with a plant-based fat like coconut oil or avocado oil for a vegan twist, while still keeping that crispy texture you love. You won’t miss a beat on flavor!

Make Ahead Options

These Crispiest Roast Potatoes are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! You can peel and cut the potatoes and store them in cold, salted water for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, ensuring they maintain their freshness and preventing browning. Alternatively, you can parboil the potatoes and complete the roughing-up step a day in advance, keeping them in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you're ready to finish cooking. When it’s time to serve, simply heat the oil, add the potatoes, and roast until they’re golden brown and crispy. With this prep work, you'll enjoy just as delicious results with minimal effort!

Crispiest Roast Potatoes Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the crispiest roast potatoes, opt for fluffy types like Maris Piper or King Edward. These varieties have the ideal starch content to create that perfect balance of crispy outside and fluffy inside. Look for potatoes that are firm with minimal blemishes; avoid those with dark spots or sprouting.

How should I store leftover roast potatoes?
I recommend storing any leftover roast potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay good for up to 3 days. When it's time to enjoy them again, just pop them in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for a quick and easy reheat, ensuring they regain that delightful crunch.

Can I freeze roast potatoes? What’s the best way?
Of course! To freeze your crispiest roast potatoes, let them cool completely after cooking. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Transfer the frozen potatoes to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them directly from frozen at 200°C (390°F) for about 25–30 minutes until heated through and crispy.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making roast potatoes?
Very important! One common mistake is overcooking the potatoes during the boiling phase; aim for fork-tender potatoes in 8-10 minutes without them falling apart. Another pitfall is not preheating the oil adequately. You want the oil to shimmer before adding the potatoes—this is key for them to crisp up perfectly. Lastly, don’t forget to flip the potatoes halfway through roasting to ensure even browning!

Are there any dietary considerations for these potatoes?
Yes! The recipe contains potatoes and oil, which are generally safe for most diets. However, if you are cooking for pets, keep in mind that potatoes should always be fully cooked before sharing, while raw and green potatoes can be harmful. For allergies, check that the oil used is suitable for your dietary needs, as certain oils can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Can I add seasonings or herbs to the roast potatoes?
The more the merrier! Feel free to enhance your crispy roast potatoes with seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary, or paprika for added flavor. Simply mix your chosen herbs and spices in with the cornflour before roughing up the potatoes for an extra aromatic twist!