Roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that can elevate any meal. There's nothing quite like the crispy exterior and fluffy interior of a perfectly cooked roast potato. But how can you achieve that perfect texture every time? In this post, we'll go over everything you need to know to make the best roast potatoes, from choosing the right potatoes to cooking them to perfection.
The first step to making great roast potatoes is choosing the right type of potato. While you can use any variety of potato for roasting, some are better than others. For the best results, use a waxy potato like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. These potatoes have a lower starch content and hold their shape better during cooking, resulting in crispier exteriors and fluffier interiors.
Once you've chosen your potatoes, it's time to prepare them for roasting. Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized-pieces. If the pieces are uneven, they will cook at different rates, resulting in some pieces being overcooked and others undercooked. So, take the time to ensure that each piece is roughly the same size.
Next, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 5-6 minutes, until they are just starting to soften. Be careful not to overcook the potatoes at this stage, as they will turn to mush during the roasting process.
Once the potatoes are parboiled, it's time to roast them. Preheat your oven to 425°F and pour a generous amount of olive oil into a roasting pan. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan so that the potatoes can crisp up evenly.
Next, use a slotted spoon to transfer the parboiled potatoes to the roasting pan. Be sure to shake the potatoes around in the pan to coat them in olive oil. This will help to create a crisp exterior on the potatoes.
Roast the potatoes for 45-50 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure that they cook evenly on all sides. You'll know the potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Once the potatoes are cooked, it's time to season them. You can keep it simple by sprinkling them with salt and pepper, or you can add other seasonings for extra flavor. Garlic, rosemary, thyme, and paprika are all popular options for seasoning roast potatoes.
Be sure to add the seasonings while the potatoes are still hot so that the flavors can meld together. Toss the potatoes gently in the roasting pan to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Roast potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. They pair particularly well with roast beef, chicken, or pork, but they can also be served alongside grilled vegetables or as part of a vegetarian meal.
To take your roast potatoes to the next level, try serving them with homemade gravy or dipping sauce. You can also add other ingredients to the roasting pan, such as onions, peppers, or carrots, for a more complex flavor profile.
In conclusion, roast potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. By choosing the right type of potato, parboiling them before roasting, and seasoning them with your favorite flavors, you can create perfectly crispy and fluffy roast potatoes every time.
Roast potatoes are a classic and beloved side dish that can be enjoyed with a wide range of meals. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they are perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive holiday feast. Whether seasoned with rosemary, garlic, or just a pinch of salt and pepper, roast potatoes are a versatile and comforting addition to any menu. Serve them alongside your favorite main dish or simply enjoy them on their own as a satisfying snack.
To get the best spuds, start by giving them a good wash and peeling away any dark spots. Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces, making sure each one has straight edges and sharp right angles. It's easier to attain this with larger potatoes.
Throw your prepped potatoes into a big pot and fill it with cold salted water that tastes like the ocean. Let the potatoes simmer until they're almost done, then drain.
Once drained, put the lid back on the pot and give the potatoes a good shake so they just start to break on the outside, not all the way through.
Grab a heavy-duty roasting pan and set it over two burners. Pour in the olive oil, then add the potatoes. Flip them over with a spatula to get an even golden color, but don't worry if it's not totally consistent.
Once your potatoes have a nice amount of color, pop them into a hot oven at 425ºF and bake until they're golden all over. When you're ready to serve, give them a sprinkle of chopped sage and marjoram for extra flavor.
Servings 10
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.