Homemade Roast Potatoes

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Craving the ultimate crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside side dish that turns any meal into something memorable? Homemade Roast Potatoes are that golden dream. They’re simple to make yet so deliciously rewarding that they often steal the spotlight from the main course. Whether served alongside Sunday roasts, weekday chicken, or part of a holiday feast, they’re a universally loved comfort food.

What makes them so irresistible is the contrast—that deep crunch as you bite through the crust, revealing a soft, steaming interior. With just a few everyday ingredients and a well-timed technique, you’ll transform humble potatoes into golden nuggets of flavor.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get your roast potatoes just right, it’s not just about the ingredients—you need the right tools in your corner. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Pot: This is where the magic begins. Parboiling the potatoes softens their interiors while allowing the outsides to roughen up—essential for crisping in the oven.

Colander: For draining and shaking the potatoes post-boil. Shaking them gently gives them those rough edges that catch oil and crisp beautifully.

Baking Tray or Roasting Pan: Go for a heavy-duty tray that retains heat well. This ensures even roasting and a golden finish.

Metal Spatula or Fish Slice: Essential for flipping the potatoes without tearing them. You want all that crisp surface to stay intact.

Oven Preheated to High Heat: This isn’t a tool, but it’s a must. The hotter the oven, the quicker and crisper your roast potatoes will cook.

Optional – Potato Ricer or Masher: If you’re repurposing leftover roast potatoes into mash or patties the next day, having a good masher is a bonus.

Set these tools up before you start, and your potato journey will go smooth, golden, and deliciously crunchy.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Roast Potatoes

Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Maris Piper): These are starchy and hold up well under high heat. Their balance of creaminess and fluff makes them the ideal base.

Vegetable Oil or Goose Fat: This is what gives you that golden, shattering crisp. Goose fat adds a luxurious richness, while vegetable oil is a reliable everyday option.

Salt: Essential for flavor, both in the boiling water and on the finished roast. It seasons from the inside out.

Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle depth and sharpness that balances the rich texture.

Fresh Herbs (Rosemary or Thyme): Infused during roasting or sprinkled after, they add fragrant, earthy undertones.

Garlic Cloves (optional): Roast them whole with the potatoes for a caramelized, mellow punch of flavor.

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How To Make the Homemade Roast Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Parboil

Peel your potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks—think golf ball size. Add them to a pot of cold, salted water and bring it to a boil. Once they’re tender on the outside but firm inside (about 10 minutes), drain well.

Step 2: Rough Them Up

Once drained, return the potatoes to the pot. Shake the pot gently with the lid on or use a colander to toss them slightly. This creates rough edges, perfect for catching oil and crisping in the oven.

Step 3: Heat Your Fat

While the potatoes are steaming off, pour your chosen fat into a roasting tray and heat it in a 425°F (220°C) oven until it’s shimmering hot. This step is crucial to prevent soggy spuds.

Step 4: Roast to Golden Perfection

Carefully add the roughed-up potatoes to the hot fat, turning them gently to coat. Add crushed garlic and herbs if using. Roast for 45-55 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re deep golden and crisp.

Step 5: Finish with Flavor

Sprinkle with extra salt and herbs before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the audible crunch as you bite in.

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Serving and Storing Homemade Roast Potatoes

Serve these golden roast potatoes fresh out of the oven while they’re at their crunchiest. They’re the perfect sidekick to roast chicken, beef, or lamb, and they also hold their own with a vegetarian spread like roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts. If you’re entertaining, plate them in a warm dish sprinkled with extra rosemary or thyme for added aroma.

Got leftovers? Store cooled roast potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and revive the crispiness, pop them back in a hot oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it softens their signature crunch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep roast potatoes crispy?

Use a hot oven and make sure your baking tray and oil are preheated before adding the potatoes. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan—space allows for airflow and better crisping.

Can I prepare roast potatoes ahead of time?

Yes. Parboil and rough them up a few hours in advance, then let them air dry. Roast just before serving for best results.

What type of potatoes should I use?

Starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold, Maris Piper, or Russets are best. They fluff up inside while forming a crisp outer shell.

Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil or goose fat?

You can, but use a light olive oil with a high smoke point. Regular extra virgin can burn under high heat.

Why are my potatoes sticking to the tray?

They might not have enough fat, or the tray wasn’t hot enough. Give them time before flipping—they release more easily when properly crisped on one side.

Can I freeze roast potatoes?

You can, though they’re best fresh. Freeze after roasting, then reheat in a hot oven straight from frozen for about 20 minutes.

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Want More Potato Side Dish Ideas?

If roast potatoes are your go-to, why not expand your side dish game?

You might also like the Air Fried Potato Wedges for a lighter but equally crispy take. Or give the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe a try for something ultra-creamy and comforting.

Craving something with a little kick? The Cajun Potato Soup brings bold flavor in a bowl. And if you’re all about transforming leftovers, the Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs are an irresistible option.

You could even pair these golden beauties with Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples for a sweet-savory contrast that hits every note.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort food or side dish boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go for rosemary or thyme? Did you add garlic? Drop a comment below or share your take.

For more comfort-food goodness and golden potato inspiration, visit my Pinterest LadyPlate where I post daily recipe ideas to keep your menu fresh and delicious.

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