If you’re the kind of person who believes that the best part of any roast dinner is the side of impossibly crunchy, golden potatoes, then you are about to meet your new obsession: Crispy English Roasted Potatoes. Imagine tender, fluffy insides and a shatteringly crisp exterior that practically begs to be eaten straight from the pan. This classic side dish is a labor of love that’s so irresistibly good, you’ll want to serve it alongside everything from Sunday roasts to weeknight meals—no special occasion required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Crispy English Roasted Potatoes is that you only need a handful of humble ingredients, but each one steps up to play a starring role. These staples work together to create unbeatable texture, rich flavor, and that crave-worthy, golden finish.
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (3 pounds): Choose these for their perfect balance of creaminess and starch, which results in fluffy centers and crisp edges.
- Vegetable oil or duck fat (1/4 cup): Hot fat is key for blistering-crisp exteriors—duck fat will add depth and richness, while vegetable oil keeps things vegan-friendly.
- Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Essential for seasoning your potatoes inside and out.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and rounds out the flavor.
- Fresh rosemary, chopped (2 teaspoons, optional): A classic herby touch, perfect for infusing a fresh, aromatic lift.
- Garlic cloves, smashed (4, optional): Tossed in at the end, these infuse the oil with an addictive, mellow garlic aroma.
How to Make Crispy English Roasted Potatoes
Step 1: Parboil the Potatoes
Start by peeling your potatoes and chopping them into generous chunks—think hearty, two-bite pieces. Place them in a large pot filled with cold, salted water. Bring everything to a boil, then simmer for 10 to 12 minutes just until the edges start to feel tender but the insides remain firm. This step is essential for that signature contrast between fluffy insides and crispy outsides.
Step 2: Steam Dry and Rough Up the Edges
Once your potatoes are par-cooked, drain them and let them rest in the colander for a minute to steam dry. This may seem minor, but it makes a world of difference! After steaming, give the colander a few gentle shakes to roughen up the potato surfaces—that starchy texture will encourage maximum crunch when roasted later.
Step 3: Heat the Fat
While your potatoes are drying, it’s time to heat your oil or duck fat. Pour it into a large roasting pan and slide it into a hot 425°F (220°C) oven for about 5 minutes. The key to ultimate Crispy English Roasted Potatoes is introducing them to fiercely hot fat, creating instant sizzle and sealing in all that texture.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Carefully add your roughed-up potatoes to the hot oil and toss them so they’re coated on every surface—this ensures even color and crunch all over. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper before roasting for 45 to 55 minutes. Turn them once or twice so every angle gets its turn in the heat. If you’re adding rosemary and garlic, toss them in for the last 15 minutes so they don’t burn but infuse tons of flavor.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Crisp
The magic moment is here! Take the potatoes out when they’re gorgeously golden and searingly crisp. For that chef’s kiss finish, scatter a bit of flaky sea salt over the top right before serving. Serve immediately—these crispy treasures wait for no one!
How to Serve Crispy English Roasted Potatoes
Garnishes
While these beauties are spectacular on their own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, chives, or a pinch of Maldon sea salt just before serving adds a pop of color and a final layer of flavor. If you used rosemary and garlic during roasting, let them ride atop the platter for both looks and taste. Lemon zest fans: a quick grating over the top will give your Crispy English Roasted Potatoes a sunshine-bright lift.
Side Dishes
Crispy English Roasted Potatoes are the versatile best friend of Sunday roasts—think roast beef, chicken, or even a hearty nut roast for plant-based feasts. They’re also right at home alongside seared fish, grilled sausages, or even as the foundation of a brunch or breakfast platter. You really can’t go wrong pairing them with a classic gravy, crisp salad, or any protein dish that loves a bit of crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun entertaining, skewer the potatoes with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or pile them high in a rustic wooden bowl with roasted garlic bulbs and rosemary sprigs for a stunning buffet display. Mini cast-iron skillets are a cozy way to serve individual portions at a dinner party. And don’t overlook serving them alongside creative dips—aioli, herby yogurt, or even a smoky ketchup take these up a notch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, let the potatoes cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerated, they’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days without losing too much of their lovable crunch—though they’re always best fresh.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled Crispy English Roasted Potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This stops them from sticking together and makes it easy to reheat only what you need. Enjoy within 1 to 2 months for peak flavor and texture.
Reheating
The best way to bring these potatoes back to life is to spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in a hot oven (425°F, 220°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until piping hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their beloved crunch and turn soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are the gold standard because of their starchy content, but if you can’t find them, any floury potato works fairly well. Avoid waxy potatoes as they won’t achieve the same fluffy, crisp effect.
Is there a way to make these potatoes oil-free?
Unfortunately, the hot oil or duck fat is non-negotiable for achieving the iconic crunch of Crispy English Roasted Potatoes. If watching fats, use a high-heat spray to lightly coat, but know the result will be less crispy.
Why do you rough up the edges before roasting?
This step is a game-changer! By shaking the parboiled potatoes, you create more surface area and loose starch, which transforms into shatteringly crispy bits once roasted.
Can I add other herbs and spices?
Absolutely! While rosemary and garlic are traditional, you could try thyme, sage, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a new twist. Just add delicate herbs and spices at the end of roasting to prevent burning.
Are these Crispy English Roasted Potatoes suitable for vegans?
Yes, just use vegetable oil instead of duck fat and skip the optional animal-based additions. The core recipe remains wonderfully vegan and just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never experienced the delight of tearing into a golden, crackly Crispy English Roasted Potato, now is your time! It’s a recipe that brings people together, making every meal memorable. I hope this guide inspires you to gather your favorite people, fire up the oven, and make this British classic the star of your next feast.
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Crispy English Roasted Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy English Roasted Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal, with a golden brown, crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional rosemary and garlic, these potatoes are roasted to perfection in the oven. A classic and comforting dish that pairs well with any main course.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or duck fat
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cook Potatoes: Boil potato chunks until just tender. Drain and rough up the edges. Toss in hot oil.
- Season and Roast: Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 45–55 minutes until crispy, turning occasionally. Add rosemary and garlic if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot and fresh.
Notes
- Best served hot and fresh.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: English
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
