Perfect Ultra-Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe – Best for Family Dinners
Craving potatoes that are truly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside? Look no further! This recipe unlocks the secrets to achieving potato perfection that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
The key to ultra-crispy roast potatoes lies in the science of starch. By parboiling the potatoes with a touch of vinegar, we create a dehydrated layer of gelatinized starch that results in an irresistibly crunchy exterior. But that’s not all – we’ll show you how to maximize surface area for even more crispy goodness.
Choosing Your Spuds
While you can use various potato types, each offers a unique texture experience:
- Russet potatoes: The starchiest option, resulting in the crispiest crust and fluffy interiors.
- Yukon gold potatoes: A balance of crisp exterior and creamy interior – a delightful contrast.
- Red waxy potatoes: Creamiest texture, but less crispy. Not ideal for this recipe.
The Fat Factor
For the ultimate flavor and crispiness, duck fat reigns supreme. Its rich taste and high smoke point make it perfect for roasting. Don’t worry if you can’t source duck fat – turkey or chicken fat from roasted birds work wonderfully too. Bacon fat and lard are excellent alternatives, or use extra-virgin olive oil for a plant-based option.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 pounds (2kg) russet potatoes, rinsed, peeled if desired, and cut into 2-inch chunks
- Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) white vinegar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) duck fat
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 12 sprigs thyme
Directions
- Preheat your oven to a scorching 500°F (260°C) and position racks in the lower and upper thirds. In a large pot, cover the potato chunks with cold water by 1 inch. Add 2 tablespoons (28g) of salt and the vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the exteriors are tender but still offer slight resistance when poked, about 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Add your chosen fat to the bowl of potatoes. Season generously with pepper and more salt to taste. Now, here’s where the magic happens: use a large metal spoon to toss the potatoes roughly. This action creates a starchy paste coating and roughs up the surfaces, setting the stage for maximum crispiness. Divide the potatoes between two heavy rimmed baking sheets and scatter thyme sprigs over them.
- Roast the potatoes until the bottoms turn crisp and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Swap the trays between racks and rotate them halfway through for even cooking. Using a thin metal spatula, carefully flip each potato. Continue roasting until the second side achieves that coveted golden-brown crispness, approximately 15 to 20 minutes more. Remove the thyme sprigs before serving.
Pro Tips for Potato Perfection
- Patience is key: Let the potatoes form a strong crispy layer before attempting to flip them. They’ll release easily from the pan when ready.
- Make extra: These potatoes tend to disappear quickly! They shrink slightly during roasting, and their irresistible taste means guests often come back for seconds (or thirds).
- Experiment with herbs: While thyme is classic, try rosemary or sage for delicious variations.
Serving Suggestions
These ultra-crispy roast potatoes are the perfect sidekick to a holiday roast, Sunday dinner, or even as a standalone treat. Pair them with a tangy aioli for dipping, or sprinkle with fresh herbs just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 8 to 10 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 245 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 5g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat 2g | 9% |
| Cholesterol 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium 343mg | 15% |
| Total Carbohydrate 44g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber 5g | 17% |
| Total Sugars 2g | |
| Protein 5g | |
| Vitamin C 18mg | 92% |
| Calcium 42mg | 3% |
| Iron 2mg | 13% |
| Potassium 1132mg | 24% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These aren’t your average roast potatoes. The combination of parboiling, roughing up the surfaces, and high-heat roasting creates a potato side dish that’s in a league of its own. The contrasting textures of the ultra-crispy exterior and the fluffy interior make every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re serving them alongside a holiday feast or as a special treat for a weekend dinner, these potatoes are sure to become a family favorite.
Customization Options
While this recipe creates the perfect classic roast potato, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors:
- Garlic lovers can add crushed garlic cloves to the fat before tossing with the potatoes.
- Spice it up with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper before roasting.
- For a zesty twist, grate some lemon zest over the hot potatoes just before serving.
Remember, the key to potato perfection lies in the technique. Once you’ve mastered this method, you’ll never settle for less-than-crispy roast potatoes again. Happy cooking!