Perfect Oven Roasted Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – these oven roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. The key is in the preparation method!
Ingredients
· 2 pounds (about 1 kg) potatoes (Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes work well)
· 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
· 1½ teaspoons salt
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
· Optional: 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare potatoes: Scrub potatoes clean (peel if desired) and cut into 1-inch chunks. Try to keep pieces similar in size for even cooking.
3. Parboil (secret to crispiness!):
· Place potatoes in a pot of cold salted water
· Bring to a boil and cook for 5-8 minutes until slightly softened but not fully cooked
· Drain thoroughly in a colander
4. Rough up the surfaces: Let potatoes sit in the colander for a minute, then shake vigorously to create a starchy, rough surface on the edges. This creates more surface area for crisping.
5. Season: Transfer potatoes to a large bowl. Add oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika (if using), pepper, and herbs. Toss until evenly coated.
6. Arrange on baking sheet: Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they aren’t crowded.
7. Roast:
· 25-30 minutes until bottoms are golden brown
· Flip potatoes and roast another 15-20 minutes until crispy all over
· If using fresh garlic, add it in the last 10 minutes to prevent burning
8. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips for Success
· Don’t skip the parboiling – this is what creates that fluffy interior and crispy exterior
· Use enough oil – enough to coat all surfaces but not pool at the bottom
· Don’t crowd the pan – use two baking sheets if necessary
· For extra crispiness, use a preheated baking sheet
· Experiment with seasonings – add Parmesan cheese in the last 10 minutes, or try different herb combinations
Enjoy your perfectly roasted potatoes! They’re great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.