Crispy Golden Roast Potatoes

These crispy roast potatoes have been my go-to side dish for years, perfected through countless family dinners. The combination of fluffy interiors with shatteringly crisp exteriors makes these potatoes irresistible with almost any main course.

I discovered this method by accident when trying to salvage overcooked potatoes for a holiday dinner. Now my family specifically requests these potatoes whenever we host gatherings, and there are never any leftovers.

Ingredients

• Baby gold potatoes: provide the perfect creamy interior texture while holding their shape during roasting
• Olive oil: helps achieve that golden exterior without making potatoes greasy
• Dried oregano: adds a Mediterranean warmth that pairs with almost anything
• Garlic powder: delivers that savory punch without burning like fresh garlic might
• Onion powder: brings subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning blend
• Dried thyme: contributes an earthy aromatic quality essential for roasted potatoes
• Dried basil: brings a hint of sweetness and herbaceous notes
• Black pepper: adds necessary heat that balances the herbs perfectly
• Paprika: provides gorgeous color and mild smoky notes
• Cornstarch: is the secret weapon for extra crispy exteriors even when baked

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the potatoes:

Begin by cutting potatoes into even 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. For extra crispiness soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before drying thoroughly. This removes excess starch which is a game changer for texture.

Create the seasoning blend:

Mix all dried herbs, spices, and cornstarch with olive oil in a large bowl. The cornstarch might seem unusual but it creates microscopic rough patches on the potato surface that become incredibly crispy when baked.

Coat the potatoes:

Add cut potatoes to the seasoning mixture and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Make sure to use your hands to really massage the mixture onto each potato piece for maximum flavor absorption.

Arrange for optimal crispiness:

Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on your baking sheet ensuring they don’t touch each other. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness as it creates steam which makes potatoes soggy.

Bake with attention:

Roast at 425°F for 30-35 minutes but the magic happens when you flip them halfway through. This ensures even browning on all sides and redistributes any excess oil that might have pooled on the pan.

Perfect the finish:

After removing from the oven, wait to salt them until right before serving and allow them to rest on the hot baking sheet for 5 additional minutes. This final rest period allows the exteriors to become even crispier as excess moisture evaporates.

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The baby gold potatoes are truly the star here. I once substituted russets in a pinch and while still delicious they didn’t achieve quite the same magical contrast between creamy interior and crispy exterior. My daughter now specifically requests these whenever she comes home from college saying the cafeteria potatoes just can’t compete.

Making Ahead and Storage

These roasted potatoes can be partially prepared in advance to save time during busy meal preparations. Cut and soak the potatoes up to 24 hours ahead but store them submerged in water in the refrigerator. When ready to cook simply drain thoroughly pat dry and proceed with the recipe.

For leftovers store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The potatoes will lose some crispiness but can be revived beautifully. To reheat place on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this makes them soft and gummy.

Perfect Pairings

These crispy roasted potatoes complement almost any protein but shine particularly alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. For a complete meal serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for brightness against the savory potatoes.

During holiday meals they provide an excellent alternative to mashed potatoes especially for those who appreciate textural contrast. Their ability to stay delicious at room temperature makes them ideal for buffet style serving at gatherings.

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Customization Options

While this seasoning blend is perfectly balanced you can easily adapt these potatoes to different flavor profiles. For a Spanish twist substitute smoked paprika and add a pinch of saffron. For Italian flavors focus on rosemary, oregano, and finish with grated parmesan after roasting.

Fresh herbs can replace dried ones but add them during the last five minutes of cooking to prevent burning. If using fresh garlic toss it with the potatoes halfway through cooking rather than at the beginning to avoid bitter burnt garlic taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What's the secret to making potatoes extra crispy?

For extra crispy potatoes, soak the cut pieces in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then dry them thoroughly. Use minimal oil, don't overcrowd the baking sheet to allow proper airflow, and only add salt after cooking. The cornstarch in the seasoning mix also helps create a crispy exterior when roasted at high heat (425°F).

→ Can I make these potatoes in an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and follow the same preparation steps. Cook the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket for 10 minutes, toss them, then cook for another 8-10 minutes until crispy. The air fryer method is faster than oven baking and creates excellent results.

→ What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Baby gold potatoes (specifically Baby Boomer gold potatoes used in this recipe) work exceptionally well because they have the perfect starch content for crispy exteriors while maintaining fluffy interiors. However, you can also use Yukon gold or red potatoes with good results.

→ Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?

You can prepare the potatoes up to the seasoning step ahead of time, but for maximum crispiness, they should be roasted just before serving. If you need to reheat them, use an air fryer or oven at 400°F for about 5 minutes to restore some of the crispiness.

→ What should I serve with these roast potatoes?

These versatile roast potatoes pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, fish, or as part of a vegetarian meal. They complement both casual weeknight dinners and holiday feasts. For a complete meal, serve alongside a protein and a green vegetable like roasted asparagus or a fresh salad.

→ Why add cornstarch to the seasoning?

Cornstarch is a secret ingredient that helps create extra crispy exteriors on the potatoes. It forms a thin coating that dehydrates during roasting, resulting in that coveted crunchy texture. The cornstarch also helps the seasonings adhere evenly to the potato surfaces.