📑 Table of Contents ▶

Roasted Potatoes Essentials
Fundamentals
Preparation/Setup
Directions
Elevating Your Roasted Potatoes
Technique
Tips and Tricks
Perfecting Your Roasted Potatoes
Perfecting Results
Troubleshooting and Variations
Serving Your Roasted Potatoes
Presentation
Pairings and Storage
Roasted Potatoes
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One of my favorite recipes to make on busy days! Comes together quickly and tastes great!

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Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Yukon gold potatoes have a special place in my heart. Growing up, Saturday nights meant gathering around the kitchen with my family while the aroma of roasted potatoes filled the air. Those potatoes, golden and crispy, would often steal the show. I can still hear my parents reminiscing about their childhood recipes, making it a tradition to share stories as we savored those perfectly roasted bites.

Roasting potatoes transforms them into something extraordinary. The crispiness on the outside and the tender softness within create a delightful contrast that everyone adores. Every time I prepare this roasted potatoes recipe, it brings back those warm memories, reminding me of the connection food can create among loved ones.

Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe never disappoints. The simple ingredients blend beautifully, bringing out the potato’s natural flavors while adding a touch of richness from the butter and olive oil. The final touch of fresh parsley adds a burst of color, making this dish not just delicious but visually appealing as well.

Let’s dive into this culinary journey and bring the joy of roasted potatoes into your kitchen!

Roasted Potatoes Essentials

Fundamentals

Roasting potatoes is a straightforward process that results in a wonderfully satisfying dish. Using Yukon gold potatoes enhances the flavor, thanks to their creamy texture and buttery taste. You can achieve a perfect roasted potato by paying attention to a few key fundamentals: the size of the potato pieces, the seasoning, and the temperature of the oven.

When potatoes are cut into equal-sized pieces, they cook uniformly. Aim for pieces about ½ inch thick, as this size allows for an ideal balance between crunchiness and fluffiness. Seasoning plays a crucial role too. The combination of extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper elevates the taste, while butter adds a rich creaminess that keeps the potatoes moist.

Preparation/Setup

Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF. This high temperature helps develop that coveted golden crust. While waiting for the oven to heat, scrub the Yukon gold potatoes clean, ensuring no dirt remains. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces, making sure they are roughly the same size.

In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the potatoes with extra virgin olive oil. Use about three tablespoons, just enough to coat them well. Season them with one teaspoon of fine sea salt and half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Toss the potatoes thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated—this is key for flavor consistency.

Next, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with a non-stick spray. This step ensures the potatoes don’t stick to the pan and come out easily after baking. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, keeping the flat side of the pieces facing down. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color on the bottoms.

After arranging them neatly, dot the tops of the potatoes with pieces of unsalted butter. Just two tablespoons should enhance their richness without overpowering them.

Ingredients

2 ½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes (cut into bite-size pieces about 1/2” thick, unpeeled, scrubbed)

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp fine sea salt (or added to taste)
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or added to taste)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
Kosher salt (to taste)
2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped, to garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425ºF.
Cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2” to 3/4” thick and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and coat in oil.

Arrange on a parchment-lined or non-stick 13×18 baking sheet, keeping potatoes in a single layer with the flat side of the potatoes facing down.
Dot the top of the potatoes with pieces of butter.
Bake at 425ºF for 25-30 minutes until golden on the bottoms and easily release from the pan. Flip using a spatula and roast another 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy in spots and tender when pierced with a fork.

Sprinkle with kosher salt to taste, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Elevating Your Roasted Potatoes

Technique

Using the right technique is essential for achieving the best roasted potatoes. Begin by ensuring your potatoes are well-seasoned before roasting. The olive oil helps in the seasoning process, allowing the salt and pepper to stick better. This combination creates flavor both inside and out.

Another critical aspect is the temperature and baking time. Starting at a high temperature caramelizes the outside while keeping the inside fluffy. Flipping the potatoes halfway through ensures even cooking and develops a uniform golden crust.

Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcrowd the pan: If the potatoes are too close to each other, they will steam instead of roast, resulting in a less crispy texture. Use two baking sheets if necessary.

Experiment with spices: If you’d like to add a twist, consider incorporating garlic powder, paprika, or even herbs like rosemary or thyme for added depth.
Quality ingredients matter: Always choose high-quality olive oil and fresh potatoes. Their flavors enhance the final dish significantly.

Perfecting Your Roasted Potatoes

Perfecting Results

To achieve perfectly roasted potatoes, check their doneness with a fork. They should be tender yet retain some firmness. The outside should be crispy, making for a delightful contrast with the soft interior.

If you find that your potatoes aren’t browning as expected, try baking them for a few more minutes. Ensure you flip them to promote even cooking. Adjusting the oven rack can also help. Place the potatoes in the upper third of the oven for a little extra browning.

Troubleshooting and Variations

Occasionally, your roasted potatoes might not turn out as planned. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Soggy potatoes: This can happen if there’s too much moisture on the potatoes. Make sure to scrub them dry before cutting.

Uneven cooking: If some pieces are crispier than others, it indicates unevenly sized potatoes. Aim for uniform sizes next time.

Variations are endless. You might try different potatoes, such as red or fingerling varieties. Each type brings its unique flavor and texture.

Serving Your Roasted Potatoes

Presentation

Serving roasted potatoes can be just as enjoyable as eating them. Transfer them to a large serving platter, then garnish with the finely chopped parsley. This sprinkle gives a bright pop of color that makes the dish more inviting.

For a rustic presentation, leave them on the baking sheet and serve directly. Pair them with your favorite mains, and watch them disappear from the table.

Pairings and Storage

Roasted potatoes work beautifully alongside various dishes. Serve them with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or hearty salads. They also shine at festive gatherings alongside your favorite holiday proteins.

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in your oven for the best texture. This will help restore that glorious crispiness.

Conclusion

Roasted potatoes transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable dish. Their ease of preparation and delightful flavors make them a perfect addition to any meal. With just a little attention to technique and some chosen spices, you will create a delicious side that captures the heart of home cooking. Embrace this classic recipe, and let it become a staple in your kitchen gatherings.