Oven Roasted Red Potatoes: Crispy, Flavorful, and Easy

I’ve always been a big fan of roasted potatoes. There’s something about the crispy exterior and fluffy interior that just hits the spot. But for a long time, I was intimidated by the prospect of making them myself. I’d always see recipes that called for complicated techniques and fancy ingredients, and I just assumed they were too much work for me.

One day, I was browsing through a cookbook and came across a recipe for oven-roasted red potatoes. It was simple, straightforward, and used ingredients that I already had on hand. I decided to give it a go, and I was blown away by how easy and delicious they were. I've been making them ever since, and I've even experimented with different flavour combinations to suit my mood.

In this article, I'm going to share my foolproof recipe for oven-roasted red potatoes. I'll guide you through the process, step-by-step, so you can confidently whip up a batch of these crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-easy potatoes in your own kitchen.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, trust me, these roasted potatoes are a game-changer. They’re the perfect side dish for any meal, from a simple weeknight dinner to a fancy Sunday roast. And they’re so versatile that you can easily customize them to your liking. Let's get started!

(Part 1) Picking the Perfect Potatoes

The Allure of Red Potatoes

First things first, let’s talk about the star of the show: the potatoes. I prefer to use red potatoes for my roasted potatoes. They're small, waxy, and hold their shape well during roasting, which means you get lovely crispy edges without the potatoes turning to mush. Red potatoes also have a slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory spices I use in my recipe. The starch content in red potatoes is lower than other types, which contributes to their ability to hold their shape and prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy when roasted.

The Importance of Choosing Wisely

When choosing your potatoes, look for ones that are firm to the touch and have smooth skin with no bruises or soft spots. Avoid potatoes with green patches, as this indicates that they've been exposed to light and may have a bitter taste. Green patches are a sign of chlorophyll production, which happens when potatoes are exposed to sunlight, and can make them taste bitter. I usually buy a bag of red potatoes, about 2 pounds, which is enough for a family of four. But you can easily adjust the recipe depending on how many people you're feeding.

Alternative Potatoes

If you can't find red potatoes, don't worry, you can substitute them with yukon gold potatoes or even russets. Yukon Gold potatoes, known for their buttery flavor, will provide a slightly milder taste than red potatoes. Russets, while typically used for mashed potatoes and baking, can be used for roasting as well. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.

(Part 2) Washing and Cutting the Potatoes

Now that you have your potatoes, it's time to get them prepped. The first step is to wash them thoroughly under cold running water, removing any dirt or debris. It’s important to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris, ensuring a clean and flavorful finished product. Don’t worry about peeling them, as the skin adds a nice bit of texture and flavor to the final dish.

Next, we need to cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces. I like to cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. This ensures that they cook evenly and don’t end up with some pieces soft and others still hard. Cutting the potatoes into even-sized pieces is crucial for ensuring they cook evenly. This consistency is key to achieving that crispy exterior and fluffy interior we’re aiming for. Of course, you can cut them into smaller or larger pieces if you prefer, but aim for a consistent size.

(Part 3) Seasoning the Potatoes

The Essential Basics

This is where the fun begins! Seasoning your potatoes is all about personal preference, but I've found that a simple combination of salt, pepper, and olive oil is the way to go. It allows the natural flavor of the potatoes to shine through. I usually start by tossing the potatoes with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. I like to use freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick, but any type of black pepper will do.

Exploring flavor profiles

Of course, you can always get creative and add other seasonings to your potatoes. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Garlic: Add a couple of cloves of minced garlic to the potatoes for a savory flavor boost. Garlic's pungent aroma and flavor beautifully complement the potatoes.
2. Herbs: Dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano can add a lovely depth of flavor to the potatoes. I usually use about a teaspoon of each, or to taste. Rosemary, with its slightly piney flavor, thyme, with its earthy notes, or oregano, with its slightly peppery undertone, each add a unique dimension to the roasted potatoes.
3. Paprika: A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a smoky, earthy flavor that I love. Smoked paprika brings a depth and complexity to the flavor profile, adding a smoky element that complements the other flavors beautifully.
4. Onion Powder: A touch of onion powder adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth to the potatoes. Onion powder adds a savory base note that complements the other flavors, adding a dimension of complexity to the overall taste.
5. Chili Powder: For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of chili powder. Start with a small amount and add more to taste, as the heat can vary depending on the brand. Chili powder adds a touch of warmth and spice, creating a more complex and interesting flavour profile.

Remember, the key is to experiment and find what you like best. You can even mix and match different seasonings to create your own unique flavor profiles. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and explore different flavor profiles to find your personal favorites.

(Part 4) Roasting the Potatoes

Preparing the Baking Sheet

Now it’s time to get your potatoes ready for the oven. First, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes clean-up a breeze and prevents the potatoes from sticking. You could also use a baking dish, just make sure it's large enough to fit the potatoes in a single layer.

Spreading the Potatoes

Once the baking sheet is prepared, spread the seasoned potatoes out in a single layer. Don't overcrowd them, as this will prevent them from getting crispy. If you're using a large batch of potatoes, you might need to use two baking sheets.

The Art of Roasting

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for about 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown. I like to toss them halfway through the baking time, which helps them to cook evenly and develop a nice crispy crust on all sides.

To check if they're done, pierce a potato with a fork. If it goes in easily, they're ready. If not, give them a few more minutes in the oven.

The key to achieving crispy potatoes is to roast them at a high temperature, allowing the exterior to crisp up while the interior cooks through. Tossing them halfway through ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.

(Part 5) Serving and Storing

Serving Perfection

Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. This will allow them to crisp up even more.

They are absolutely perfect hot, but if you're serving them as a side dish, I recommend waiting for them to cool down a bit so they don't burn anyone's mouths! Serve them alongside any meal, from roast chicken to grilled fish to steak. They're also delicious on their own with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover roasted potatoes, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they're heated through. They'll still be delicious, even if they're not quite as crispy as they were when they were fresh out of the oven.

Leftover roasted potatoes can be a great addition to salads, soups, or stews, adding a hearty and flavorful element.

(Part 6) Variations and Ideas

flavor combinations

I've mentioned a few of my favourite flavour combinations, but feel free to experiment and create your own! Here are a few more ideas:

1. Herbed Butter: Add a tablespoon or two of melted butter and chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to the potatoes after they're cooked. The combination of melted butter and fresh herbs creates a rich and aromatic topping for the roasted potatoes, adding a burst of flavor.
2. Lemon and Garlic: Toss the potatoes with olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. The combination of lemon zest and garlic adds a bright and tangy element to the potatoes, while the olive oil adds richness.
3. Spicy: Add a touch of cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or smoked paprika to give your potatoes a kick. You can also add some chopped jalape??os or red pepper flakes for extra heat. Adding a touch of spice to your roasted potatoes can create a more flavorful and exciting dish. Cayenne pepper provides a subtle heat, while chipotle powder offers a smoky and spicy flavor.
4. Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to the potatoes for a sweet and savory twist. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of tanginess to the potatoes, creating a unique flavor profile.
5. Cheesy: Add a handful of grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking. Adding cheese to your roasted potatoes creates a comforting and cheesy dish. The heat of the oven will melt the cheese and create a gooey and flavorful topping.

Alternative Methods

While oven-roasting is my preferred method for crispy potatoes, you can also cook them in a variety of other ways. Here are a couple of ideas:

1. Air Fryer: Place the seasoned potatoes in an air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. The air fryer is a great option for crispy roasted potatoes, as the circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior while cooking the potatoes through.
2. Skillet: Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until crispy. Skillet-cooked potatoes are another great option for achieving crispy potatoes. The high heat of the skillet helps to create a crispy crust, while the constant stirring ensures even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with a wide array of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

1. Roast Chicken or Turkey: The classic combination of roasted potatoes and roast chicken or turkey is a crowd-pleasing meal. The combination of roasted potatoes and roast chicken or turkey is a classic and comforting dish, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
2. grilled steak or Salmon: Roasted potatoes add a hearty and satisfying element to a grilled steak or salmon dinner. Roasted potatoes pair well with the rich flavors of grilled steak or salmon, providing a comforting and balanced meal.
. vegetarian dishes: Serve them alongside veggie burgers, roasted vegetables, or lentil stews for a complete and flavorful meal. Roasted potatoes can be a great addition to vegetarian dishes, adding a hearty and flavorful component that complements the other elements of the meal.
3. Salads: Add some roasted potatoes to your salad for a boost of texture and flavor. Roasted potatoes add a unique texture and flavor to salads, offering a delicious contrast to the fresh greens and other vegetables.
4. Breakfast: Enjoy them with eggs, bacon, and sausage for a hearty breakfast. Roasted potatoes can be a delicious addition to breakfast, adding a satisfying and flavorful component to the meal.

(Part 7) Tips and Tricks

Even Cooking

To ensure that your potatoes cook evenly, it's important to cut them into roughly the same size. This will prevent some pieces from overcooking while others are still undercooked.

Crispy Potatoes

For extra crispy potatoes, try tossing them with a bit of cornstarch before roasting. The cornstarch helps to absorb excess moisture and create a crispy exterior.

Don't Overcrowd the Baking Sheet

Make sure to spread the potatoes out in a single layer on the baking sheet. If you overcrowd them, they will steam rather than roast and won't get crispy.

Toss Them Halfway Through

To ensure even cooking, toss the potatoes halfway through the roasting time. This will help them to brown evenly on all sides.

Don't Salt Too Soon

Salt can draw out moisture from the potatoes, making them less crispy. It's best to salt them just before roasting.

These tips and tricks will help you achieve perfectly crispy roasted potatoes every time.

(Part 8) Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or russets. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.

2. How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The potatoes are done when they are tender and golden brown. You can check them by piercing a potato with a fork. If it goes in easily, they're ready.

3. Can I make the potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the potatoes ahead of time and reheat them later. To do this, simply roast them according to the recipe and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

4. What can I do with leftover potatoes?

Leftover roasted potatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, and stews. You can also use them to make potato hash or potato pancakes.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the baking sheet?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to the baking sheet. I like to add Brussels sprouts, carrots, or onions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Roasting vegetables on the same baking sheet as your potatoes can be a great way to create a complete and flavorful meal. The vegetables will absorb the flavors of the potatoes and the herbs, creating a delicious and satisfying dish.

(Part 9) Conclusion

Now you know how to make the perfect oven-roasted red potatoes. They're simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile. Whether you're looking for a side dish for a special occasion or a quick and easy meal, this recipe is sure to please. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let's get roasting!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!