Print

Homemade Roast Potatoes Recipe

5 from 393 reviews

This Homemade Roast Potatoes recipe delivers perfectly crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors every time. Featuring a simple method using baking soda in the parboiling water and infused oil with rosemary and garlic, this side dish complements any meal from casual dinners to holiday feasts. The potatoes are roasted in a hot oven until golden, crunchy, and deliciously seasoned with fresh parsley, making it a foolproof recipe you can prep ahead and rely on for an irresistible crispy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Potatoes:

  • 4 lb russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Infused Oil:

  • 5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, duck fat, goose fat, or beef fat
  • 1 small bunch rosemary leaves, finely chopped
  • 3 medium garlic cloves, minced

For Finishing:

  • 1 small handful fresh parsley leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Boil the Potatoes: Adjust the oven rack to the center and preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) or 400°F (200°C) if using convection. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 tbsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp baking soda, then add the peeled, chunked potatoes. Stir well and return to boil. Reduce to simmer and cook until tender but firm, about 10 minutes after boiling. Drain well and let rest uncovered for 30 seconds to evaporate moisture.
  2. Infuse the Oil with Aromatics: While potatoes cook, combine the olive oil (or chosen fat), rosemary, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the garlic just starts to turn golden (about 3 minutes). Strain the infusion through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, reserving strained garlic and herbs separately to avoid bitterness.
  3. Toss Potatoes in Infused Oil: Place the drained potatoes into the bowl with the infused oil. Season with more salt and pepper if needed. Toss and shake the bowl vigorously so the potatoes develop a mashed potato–like paste layer that will create a crispy crust during roasting.
  4. Roast the Potatoes: Spread the oil-coated potatoes evenly on a large rimmed baking tray in a single layer without crowding. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes without disturbance. Using a thin spatula, gently lift stuck potatoes and shake the pan to turn them. Continue roasting for an additional 30–40 minutes, turning and shaking occasionally until potatoes are deep brown and crisp all over. For extra crispiness, use convection oven if available.
  5. Finish and Serve: Transfer the roasted potatoes to a large bowl, add the reserved garlic and rosemary mixture, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Toss well to coat evenly, season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use russet potatoes for extra fluffy interiors or Yukon Gold for creamier texture and buttery flavor.
  • Baking soda in the boiling water creates rough edges on potatoes that crisp wonderfully during roasting.
  • Animal fats impart richer flavor and crispiness but use olive oil or avocado oil as excellent alternatives for a lighter taste.
  • Do not skip parboiling; it is essential to achieve the perfect texture contrast.
  • Prepping potatoes earlier in the day and roasting just before serving can help with meal timing.
  • Leftover roast potatoes keep in the fridge up to 4 days; re-crisp in a 400°F oven or 375°F air fryer.
  • Freeze cooled potatoes for up to 3 months; reheat to regain texture but expect slightly less crispiness.
  • Fresh thyme or sage can substitute rosemary; add dried herbs later in roasting to prevent burning.
  • Adjust seasoning after roasting to taste; fresh parsley adds vibrant color and freshness.

Keywords: roast potatoes, crispy roast potatoes, homemade roast potatoes, how to roast potatoes, side dish, easy roast potatoes, garlic rosemary potatoes