Illustration of roast potatoes with deeply browned, rough edges from the MFD Reel.

Crispy Roast Potatoes

ByChad
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Illustration of roast potatoes with deeply browned, rough edges from the MFD Reel.

Crispy Roast Potatoes

Parboil the potatoes just until their edges soften, shake them into a shaggy coating, then give them room in a hot pan. Those rough edges are what turn crisp.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
  • 2 tsp fine salt for the cooking water plus more to finish
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 450°F / 230°C with a heavy rimmed metal sheet pan on the middle rack. Put the potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water by an inch, add the salt and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 7–10 minutes, until the edges give when scraped with a fork but the centers still hold together. Drain and steam dry for 3 minutes.
  3. Return the potatoes to the empty pot and shake gently to roughen the edges. Add the oil and toss until the shaggy surfaces are evenly coated.
  4. Carefully spread the potatoes in a single layer on the hot pan. Roast for 20–25 minutes before turning; if they stick, give them a few more minutes to brown. Continue roasting for 15–25 minutes, until deeply golden and tender inside. Season and serve hot.

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If the potatoes resist the spatula, give them another few minutes. A well-browned face releases more easily, and the crunchy edges come with the potato instead of staying on the pan.

Food illustration from the Mercury Food & Drink Instagram Reel, created with AI.