Crispy Potato Roast Made Easy

This crispy potato roast transforms ordinary spuds into a showstopping side dish that looks as impressive as it tastes. The potatoes stand upright like a bouquet of deliciousness, creating the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender centers in every bite.

I first made this for a dinner party when I wanted something more special than ordinary roasted potatoes. The presentation generated so many compliments that it's now my go-to impressive side dish for both holidays and casual Sunday roasts.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes: their high starch content creates that perfect crispy exterior while remaining fluffy inside look for firm potatoes without green spots or sprouts
• Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps achieve golden brown perfection use European style for extra flavor if available
• Extra virgin olive oil: pairs with butter for optimal browning choose a good quality oil but save your premium bottles for finishing dishes
• Shallots: offer a milder sweeter flavor than regular onions select firm ones with tight papery skins
• Coarse salt: essential for bringing out potato flavor kosher salt works beautifully here
• Red pepper flakes: optional but adds a pleasant subtle heat adjust according to your spice preference
• Fresh thyme sprigs: infuses aromatic flavor throughout the dish fresh is vastly superior to dried for this recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the baking dish:

Mix the melted butter and olive oil in a small bowl until well combined. Brush this mixture generously across the bottom of a 9inch round baking dish ensuring complete coverage. This prevents sticking and helps create that beautiful crispy texture.

Slice the potatoes:

Using a sharp knife or mandoline cut the peeled potatoes into extremely thin slices crosswise. Aim for slices about 1/16inch thick almost translucent. The thinner you cut them the crispier they'll become. Try to keep the slices together in their original potato shape to make arrangement easier.

Arrange vertically:

Place the potato slices vertically in the dish working from the outer edge inward in a circular pattern. Pack them tightly enough to stand but not so tight that they cant get crispy. This arrangement allows the edges to crisp beautifully while the centers become tender.

Add aromatics:

Wedge sliced shallots throughout the potatoes inserting them between slices at regular intervals. This infuses the dish with aromatic flavor that permeates throughout during the long baking process.

Season and butter:

Sprinkle the arranged potatoes generously with coarse salt and red pepper flakes if using. Then carefully brush or drizzle the remaining butter and oil mixture over the entire surface ensuring it seeps down between the potato slices.

First bake:

Place the dish in a preheated 375degree oven and bake uncovered for 1 hour and 15 minutes. During this time the potatoes will begin to soften and the edges will start to turn golden.

Add herbs and finish:

After the initial baking period add the fresh thyme sprigs tucking them between potato slices. Return to the oven for about 35 more minutes until the potatoes are completely tender inside with beautifully browned crispy tops.

Save This

I discovered the secret to this dish is all in the slicing technique. When I first attempted it without a mandoline my slices were too thick and uneven. Now I consider my mandoline an essential tool the uniform ultrathin slices make all the difference in creating that perfect textural contrast.

Make Ahead Options

This potato roast can be assembled up to 4 hours before baking. Simply complete all steps through the seasoning and buttering then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow an extra 1015 minutes of baking time if starting from cold. The completed dish reheats beautifully in a 350degree oven for 1520 minutes though the crisp texture is best when freshly made.

Flavor Variations

While the original recipe is magnificent there are several delicious variations worth exploring. Try substituting rosemary for thyme for a more robust herbal flavor. Adding thinly sliced garlic between the potato layers creates an aromatic garlic infused version. For a cheesy variation sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top during the last 15 minutes of baking for a golden cheesy crust.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy potato roast pairs beautifully with roasted meats particularly beef tenderloin lamb roast or a simple roast chicken. The presentation makes it ideal for holiday meals like Easter Christmas or Thanksgiving. For a complete meal serve alongside a simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette to balance the richness of the potatoes.

Common Queries

→ How do I achieve crispier potatoes?

Thinly slice the potatoes evenly and keep them upright in the baking dish. Ensure even application of butter and oil.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potato slices and layer them in the dish in advance. Bake just before serving for optimal crispiness.

→ Which type of potato works best?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, which bakes evenly and turns beautifully crisp.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely. Add more or less red-pepper flakes to customize the heat to your preference.

→ What can I use instead of thyme?

You can substitute thyme with rosemary or parsley for a different herbal aroma and flavor.