Crispy Potato Roast Recipe

If you have been searching for a way to turn simple potatoes into something truly irresistible, then you are going to love this Crispy Potato Roast. This dish brings together thinly sliced russet potatoes baked to golden perfection, layered with fragrant shallots and fresh thyme, all enhanced by a luscious coating of butter and olive oil. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth experience with a delightful crisp on top that will make you wonder why you didn’t discover this gem sooner. It’s the perfect comfort food that can easily become a family favorite, whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crispy Potato Roast lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish stand out. From the creamy richness of butter to the spicy hint of red-pepper flakes, every element adds something special.

• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps in creating that irresistible crisp crust on the potatoes.
• Extra-virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons): Gives a fruity depth to balance the butter and assists with browning.
• Russet potatoes (4 pounds, peeled): Their starchy nature is perfect for crisping up beautifully while remaining tender inside.
• Shallots (4, thickly sliced lengthwise): Bring a sweet, mild onion flavor that mellows during roasting and adds beautiful texture.
• Coarse salt: Essential for seasoning each layer and drawing out moisture for better crisping.
• Red-pepper flakes (½ to 1 teaspoon): Add a gentle kick that livens up the dish without overpowering the potatoes.
• Thyme sprigs (8): Infuse an earthy, aromatic fragrance that complements the roast perfectly.

How to Make Crispy Potato Roast

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Butter Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, combine your melted butter and extra-virgin olive oil in a small bowl. This luscious butter mixture will not only enhance the flavor but also help your potato slices crisp up wonderfully during baking. Brush the bottom of a round 9-inch baking dish with some of this mixture to create a flavorful base that prevents sticking and adds a golden touch.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes Thinly and Evenly

Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, slice your peeled russet potatoes into very thin rounds. This step is crucial for achieving that signature crispiness. The thinner the slices, the better they’ll roast and caramelize in the oven. Keeping the slices together as you cut will make arranging them simpler and more uniform, resulting in an even cook throughout the dish.

Step 3: Layer Potatoes and Shallots in the Baking Dish

Arrange the sliced potatoes vertically in the buttery baking dish, spacing them close together. Tuck the thickly sliced shallots right among the potatoes for pockets of sweetness and texture in every bite. Sprinkle the entire arrangement with a generous pinch of coarse salt to enhance the natural potato flavors and, if you like a little heat, scatter your red-pepper flakes evenly over the top. Finally, brush the potato and shallot layers with the remaining butter and oil mixture to get that perfect golden crust as it roasts.

Step 4: Roast Until Tender and Crisp

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. This slow roasting allows the potatoes to soften while beginning to brown. After this initial baking, scatter the fresh thyme sprigs over the top and return the dish to the oven for another 35 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through and the top is a gorgeous crispy golden brown. The thyme adds a fresh, fragrant lift that’s absolutely essential here.

How to Serve Crispy Potato Roast

Garnishes

A sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and brightens the earthy tones of the roast. For an indulgent touch, a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche is perfect alongside, offering a cooling contrast to the crispy, savory potatoes.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Potato Roast makes for a stunning side that pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork. It’s also fantastic alongside green vegetables such as sautéed spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts to add balance and color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the roast in small, individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. You can also turn it into a layered casserole topped with grated cheese for the last 10 minutes of baking, creating an irresistible cheesy crust that you and your guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Crispy Potato Roast keeps well for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you’ll find it’s just as delicious reheated.

Freezing

For longer storage, this roast can be frozen. Let the dish cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep up to two months. Though the texture of the crisp top might soften a bit, it still tastes fantastic after thawing.

Reheating

To bring back the original crispiness, reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the potatoes soggy rather than crisp.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this roast?

Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content which crisps up beautifully, but you can experiment with Yukon Golds for a creamier texture. Just note that waxier potatoes might not get as crispy.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling helps achieve an even, consistent texture and prevents the skin from becoming tough or chewy. However, if you love the rustic, slightly chewy bite that potato skins provide, you can leave them on — just be sure to wash them thoroughly.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Absolutely! Rosemary, oregano, or sage work beautifully alongside thyme. You can also adjust the amount of red-pepper flakes based on your spice preference or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.

How thin should the potato slices be?

Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick or thinner to ensure they cook evenly and become crisp on the edges. Using a mandoline slicer helps achieve uniform thinness and makes the process faster.

Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! It reheats well, making it a perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate, and simply pop it in the oven before serving to revive that golden, crispy finish.

Final Thoughts

I can promise you, once you’ve discovered the magic of this Crispy Potato Roast, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. It’s comforting but impressive, easy to prepare yet full of flavor and texture that feels like a special occasion. So give it a try, invite some loved ones over, and enjoy every crispy, buttery bite together!

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