There is nothing, and I mean NOTHING more irresistible than a crispy roast potato. And when I say crispy I mean gosh darn crispy. Today, I’m going to let you in on a few secrets which will transform the way you roast potatoes. Follow me…
EXTRA Crispy Roast Potatoes
I’ve been making this recipe for longer than I care to think about. It’s like my signature go-to potato dish that never fails me. Guests love ’em every single time. Which also means that after starting a food blog I’ve kinda got to give away the secrets, right? For me and for many of you (I hope), the perfect potato is outrageously crispy on the outside with a heavenly fluffy inside. They’re also flavoursome, slightly salty and golden all around. The secret ingredient to all the above is Goose Fat
Why is goose fat the best for roast potatoes?
I hear you cry! Goose fat has a gorgeously rich flavour to it that wraps around roast potatoes like silk. It also has a high smoking point, meaning it can withstand much higher temperatures than many regular oils. In turn, this is one of the reasons goose fat roast potatoes are so crunchy.
Can I use Duck Fat instead of Goose Fat?
For all intents and purposes, duck fat works just the same as goose fat (i.e high smoking point, rich flavour). So feel free to sub duck fat if that’s more readily available for you.
Best Potato for Roasting
You want a nice big floury, starchy potato such as a Maris Piper or Russet. Do not use any type of waxy potato like a Yukon. Peel your potatoes and chop them into medium-large evenly sized chunks. It’s important to make sure they are spaced out in the baking dish. As such, I usually put them in the dish I’m planning on using beforehand just to check how well they’re going to fit. A dress rehearsal if you will.
Should I peel potatoes before baking?
In this case absolutely yes. You want the outside of the potato to be rough and textured so that when they’re roasting, these rough bits go extra crispy. Potato skin will prevent this from happening. Process shots: peel potato (photo 1), dice (photo 2).
Boiling Potatoes Before Roasting
Another fundamental step in the quest for crispy roast potatoes. Boiling the potatoes beforehand will not only remove the starch (therefore increasing the ‘fluffiness’ of the centres) but also add more of that rough texture you want on the outside. When parboiling potatoes always start with cold water. Chucking them straight in boiling water will cook them unevenly with the centre still hard. Add salt to season and boil until you can just about slice with a knife and the outside begins to flake.
Rough up the edges!
When draining don’t rinse, this will only add excess moisture. Instead, shake about in the colander to rough the edges, this will give them that crispy crunchy casing you’re after once they’re cooked. Allow at least 5 minutes for them to release as much steam as possible before putting them in the dish. This allows unwanted moisture to leave the spuds. At this point also sprinkle in seasoned flour, which will draw out even more moisture during the cooking process. Process shots: parboil potatoes (photo 1), steam dry (photo 2), dust in seasoned flour (photo 3).
How to Roast Potatoes in Goose Fat
The number 1 rule when roasting potatoes in goose fat is to make sure the goose fat is piping hot! Spread the fat in a baking dish and pop it in the oven until it’s smoking hot (literally). That instant contact with the high intense heat will make the basis for a crunchy golding outside. Carefully place your potatoes into the dish of smoking hot fat. Don’t overcrowd them, these spuds are divas, and they need space. Packing in too many potatoes will cause them to steam, as opposed to roast. Not good.
Rosemary and garlic roast potatoes
Rosemary and garlic are a match made in heaven and go BEAUTIFULLY with goose fat potatoes. Fresh rosemary as opposed to dried, and whole garlic cloves thrown in too. No need to peel/dice.
How long to roast potatoes in oven?
I find 50-60mins is the perfect time for these goose fat potatoes to come out beautifully golden. Just make sure you flip them a couple of times to make sure they’re evenly coated. Just be quick, although it is an important step, it’s just as important to keep the goose fat as hot as possible throughout the whole process. Process shots: heat oil (photo 1), add potatoes, garlic and rosemary then roast (photo 2).
Phew, we made it. Just as a quick recap:
Top tips for crispy roast potatoes
If you like the look of these goose fat potatoes, you’ve got to check out my other recipes!
Crispy Potato Recipes
Crispy Smashed Potatoes Crispy Roasted Baby Potatoes Crispy Oven Baked French Fries Crispy Oven Baked Potato Wedges
Roast Dinner Essentials
Yorkshire Puddings Spiced Cranberry Sauce Pigs in Blankets Broccoli and Cauliflower Cheese Red Wine Onion Gravy
Alrighty, let’s tuck into this goose fat potato recipe shall we?!
How to make Goose Fat Roast Potatoes (Full Recipe & Video)
If you loved this Goose Fat Roast Potato Recipe then be sure to Pin it for later! Already made it or got a burning question? Give me a shout in the comments below and pick up your free ecookbook along the way!
