The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Crispy Oven Roasted Red Potatoes
There’s something truly magical about perfectly roasted potatoes. This Roasted Red Potatoes recipe transforms humble spuds into a culinary delight: crispy on the outside, wonderfully fluffy and soft in the middle, and seasoned to perfection. It’s an incredibly simple yet versatile side dish that complements almost any meal, making it a staple in any kitchen.
Red potatoes are a favorite for good reason – their thin skins crisp up beautifully, and their waxy texture holds its shape during roasting. If you’re a fan of these vibrant spuds, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful ways to prepare them, such as Air Fryer Red Potatoes for a quick method, creamy Mashed Red Potatoes, or savory Parmesan Crusted Red Potatoes for an extra flavor kick.
Why Our Crispy Roasted Red Potatoes Will Become Your Go-To Side
It’s hard to imagine a side dish as universally loved and effortlessly delicious as the roasted potato. Our Oven Roasted Red Skin Potatoes stand out for their simplicity, requiring just a few common ingredients and straightforward seasoning. Yet, the result is anything but ordinary – a tantalizing blend of textures and flavors that pairs seamlessly with nearly every main course you can conjure up. Beyond their incredible taste, these roasted beauties are naturally vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, making them an inclusive option for various dietary needs and preferences.
This recipe isn’t just a set of instructions; it’s a foundation. Consider it a blueprint that invites customization. We’ll share our favorite variations and tips for adapting it to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different potato varieties, introduce an array of fresh or dried herbs, explore exotic spices, or even sprinkle on some hard cheeses like Parmesan for an indulgent touch. The possibilities are endless, ensuring your roasted potatoes are always fresh and exciting.
Selecting the Best Potatoes for Roasting
While we absolutely adore petite red potatoes, often referred to as “new potatoes,” for their tender flesh and quick cooking time, this recipe is flexible enough to accommodate other fantastic potato varieties. The key is understanding their unique characteristics to achieve the best roasted results.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These are an excellent choice due to their balanced starch and wax content. They offer a wonderfully creamy interior when roasted, contrasting beautifully with a crisp exterior. Their slightly buttery flavor adds another layer of deliciousness.
- Fingerling potatoes: As their name suggests, fingerling potatoes are small and elongated. Their size often means you won’t even need to cut them, making prep incredibly fast. They roast up beautifully, developing a tender texture and golden-brown skin. You can often find them pre-bagged in the produce section of most grocery stores.
- Russet potatoes: Known for their fluffy interior, Russets require a bit more attention. They’ll need to be cut into roughly 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Despite their thicker skin, we recommend keeping it on for added texture and nutritional value. When roasted correctly, Russets offer a wonderfully starchy, comforting bite.
Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Roasted Potatoes
Crafting these delectable roasted red potatoes requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of crispiness and flavor.
- Red Potatoes: The star of our show! It’s essential to leave their vibrant skins on, as they contribute significantly to the desired crispy texture and offer added nutrients. Before cutting into quarters or 1-inch pieces (for larger potatoes), ensure they are thoroughly washed. As mentioned, Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes make excellent substitutes.
- Avocado Oil: This is our preferred cooking oil for roasting due to its high smoke point, which allows it to withstand high oven temperatures without breaking down or imparting undesirable flavors. Olive oil or vegetable oil are also suitable alternatives if avocado oil isn’t available.
- Spices: Our core seasoning blend features garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs. This combination creates a savory, aromatic profile that enhances the potatoes’ natural flavor. Feel free to substitute fresh minced garlic for garlic powder, or get creative with your favorite herbs and spices like paprika, rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of chili powder for a subtle kick.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are critical for bringing out the best in your potatoes. Adjust to your taste, adding more at the end if needed.
Mastering the Art of Baked Red Skin Potatoes: Step-by-Step
Achieving perfectly crispy and tender roasted red potatoes is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps for a consistently delicious result:
- Prepare and Season the Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that coveted crisp exterior. While the oven heats, place your washed and quartered (or 1-inch diced) red potatoes into a large mixing bowl or a sturdy ziplock bag. Drizzle them generously with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil, then toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated. Next, add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss again with enthusiasm, ensuring the spices adhere uniformly to all surfaces of the potatoes. This even coating is key to consistent flavor and browning.
- Arrange and Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully transfer the seasoned potatoes from the bowl or bag onto a large baking sheet. It’s vital to arrange them in a single, even layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding causes the potatoes to steam rather than roast, preventing them from crisping up properly. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until you notice the edges starting to turn golden brown and crisp. At this point, use a spatula to flip or stir the potatoes, exposing different sides to the heat. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until all sides are beautifully golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender on the inside.
- Serve and Savor: Once your potatoes have achieved that ideal balance—soft and fluffy on the inside, with a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior—remove them from the oven. Taste a piece and, if desired, sprinkle with additional salt and pepper to further enhance their flavor. Serve these irresistible roasted red potatoes immediately and watch them disappear! They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when their texture is at its peak.
Oven Roasted Red Potatoes Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
10 mins
40 mins
50 mins
8 people
Ingredients
Units: US Customary (Click here for Metric)
- 3 pounds red potatoes, washed and quartered
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs, dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Place quartered potatoes in a large bowl or a freezer bag and drizzle them with the avocado oil. Toss the potatoes until evenly coated, then add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper and toss again.
- Remove potatoes from the bowl or freezer bag and transfer to a baking sheet, squeezing out as much of the seasoning from the inside of the bag as possible. Place the potatoes in an even layer.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges of the potatoes begin to brown. Using a spatula, turn the potatoes and cook for another 15-20 minutes so the other side can brown.
- Once the potatoes are soft on the inside and crispy golden brown on the outside, remove from the oven and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Leave the skins on. They add a ton of flavor and texture.
Cut into even pieces. No two potatoes are exactly the same size! The larger potatoes may need to be cut into 1” pieces while the smaller ones may only need to be cut in half, so use your best judgement.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Side Dish
American
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Frequently Asked Questions About Roasting Potatoes
Let’s address some common queries to help you achieve the best roasted potatoes every time.
Can You Roast Red Skin Potatoes At a Lower Temperature?
While technically possible, the best temperature for achieving truly crispy roasted potatoes is high, specifically 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). This intense heat is what caramelizes the sugars in the potatoes and creates that desirable crunchy exterior. If the oven temperature is too low, the potatoes will cook through but won’t develop that beautiful crispy skin; instead, they’ll be softer and more yielding. Conversely, roasting at too high a temperature risks burning the outside before the inside has a chance to cook completely. The lowest you would want to consider roasting your red potatoes is 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), but be prepared for a longer cooking time and a less crispy result.
How Do You Get Potatoes Crispy?
The secret to irresistibly crispy roasted potatoes lies in a few key techniques:
- Proper Oiling: Ensure every potato piece is thoroughly coated in oil. The oil conducts heat and helps create that golden-brown crust.
- High Heat: As discussed, a hot oven (400-425°F or 200-220°C) is crucial for crisping.
- Single Layer: Do not overcrowd your baking sheet. Potatoes need space to breathe and roast evenly. If they’re too close, they’ll steam each other, resulting in soggy rather than crispy textures. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Turning: Flipping the potatoes halfway through baking ensures all sides get exposed to the direct heat, promoting even browning and crispiness.
- Even Cutting: Uniformly sized potato pieces ensure they cook at the same rate.
What Should You Serve with Roasted Potatoes?
Roasted red potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide array of dishes. They are a fantastic accompaniment to any favorite grilled meat, such as succulent Grilled Chicken Drumsticks, savory Garlic Butter Steak Bites, or even a comforting, slow-cooked Tender Pot Roast. For a vegetarian option, serve them alongside a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a hearty lentil soup. Their simple, earthy flavor makes them a perfect complement to almost any main course.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Leftover Roasted Red Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are so good, you might want to make a double batch just to have leftovers! They’re incredibly versatile and can be repurposed into delicious meals throughout the week. Here are a few fantastic ideas to transform your extra roasted spuds:
- Loaded Red Potato Skins: A fan favorite! Arrange your leftover roasted potatoes on a baking sheet and top each piece with a generous layer of shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack works wonderfully). Melt the cheese in a preheated 400-degree F (200°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Finish with crispy bacon bits, freshly chopped green onions, and a dollop of cool sour cream for an irresistible appetizer or snack.
- Hearty Potato Salad: Dice the cold roasted red skin potatoes into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Toss them with a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, a touch of Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, finely chopped celery, and a blend of salt and pepper. For extra flavor and texture, consider adding chopped hard-boiled eggs and crispy bacon. Serve chilled for a refreshing and satisfying potato salad perfect for picnics or light lunches.
- Savory Skillet Breakfast Potatoes: Give your breakfast a delicious upgrade. Slice the roasted red skin potatoes into rounds or smaller cubes. Sauté them in a skillet with thinly sliced onions, colorful bell peppers, and your choice of breakfast meat like crumbled bacon or sausage. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for a warm, hearty, and incredibly flavorful breakfast option that will keep you full all morning. This is a fantastic way to use up those leftovers!
- Easy Breakfast Burritos: Quick and convenient, breakfast burritos are perfect for busy mornings. Warm your roasted potatoes and combine them with fluffy scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, and your favorite breakfast protein such as bacon, ham, or sausage. Spoon the mixture into warm tortillas. Serve with a side of zesty homemade salsa and a dollop of sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal on the go.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you do end up with leftovers, proper storage ensures they remain delicious for future enjoyment. Store cooled roasted red potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soft and mushy.
Troubleshooting Common Roasted Potato Issues
Even with a simple recipe, minor hiccups can occur. Here are solutions to common problems:
- **Potatoes aren’t crispy:**
- **Crowding:** Ensure potatoes are in a single layer with space between them. Use two baking sheets if needed.
- **Oven Temperature:** Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct high temperature (425°F/220°C).
- **Oil Amount:** Ensure potatoes are adequately coated in oil.
- **Moisture:** Pat washed potatoes dry before oiling and seasoning to remove excess surface moisture.
- **Potatoes are bland:**
- **Seasoning:** Don’t be shy with salt and pepper! Add extra to taste after roasting.
- **Herbs & Spices:** Experiment with fresh rosemary, thyme, or a pinch of smoked paprika for more depth.
- **Potatoes are unevenly cooked:**
- **Cutting:** Cut all potatoes into roughly equal-sized pieces. Larger pieces will take longer to cook.
- **Flipping:** Make sure to flip or stir the potatoes halfway through baking to ensure all sides cook evenly.
More of the Best Potato Side Dishes
If you’ve fallen in love with these roasted red potatoes, you’ll be thrilled to discover other amazing potato creations from our kitchen:
- Parmesan Roasted Red Potatoes
- Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
- Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
- The Best Steakhouse Style Baked Potato
- Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Crock Pot Cheesy Hashbrowns
- Creamy Mashed Red Potatoes
- Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes
- For even more inspiration, explore our full collection of the Best Potato Recipes and other delectable Side Dishes.
These Oven Roasted Red Skin Potatoes are truly a testament to how a few simple ingredients, combined with a little attention to technique, can yield an incredibly satisfying dish. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and perfect seasoning, they are a simple, versatile side dish that pairs effortlessly with just about anything. Give this recipe a try and elevate your next meal!