Perfect Roasted Potatoes: How Long At 450 Degrees?

Roasted potatoes are a delicious, versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. They are typically made by coating potato chunks in oil and spices, spreading them on a baking sheet, and roasting them in the oven. The ideal oven temperature for roasting potatoes is a topic of some debate, with temperatures ranging from 400°F to 450°F being recommended. Roasting at a higher temperature of 450°F for 20-25 minutes will yield potatoes that are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. However, roasting at a lower temperature of 425°F for 30 minutes or 400°F for 40 minutes can also produce delicious results.

How to get the perfect crunch

Roasted potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. To get that perfect crunch, follow these simple steps:

Preparation

First, preheat your oven to 450°F. While the oven is heating up, cut your potatoes into equal-sized pieces. Small, evenly cut pieces will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. You can cut them into cubes, thick fry-like shapes, or slabs—just make sure they're all roughly the same size.

Seasoning

Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil and your desired spices. You can use salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary, or any other spices you like. Make sure all the potato pieces are evenly coated with the oil and spices.

Baking

Spread the potatoes out on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them. This will ensure they get nice and crispy. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, then stir to ensure they're cooking evenly. Bake for another 20 minutes or until they're browned and crispy.

Tips for the perfect crunch

• Soak the cut potatoes in ice-cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch and promote crispness.
• Use a high-temperature oven of at least 400°F to help achieve that crunchy exterior.
• Don't cover the potatoes with foil when roasting, as this will make them soggy.
• Use parchment paper, a silpat baking sheet, or a cast-iron pan for best results.
• If you want them extra crispy, try broiling them for a few minutes at the end, but watch closely so they don't burn.
• For even more crispness, use a single layer of potatoes with space in between.

By following these simple steps and tips, you'll achieve the perfect crunch for your roasted potatoes!

The best potatoes for roasting

When it comes to choosing the best potatoes for roasting, it's important to consider the balance between "waxy" and "starchy" varieties. While starchy potatoes crisp up nicely, they can lose their shape and create a fluffed-up centre. On the other hand, waxy potatoes hold their shape well but don't crisp up as easily. So, what are some good options that strike a balance between the two?

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice for roasting. Their thin skin allows them to cook through quickly, and they have just the right amount of waxiness to maintain their shape. What sets them apart is their buttery, creamy centre, which is perfect for roasting. They also have a darker colour and a deeper flavour.

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a popular choice for roasting, falling on the starchier side of the spectrum. They develop a nice, crisped-up crust, but the starchy flesh will fluff up, resulting in a less creamy texture than Yukon Gold potatoes. However, they are great for oven-baked fries and slicing into steakhouse-style wedges.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are more waxy with a smooth skin, allowing them to hold their shape nicely when roasted. However, due to their low starch and high moisture content, they may take longer to crisp up, so be sure to allow enough cooking time.

Other Varieties

While not as widely recommended, other varieties such as King Edward, Maris Piper, Saxon, Arnold Bartlet Rooster, Cyprus, and Spunta potatoes are also worth considering for roasting.

Size and Cooking Temperature

In addition to variety, size also matters when aiming for crispy potatoes. For the best results, cut your potatoes into uniform, roughly two-inch chunks. Pre-boiling them for about 10 minutes can also help break down the exterior, leading to even crispier potatoes. The ideal cooking temperature for roasting potatoes is between 400 and 475 degrees Fahrenheit.

Should you parboil potatoes before roasting?

Parboiling is a great way to ensure your potatoes get crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. While it is not necessary, it is the best way to get the desired restaurant-style crispiness.

The benefits of parboiling

Parboiling your potatoes first allows the outside to soften, so that when you rough them up, you create the perfect surface for crisping. This method also ensures the potatoes are cooked evenly, as the insides are cooked first, and then the outsides are crisped up in the oven.

How to parboil

To parboil your potatoes, start by washing them and cutting them into evenly-sized chunks. You can keep the peel on or remove it. For larger potatoes, cut them into cubes, and for baby potatoes, simply cut them in half.

Next, add your potatoes to a pot of already-boiling water for 10-15 minutes, depending on their size. You should be able to pierce them with a fork easily, but they shouldn't be falling apart. Drain the potatoes and leave them to cool for 5 minutes.

How to roast

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Add the parboiled potatoes to a large bowl and mix them with oil and your chosen seasoning. Make sure all pieces are evenly coated. Lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Tips

• Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as light olive oil, canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil, to prevent it from burning and producing a bitter flavor.
• Don't overcrowd the potatoes on the pan, as this will cause them to steam instead of roast.
• For extra crispy potatoes, flip them in the pan halfway through the cooking time.
• You can also use duck or goose fat for extra crispy and flavorful results.

How long to roast potatoes at 450°F

Roasted potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. The high baking temperature ensures the potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Preparation

First, preheat your oven to 450°F. Clean and cut your potatoes into cubes or slices, depending on your preferred shape and size. For crispy potatoes, it is recommended to cut them into smaller pieces, around 1/2-inch cubes. You can use any type of potato, but red-skinned potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, and russet potatoes are popular choices as they hold their shape well during baking.

Next, toss the potatoes with olive oil and your desired spices and seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary, or any other spices you like. Make sure all the potato pieces are evenly coated.

Cooking

Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet or roasting pan. If you're using a baking sheet, it's best to use one with a 1" side, and you can spray it with cooking spray or rub it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Place the potatoes in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir the potatoes once or twice during baking to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crisp on the outside, and tender on the inside. Depending on the size of your potato pieces, you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Serving

Roasted potatoes go well with a variety of main dishes, including meat, chicken, steak, and pork. They can also be served as a breakfast side or added to a salad or main dish.

Storage

Roasted potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave, toaster oven, oven, or pan. For crispy potatoes, reheating in the oven or toaster oven is recommended.

Storing and reheating roasted potatoes

Storing roasted potatoes:

• Roasted potatoes will last in the refrigerator for up to three to four days if stored correctly.
• Get them in the fridge once they've cooled slightly, but still within two hours of being cooked, to decrease the chances of any bad bacteria forming.
• Store them in an airtight container.

Reheating roasted potatoes:

• It is best to reheat roasted potatoes in an air fryer, oven, or toaster oven.
• Reheating in the microwave will not achieve the desired outcome, often resulting in soggy or dry potatoes.

Reheating in the air fryer:

• Place potatoes in a single layer in the basket or tray (depending on the type of air fryer you have).
• Cook at 370 (or anywhere between 350-400) for 3 minutes.
• Open and shake the basket or toss the potatoes, then cook for another 2 minutes. If needed, add an additional 1-2 minutes.

Reheating in the oven or toaster oven:

• Preheat the oven to 400.
• Arrange the cooked potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer (if desired, line with parchment paper).
• Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place in the hot oven.
• Cook for 20 minutes, and then remove the foil and let them cook for another 5-10 minutes or until they are crispy.

Reheating on the stovetop:

• Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Add potatoes, toss to coat in oil and then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pan.
• Let cook for 2-3 minutes until potatoes are warmed through.
• Remove the lid, increase heat back to medium-high and let cook for another minute or two or until potatoes are a little crispy again.

Frequently asked questions