Starchy Potatoes: The Crispy Champions

When one is looking to get that 'irresistible crunch', he needs a starchy potato. These potatoes contain a high level of starch that breaks down while cooking, hence giving them a light and fluffy interior while remaining crispy on the outside. My go-to starchy potatoes for roasting are:

Russet potatoes are classic baking potatoes. They are high in starch and have a smooth, pale skin. They roast very well: fluffy inside, with the outside crispy. I find that I can really only use them for things like wedges and whole roasted potatoes. Idatoes: These are similar to Russet potatoes, for which they can often substitute in a recipe. They too have high starch and yield a great, fluffy interior. I find they hold their shape quite well, so they would be great roasted in chunks or as wedges.

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are technically a yellow-fleshed potato but they have a respectable starch content and do well for roasting. They have a mild sweet flavor and a buttery texture making them a little more exciting than your typical russet. I find myself using them when I want a flavor variation on the roasting.
• King Edward Potatoes: These have a high starch content and are of a floury texture. They are ideal for roasting in quarters or wedges because they go all crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside.

Waxy Potatoes: The Creamier Alternative

Less common for roasting but can work very well, especially if you want to achieve a tender, creamy inside. These potatoes have a smaller concentration of starch but more moisture inside. Because of this, they are firmer and cannot break up when cooking.

• Red Bliss Potatoes These have thin, red skin with creamy white flesh. They are very regular for boiling and mashing, though they can be oven-roasted. Roasting brings out in them a nice, soft texture while still holding a pretty good shape, working just right in a creamy potato salad. Fingerling potatoes are small, dainty potatoes that are liked because of their cute shape and mild flavor. The fingerlings hold their shape quite well when they're roasted and usually are the perfect choice to add a little bit of 'class' to your roasted potato game. The mild taste goes well with herbs and spices; usually, it's my go-to for any formal dinner party side dish.
• New Potatoes: These are young potatoes, harvested before they mature fully. They have a delicate flavor and a waxy texture. They can be roasted whole, with their skin on, for a delightful and simple side dish. They go well with just a light drizzle of olive oil and sprinkling with herbs.

Beyond the Basics: Tips for Perfect Roasted Potatoes

We talked about selecting the right variety of potato; now let's get down to brass tacks on how to achieve those perfect roasted potatoes. Here are a few things I have learned over the years:

• Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowd your potatoes, and you will end up with steamed, soggy potatoes. Put enough space between them so that hot air can flow around them.
• Use the right fat: Olive oil, duck fat, or even goose fat are fantastic options for roasting potatoes. They add flavor and help form a really crispy crust. I'm especially fond of using duck fat when it's in season, during the holidays, mainly. It gives these potatoes such a rich, almost buttery flavor.
• Season liberally: Don't be shy with the seasonings! Salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary and thyme are classic additions. Smoked paprika, chili powder, even a dash of cayenne for spice.
• Give them a good toss: Toss potatoes with fat and seasonings before roasting. This gives a guarantee that potatoes will be well-coated and cooked.
• Roast at a high temperature: High oven temperature-for about 400°F or 200°C-is good for roasting potatoes. It allows the potatoes to cook quickly and get that crispy exterior. I always preheat my oven for 15 minutes before adding my potatoes to the oven.
• Don't overcook them: Overcooking potatoes makes them mushy; they end up without flavor. Cooking them until they are tender but firm works. You can check the doneness by piercing them with a fork.
• Let them cool a bit: After the potatoes are cooked, let them cool down a bit on a baking sheet. This will further crisp them up.

Roasting Potato Inspiration: From Simple to Fancy

Roasting potatoes can be such a diverse dish. Here's some inspiration to get your juices going:

• Light and Delicious: Toss your favorite potato with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Roast until golden brown and crispy.
• Garlic and Rosemary: This is, of course, a classic! What's not to love about roasting potatoes with a whole head of garlic, a few sprigs of rosemary, and a pretty generous amount of olive oil? It's simple, yet aromatic enough to delight any crowd.
• Spicy Roasted Potatoes: Give a kick to your roasted potatoes by sprinkling a pinch of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika over them. Smoked paprika is great, too-I feel like it's so much deeper with the flavor. Mediterranean Roasted Potatoes: Give potatoes a Mediterranean flair-roasting them with diced tomatoes, red onions, and garlic, plus fresh herbs like oregano and basil. I also love adding a squeeze of lemon juice and olive oil to give it that extra oomph of tang and richness. Roasted Potatoes with Bacon: Oh, the simple pleasures that could ever be put together: bacon and potatoes. Just absolutely nothing could go wrong with this great combination. Roast potatoes with crispy bits of bacon and a sprinkle of brown sugar for that sweet and savory treat. I love adding in a few sprigs of thyme for that added touch of elegance. Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan: Give your roasted potatoes an extra burst of cheese with some grated Parmesan. The cheese will melt in, making a creamy, cheesy sauce that is so tempting.
• Roasted potatoes with Herbs: Be creative with herbs! Try thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley, or even a little dill. I like to mix in fresh herbs in my roasted potatoes so that it is a bit more colorful and aromatic.

From Humble Spud to Roasted Delight

So, there you have it! Next time you go to make a roast, remember, somewhere out there is a potato awaiting its roast perfection. And remember, don't be afraid to play around! Sprinkle this, dash that, and make your own signature roasted potato dish. It's all about finding what you love. And what could be better than a crispy, fluffy, and flavorful potato full of warmth and comfort? It's truly a gift from the earth-a true culinary masterpiece for anyone.