MSG Free Classic Crispy Roast Potatoes
Few side dishes deliver the kind of satisfaction that comes from a genuinely crispy roast potato — shatteringly crunchy on the outside, fluffy and steaming within. The secret here is a two-step process: parboiling the chunks until their edges turn ragged, then shaking them dry in the pot to rough up the surface before they hit a screaming-hot pan of fat. That textural trick creates all the nooks and crannies that turn golden and crunchy in the oven, no additives or flavor enhancers required. Duck fat, goose fat, or beef tallow each bring their own rich depth, though a good olive oil works beautifully too — every ingredient on this list is exactly what it says it is, nothing hidden. Crushed garlic cloves and fresh rosemary or thyme perfume the potatoes as they roast, adding an aromatic layer that feels effortlessly elevated. For anyone who has ever squinted at a seasoning packet or a bag of frozen fries wondering what's actually in there, this recipe is a breath of fresh air — just real food, real fat, and real flavor. Pull them out of the oven and season immediately with flaky sea salt so every bite lands perfectly.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 ½ lb yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp kosher salt, for the boiling water
- ⅓ cup duck fat, goose fat, or beef tallow (or extra-virgin olive oil)
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, unpeeled and lightly crushed (optional)
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the fat in a large rimmed baking sheet and set it in the oven while it preheats.
- 2
Place the potato chunks in a large pot, cover with cold water by at least 1 inch, and add the kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a vigorous simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to look ragged and a knife tip meets slight resistance at the center — the potatoes should not be fully cooked through.
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