Chef John’s #1 Trick for Crispy Potatoes

Roasted potatoes might seem like such a basic dish, you don’t even need a recipe. We agree, which is why we’re here to share a technique instead of a recipe. After all, the ingredients needed are very standard: yellow potatoes, olive oil, salt, garlic, and some aromatics.

What gives this “special” roasted potato dish its high status (besides over 100 5-star reviews) is a trick that Chef John calls a “secret step.”

And here it is: “The secret step is boiling the potatoes in a salted, seasoned liquid. As a result, they absorb flavor and salt and, more importantly, cook on the surface, forming a great, crunchy texture in the oven,” said Chef John.

The first instruction is to bring the halved potatoes to a boil in a large pot with salt, garlic, and bay leaves, then simmer for 5 more minutes before draining and drying the potatoes completely.

Finally, coat the dried in olive oil salt, and spices, then roast in a 375-degree F oven for 35 to 45 minutes, until the skin is “golden brown and crusty and flesh is creamy and soft.”

“Delicious and crunchy roasted potatoes,” raved Allrecipes user Lacyanne. “Boiling them before roasting makes an enormous difference in texture.”

Why It Works 

Parboiling the potatoes creates a tender and fluffy interior, but it also causes the starches on the surface to bond together. This bonding creates a thin skin on the outside that, as long as the potatoes are dried thoroughly, will become golden and crispy when cooked at high heat.

The process of adding moisture, and then removing moisture, is what gives the potatoes a delicious dichotomy of textures.

User Chrissy D offers another important tip: “I’d recommend spreading the potatoes out, not crowding, and cutting them to maximize crispy surface area.” This can prevent the potatoes from steaming instead of crisping.

Similarly, you can also preheat the sheet pan or cast iron skillet so the hot surface starts crisping up the potatoes immediately.

Whether you serve these “special” potatoes for a weeknight dinner or a fancy holiday feast, they’ll get rave reviews every time. These roasted potatoes are more than just a meal accompaniment. Made Chef John’s way, they’ll be the star of any plate.