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Unlock the Secret to Crispy Roasted Potatoes at Home

Update The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Roasted Potatoes It seems every chef has their own flair for making the perfect roasted potatoes, but six culinary experts recently agreed on one harmonious approach that's sure to make home cooks rejoice! The secret? Parboiling your spuds first, followed by a few clever tricks to get that coveted crispy exterior. Why Parboiling is Essential As chef Will McNeil from Trillium explains, cooking potatoes just shy of fork-tender and then shocking them in an ice bath effectively stops the cooking process and removes excess starch. This method not only makes them fluffier on the inside but also shortens roasting time. Chef Peter Som emphasizes the importance of boiling the potatoes in a pot of well-salted water. He says, "Parboiling helps soften them and speeds up the roasting process." A simple step that adds such depth to a humble vegetable! Get Creative: Smash or Shake Ready to take your roasting game to the next level? You might want to try your hand at smashing the parboiled potatoes before they go in the oven. Chef Kevin Tien believes this maneuver gives the potatoes more surface area—those crunchy crannies are what it's all about! Not into smashing? Bryan Ogden has a genius hack: shake your potatoes in a bowl to create these delightful irregularities that will crisp up beautifully. The Science of Crispy Potatoes Think baking soda has no place in your pot? Think again! Chef Alex Pineiro introduces an intriguing science-backed tip. Adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the boiling water increases alkalinity, which breaks down the potato edges, allowing for an even crispier texture upon baking. It'll change your potato game forever! Baking Temperature Matters The chefs recommend roasting your potatoes at high heat—around 450°F is ideal. Keeping them in a single layer on the pan ensures they roast rather than steam, which is a common pitfall when cooking potatoes at home. Chef Derek Piva adds that tossing them with olive oil, salt, and black pepper afterward enhances their flavor and crunch. Your Next Steps in Home Cooking With these expert insights at your disposal, you can create crispy roasted potatoes that will make your dinners unforgettable. So gather a pot and a roasting pan, and let your culinary creativity shine! Embracing these tips will not only enhance your cooking skills but also impress your guests. It’s time to elevate your home cooking and become the potato champion of your kitchen!