Crispy Oven-Roasted Breakfast Potatoes Recipe
Roasting your breakfast potatoes in the oven is an excellent way to save time and space on the stove. But that's not the only benefit! This method will give you some of the crispiest, most flavorful potatoes you've ever had thanks to a surprising ingredient: baking soda.
By following this simple yet effective technique, youll master the art of perfectly crispy potatoes. This method, developed by Kenji Lpez-Alt from Serious Eats, works wonders by raising the pH level of the water used to boil the potatoes. This breaks down the surface of the potatoes, giving them a rough texture that results in a perfectly crispy exterior when roasted. It's a technique that's both effective and easy to execute!
Not only do these potatoes have an incredible texture, but they also boast a classic, time-tested seasoning blend that pairs beautifully with any breakfast spread. This is the same seasoning mix I used for home fries at the diner where I worked in high school. And if its been working for decades, why change it?
Now, lets get to the recipe! Follow these steps, and youll be on your way to making crispy, flavorful potatoes in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 6 cups cold water
- 4 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Scant 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- Optional: 2 tablespoons olive oil for sauting
- Optional: 3/4 cup diced red onion
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced peppers
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
Directions
Step 1: In a large pot, combine cold water, 4 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and baking soda. Place the pot over high heat and bring it to a boil.
Step 2: Once the water is boiling, add the quartered potatoes and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are just barely tender.
Step 3: Drain the potatoes and let them sit for 30 seconds to steam off excess moisture.
Step 4: While the potatoes are resting, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne in a large mixing bowl.
Step 5: Add the drained potatoes to the bowl of seasoned oil. Toss gently using a spatula, making sure the potatoes are evenly coated. This will also roughen up the surface of the potatoes, which is key for creating crispy edges.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 450F (230C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 7: Spread the coated potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Scrape any mashed potato bits from the bowl and smear them over the tops of the potatoes. This extra bit of starch will help crisp them up even more. Season with a pinch of salt.
Step 8: Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the edges are very crispy. For the best results, turn the potatoes every 15 to 20 minutes during roasting to ensure even crisping.
Step 9: While the potatoes are roasting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and peppers, along with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, and the peppers have softened and become sweet, about 5 minutes.
Step 10: Once the onions and peppers are done, turn off the heat and stir in the thinly sliced green onions, allowing them to cook in the residual heat from the pan.
Step 11: Serve the crispy roasted potatoes hot, topped with the sauted onions and peppers.
Enjoy your deliciously crispy, flavor-packed breakfast potatoes!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 414
- Total Fat: 17g (22% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 2g (12% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 1762mg (77% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 60g (22% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 7g (24% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 7g (15% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 52mg (58% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 68mg (5% Daily Value)
- Iron: 3mg (18% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 1496mg (32% Daily Value)

Origin and History
Potatoes have been a staple of human diets for centuries, originating in the Andean region of South America before spreading globally. The tradition of preparing potatoes in various ways, especially in the form of roasted or fried dishes, became prominent in Europe after the crop was introduced by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. The concept of crispy breakfast potatoes, like those featured in this recipe, is rooted in American comfort food culture, particularly in diner-style breakfasts across the United States. While breakfast potatoes come in many formshash browns, home fries, and moreroasted potatoes offer a healthy alternative without sacrificing the essential crispy texture that people crave in their morning meals.
Regional Variations
While this recipe is commonly associated with American breakfast culture, similar preparations of roasted or pan-fried potatoes can be found across many regions. In the UK, for instance, crispy potatoes are often served as part of a "Full English Breakfast," while in Europe, countries like France and Spain have their own variations using herbs, olive oil, and garlic to create flavorful roasted potato dishes. The key difference with the American version is the seasoning and the method of preparationAmerican breakfast potatoes often emphasize a crispy exterior with a soft interior, achieved through the method of pre-boiling followed by roasting.
What Sets This Recipe Apart?
The use of baking soda in this recipe is a game-changer. By raising the pH of the boiling water, the potato skins break down, which allows the oil to adhere better to the potatoes, creating an extra crispy crust when they roast. This technique is often attributed to Kenji Lpez-Alt of Serious Eats, who perfected the science of crispy potatoes. Other recipes for breakfast potatoes may skip this step or rely on pan-frying or shallow frying, but this oven-roasting method ensures a uniformly crispy texture without the mess of frying.
Where Are They Typically Served?
Crispy oven-roasted breakfast potatoes are a common feature at diners and breakfast joints across the United States, often served alongside eggs, bacon, sausages, or even in a breakfast burrito or bowl. They are also popular in brunch settings, offering a hearty and satisfying side dish that pairs well with lighter fare like salads or avocado toast. The versatility of this dish makes it a perfect choice for family breakfasts, casual brunches, or even as a savory snack for any time of day.
Interesting Facts
- Yukon Gold potatoes, the variety used in this recipe, were developed in Canada in the 1960s and are known for their creamy texture and subtle buttery flavor.
- The use of baking soda in cooking is a well-known technique to create a crispy exterior in many dishes, from potatoes to chicken wings.
- While potatoes are often seen as a comfort food, they are also a surprisingly healthy option, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and iron.
- The technique of roasting potatoes in the oven allows them to cook evenly, ensuring that every bite is crispy without needing to flip them too often.
Conclusion
The crispy oven-roasted breakfast potatoes recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and delicious dish. Whether you're serving them with eggs, sausages, or just on their own with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, these potatoes are sure to become a favorite in your breakfast repertoire. The science behind the crispy texture makes this dish a standout compared to other potato preparations, and it brings a little bit of culinary innovation to your morning routine.
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FAQ about Crispy Oven-Roasted Breakfast Potatoes Recipe
Comments
jhc24
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
Resulted in very crispy and tasty potatoes. Changes: 1) Used Russets instead of Yukon Gold. 2) Didn't have cayenne so used hot sauce and chili flakes. 3) Was too lazy to flip it 3 times so flipped once after 20 mins and let it cook in the oven for 30 mins afterwards. 4) Skipped the optional step.
Pamela Evans
01/06/2025 05:27:51 PM
This one’s staying in my weekly rotation.
Rich
10/26/2024 01:42:34 PM
I can picture these on a plate next to a cast iron pan seared NY strip steak.
ZippyGhee6318
09/20/2024 07:43:06 PM
Followed the instructions. Awesome-!!!
Joshua Martin
03/03/2024 12:52:40 PM
So flavorful and satisfying.
SquiggyTah
12/04/2023 04:09:00 AM
Loved this recipe. Easy to follow and fairly quick to make. Well worth the effort, it was delicious!
Michael Quigley
11/24/2023 05:44:31 PM
Pretty easy and a great result. I used russets, cut to sixths or eighths, then did a gentle boil of 10 minutes. And instead of parchment I put them on a rack to avoid flipping. I followed the rest of the recipe and they came out perfect, crispy all around. I'm saving this one to use again.
Jennifer
10/02/2023 12:55:04 AM
They were awesome!! I cut my potatoes smaller than quartered depending on the size. They were crispy and delicious
TimidBoard2365
05/31/2023 02:57:49 PM
I've made this multiple times - it's a winner! My husband (a big-time potato lover) said these are the best he's tasted.
robinandreae
05/28/2023 10:01:01 PM
Potatoes were perfectly crispy. Changed the seasoning a bit as I didn't have smoked paprika. I used a bit of mesquite grilling seasoning instead. Thank you for the tip about baking soda. I think these will be my go to breakfast potatoes instead of cottage fries.