Crisp Roasted Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven

Start by adjusting your oven rack to the lowest position and preheating the oven to 450 degrees. This high temperature ensures that the potatoes will get crisp and golden.

2. Prepare potatoes

Place the potato slices into a Dutch oven along with 1 tablespoon of salt. Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes by about an inch. Bringing the potatoes to a boil in cold water ensures even cooking, softening the exteriors while keeping the centers firm.

3. Boil the potatoes

Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for 5 minutes. This brief simmering is key to achieving the perfect texture.

4. Drain and prepare for roasting

Drain the potatoes thoroughly and transfer them to a large bowl. This bowl will be your mixing station.

5. Season the potatoes

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle them with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss the potatoes gently using a rubber spatula to coat them evenly.

6. Add more oil and create paste

Add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Continue tossing the potatoes for 1-2 minutes. You want to create a starchy paste on the exteriors, which will help them crisp up in the oven. The potatoes should look pasty at this point.

7. Prepare the baking sheet

Carefully remove the rimmed baking sheet from the oven and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over its surface. The hot baking sheet and oil will help the potatoes start to crisp as soon as they hit the pan.

8. Arrange potatoes on baking sheet

Transfer the potatoes to the baking sheet, spreading them out into an even layer. If you have any end pieces, place them skin-side up to ensure even browning.

9. Bake the potatoes

Bake the potatoes in the oven until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp, which should take about 15-25 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet after 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.

10. Flip the potatoes

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and use a metal spatula and tongs to loosen and flip each potato slice. This helps achieve a uniform crispiness on both sides.

11. Finish roasting

Return the potatoes to the oven and continue roasting until the second side is golden and crisp, which should take another 10-20 minutes. Rotate the pan as needed to ensure even browning.

12. Season and serve

Once the potatoes are perfectly crisp and golden, remove them from the oven. Season with additional salt and a few grinds of black pepper to taste. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and crispy.