When it comes to Jamie Oliver’s famous roast potatoes, it’s important to think about what to serve alongside them. Imagine crispy potatoes sitting next to a juicy roast chicken, or perhaps a succulent beef brisket. In my experience, those roasties shine brightest when paired with hearty dishes that can handle their flavor.
A rich gravy will blend beautifully with the potatoes’ texture. And let’s not forget about green veggies—like steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans—for a pop of color and freshness. You could even throw a vibrant salad into the mix, bringing a delightful crunch to your plate.
With that in mind, let’s delve into how to create the ultimate roast potatoes.

As a registered dietitian and someone who thrives in the kitchen, I’ve tried countless methods to achieve the perfect roast potato. However, Jamie Oliver’s recipe holds a special place in my heart. Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, they are the epitome of potato perfection.
Roasting potatoes may seem simple, yet the nuances in technique can elevate them from average to extraordinary. Today, I’ll guide you through Jamie Oliver’s method while sprinkling in my tips and tricks along the way.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Roast Potatoes?
This recipe uses basic ingredients that most people have on hand, making it accessible while also embracing the simplicity and goodness of fresh produce. Jamie’s roast potatoes use Maris Piper potatoes, known for their high starch content, yielding that coveted fluffy texture inside. The combination of duck fat, sage, garlic, and seasoning works wonders, adding layers of flavor that make you savor each bite.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
Picture this: the crispiness of the outer shell clashes delightfully with the soft, pillowy interior. The potatoes soak up the herbal notes from the sage, while the garlic provides a rich backbone. With each bite, you experience that perfect balance of saltiness from the sea salt flakes and that slight warmth from freshly cracked black pepper. The duck fat or butter elevates everything—it’s like a flavor hug for your taste buds.
What Makes This Recipe Different from Other Jamie Oliver Roast Potatoes Recipes?
You might wonder, “Aren’t all roast potatoes the same?” This recipe stands out thanks to the use of duck fat. This fat enhances the potatoes’ crispiness while imbuing them with a distinctive, luxurious flavor. Additionally, the fresh sage and garlic create a unique twist that you won’t find in typical roast potato recipes. It’s this blend of high-quality ingredients and precise execution that sets it apart, making it worthy of special occasions and Sunday dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these scrumptious roast potatoes, gather the following:
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- ½ bunch of fresh sage leaves (around 15g)
- 2 ½ kg medium Maris Piper potatoes
- 4 tablespoons of duck fat or unsalted butter
- A splash of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt flakes
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Now that you’ve rounded up your ingredients, let’s jump into the steps required to make these golden delights.

Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). A hot oven is essential for achieving that perfect crispiness.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic and Sage
Take your whole garlic bulb and remove the outer layers of papery skin. Slice the top off to expose the cloves. Next, wash the sage leaves to remove any dirt. Set both aside for later.
Step 3: Peel and Cut the Potatoes
Peel the Maris Piper potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks, roughly the size of a golf ball. This uniform size ensures even cooking. Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, which can lead to sogginess.
Step 4: Parboil the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring them to a boil and then reduce the heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes until they’re slightly tender. The outer layer should start softening, while the inside remains resistant.
Step 5: Drain and Steam
Once parboiled, drain the potatoes and leave them in the colander for about 5 minutes. This steaming step allows moisture to escape, contributing to a crispier roast.
Step 6: Roughen the Potatoes
Using a fork or the back of a potato masher, shake the potatoes to flake the edges. This roughness helps to maximize surface area for crispiness.
Step 7: Prepare Your Fat
Place the duck fat or butter in a large roasting tray and add the whole garlic bulb and sage leaves. Put the tray in your preheated oven to melt the fat and infuse flavors for about 5 minutes.
Step 8: Roast the Potatoes
Carefully remove the tray, then add your potatoes. Coat them in the hot fat and season with sea salt and black pepper. Make sure they’re evenly spaced to allow airflow. Roast for 45-50 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crisp.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once they are beautifully bronzed and crispy, remove from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. Your roast potatoes are ready to steal the show!
Tips on Making Jamie Oliver Roast Potatoes Recipe
- Use high-quality potatoes: Always opt for starchy varieties like Maris Piper for the best texture.
- Respect the parboiling time: It’s vital to get the potatoes just right. Too long will lead to mushiness.
- Allow for ample space in the pan: Give potatoes room to breathe. Overcrowding results in soggy spuds.
- Experiment with herbs: While sage is delightful, try rosemary or thyme for a new twist.
- Consider double roasting: For an even crispier result, roast twice at different temperatures, starting at a lower temp and finishing off at a higher one.

Nutrition Information
jamie oliver roast potatoes recipe Nutrition facts
How Can I Store This Jamie Oliver Roast Potatoes Recipe?
Leftovers are both a blessing and a curse. If you have any roast potatoes left, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating can be tricky, but the oven is your best bet—set it to 200°C (390°F) for about 10-15 minutes to restore that crispness.
Substitute Options for Ingredients
Sometimes, you may find yourself missing a key ingredient in the kitchen. Here are some great substitutions:
- Duck Fat: If unavailable, you can use ghee for a similar richness or 3 tablespoons of olive oil for a lighter option.
- Maris Piper Potatoes: Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes for a different flavor profile or Russet potatoes if you want something readily available.
- Fresh Sage: In a pinch, dried sage works; use about a teaspoon, but fresh is far superior. Alternatively, thyme gives a lovely flavor kick.
- Butter: Use vegan butter for a plant-based option or coconut oil for a tropical twist.

Jamie Oliver Roast Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). A hot oven is essential for achieving that perfect crispiness.
- Take your whole garlic bulb and remove the outer layers of papery skin. Slice the top off to expose the cloves. Next, wash the sage leaves to remove any dirt. Set both aside for later.
- Peel the Maris Piper potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks, roughly the size of a golf ball. This uniform size ensures even cooking. Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, which can lead to sogginess.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring them to a boil and then reduce the heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes until they’re slightly tender. The outer layer should start softening, while the inside remains resistant.
- Once parboiled, drain the potatoes and leave them in the colander for about 5 minutes. This steaming step allows moisture to escape, contributing to a crispier roast.
- Using a fork or the back of a potato masher, shake the potatoes to flake the edges. This roughness helps to maximize surface area for crispiness.
- Place the duck fat or butter in a large roasting tray and add the whole garlic bulb and sage leaves. Put the tray in your preheated oven to melt the fat and infuse flavors for about 5 minutes.
- Carefully remove the tray, then add your potatoes. Coat them in the hot fat and season with sea salt and black pepper. Make sure they’re evenly spaced to allow airflow. Roast for 45-50 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crisp.
- Once they are beautifully bronzed and crispy, remove from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. Your roast potatoes are ready to steal the show!
Nutrition
Notes
- Use high-quality potatoes: Always opt for starchy varieties like Maris Piper for the best texture.
- Respect the parboiling time: It’s vital to get the potatoes just right. Too long will lead to mushiness.
- Allow for ample space in the pan: Give potatoes room to breathe. Overcrowding results in soggy spuds.
- Experiment with herbs: While sage is delightful, try rosemary or thyme for a new twist.
- Consider double roasting: For an even crispier result, roast twice at different temperatures, starting at a lower temp and finishing off at a higher one.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
With Jamie Oliver’s roast potatoes, you’re not just setting a side dish on the table; you’re serving up happiness. Each bite is a reminder that food should be simple yet delicious. This recipe, rooted in quality ingredients and easy techniques, is bound to become a staple in your household.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or celebrating a special occasion, these potatoes are sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a go; the satisfaction will be well worth your time and effort! Enjoy your cooking adventure, and may your roast potatoes always shine golden!
