These crispy duck fat roasted potatoes are more than just a basic potato side dish; they’re a testament to how an everyday ingredient can become a gourmet experience.

A Little Backstory

My home is definitely a potato household. Potato storage is one of my biggest kitchen organization challenges. Roasted potatoes are a menu mainstay around here. One chilly Sunday afternoon I wanted to create something comforting but a little extra special to accompany our usual roast chicken. That’s when I remembered a little jar of duck fat sitting in the back of my pantry. I decided to give my regular roasted potatoes a luxurious makeover. The result? The most shatteringly crunchy, tastiest, and most luxurious potato recipes I’ve ever served.

Why Duck Fat?

Duck fat is a game-changer in the world of culinary fats. Renowned for its rich, savory flavor, it elevates the humble potato to new heights. It’s also surprisingly healthier than other cooking fats, rich in beneficial monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. If you haven’t cooked with duck fat before, this recipe is the perfect introduction.

Ingredients for Crispy Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes

3 lbs of your favorite roasting potatoes (I love using Yukon Golds)
4 tablespoons of duck fat
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder
1 Tbsp of finely chopped chives
salt and pepper to taste

But don’t let the ingredients I’ve used here limit you. Feel free to use the potatoes as a base for whatever seasonings your heart desires or matches what you plan to serve these alongside. A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs (I’ve used rosemary, thyme, and parsley to great effect).

The Magic Begins

Prepping the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Then, peel and cut the potatoes into 2 inch chunks – this ensures they cook uniformly and get that perfect crispness. Next, parboil them in salted water for about 10 minutes or until fork-tender; this step is crucial for achieving that desirable fluffy inside and crispy outside. Don’t boil for too long though or you’ll end up with a mashed potato mess.

Drain and return your potatoes to the pot to gently steam off the excess moisture. Shake them up a bit to rough up the surface of the potatoes which will help lay the foundation for that ultra crunchy exterior. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

The Duck Fat Transformation

While the potatoes are parboiling, add the duck fat to a large cast iron skillet or heavy metal roasting pan and place it in the oven to heat. Once the fat is melted and hot, carefully add the drained potatoes in a single layer. Toss them gently in the fat, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This is where the magic happens!

Roasting to Perfection

Roast the potatoes for about 30 minutes without disturbing them. Flip the potatoes and continue roasting for another 30 minutes, flipping once again after 15 minutes have passed allowing them to become golden and crisp on all sides.

Immediately upon removing from the oven sprinkle with flakey salt and fresh herbs for an aromatic kick.

Serving Suggestions

These Crispy Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes are incredibly versatile. Serve them with a roast, as part of a brunch spread, or even as a luxurious treat on their own. I love pairing them with a simple aioli or a dollop of sour cream.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote