There’s nothing quite like the crispy, golden perfection of roast potatoes fresh from the oven. Whether you’re planning a hearty Sunday roast or simply craving a comforting side dish, mastering the art of the best vegan roast potatoes is a game-changer.
These potatoes boast a beautifully crisp exterior and a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth interior, and the best part? They’re completely plant-based, making them perfect for vegans and anyone looking to enjoy a healthier, cruelty-free twist on a classic favorite.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the simple yet essential steps to achieve roast potatoes that are crunchy on the outside and tender inside. Plus, we’ll share tips on seasoning and roasting techniques to elevate your potatoes to savory, aromatic perfection.
Ready to impress your family and friends with the ultimate vegan roast potatoes? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan roast potato recipe is a standout because it uses common ingredients to create extraordinary flavor and texture. The secret lies in parboiling your potatoes to get that perfect softness inside before roasting them with plenty of oil and herbs to ensure maximum crispiness.
It’s also incredibly versatile — you can customize the herbs and spices to your liking, making it suitable for any cuisine or meal. Plus, it’s completely free from animal products, so it aligns with vegan diets without sacrificing any taste or satisfaction.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just trying to eat more plant-based meals, these roast potatoes will quickly become a favorite go-to side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (900g) of Yukon Gold or Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and cut into even chunks
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil (extra virgin for flavor or light olive oil for high heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (optional, for extra richness)
- Cold water, for parboiling
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling potatoes
- Colander or sieve
- Baking tray or roasting pan
- Mixing bowl
- Large spoon or spatula
- Oven (preheated to 425°F / 220°C)
- Kitchen towel or paper towels
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to getting your roast potatoes crispy.
- Peel and cut the potatoes into even chunks, about 2-inch pieces. Uniform size ensures even cooking.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Parboil the potatoes for 8-10 minutes until just tender but not falling apart.
- Drain the potatoes well using a colander. Give the colander a gentle shake to roughen the edges of the potatoes — this helps create extra crispiness.
- Return the potatoes to the pot and toss them gently to dry off any excess moisture. You can also pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
- Transfer the potatoes to a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder (or fresh garlic), rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Spread the potatoes on a baking tray in a single layer, making sure they have plenty of space to roast rather than steam.
- Roast for 40-45 minutes, turning the potatoes every 15 minutes to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Optional: In the last 5 minutes, dot the potatoes with vegan butter for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
- Remove from the oven when the potatoes are golden, crispy, and deliciously fragrant.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips & Variations
“For the crispiest roast potatoes, don’t overcrowd the pan. Give them space to roast, not steam!”
Herb options: Feel free to swap rosemary and thyme with sage, oregano, or even smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Fresh herbs added at the end of roasting give a vibrant flavor punch.
Oil choices: While olive oil is classic, you can also use avocado oil or refined coconut oil for high-heat roasting with slightly different flavor notes.
Garlic lovers: If using fresh garlic, add it halfway through roasting to avoid burning and bitterness.
Parboiling water tip: Adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the boiling water helps break down the potato surface, making them extra crispy after roasting. Use sparingly!
Make-ahead: You can parboil and toss the potatoes in oil a few hours ahead, then roast just before serving. Store them covered in the fridge in the meantime.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving (1/4 of recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Total Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 1g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugars | 1g |
Protein | 3g |
Sodium | 250mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan roast potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide range of dishes. Serve them as a classic side to your favorite vegan gravy or alongside hearty lentil roasts for a cozy meal.
For a festive holiday dinner, they complement well with vegan nut roasts or mushroom wellingtons.
For a lighter option, toss the crispy potatoes with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors. You can also serve them with a side of vegan aioli or a tangy tomato chutney for dipping.
Want to experiment with more vegan comfort foods? Check out our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe for a cozy main, or try pairing these potatoes with a creamy pasta like our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe.
And for dessert, don’t miss out on the rich and delicious Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.
Conclusion
Mastering the best vegan roast potatoes is easier than you might think and absolutely worth the effort. With simple ingredients and a few key techniques, you can achieve a side dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and completely plant-based.
These potatoes are perfect for any occasion — from casual weeknight dinners to festive holiday feasts.
By parboiling, seasoning well, and roasting at a high temperature, you’ll get that perfect texture that everyone loves. Plus, the recipe is flexible enough to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or an experienced plant-based chef, these roast potatoes will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every crispy, golden bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Roast Potato Recipe
Description: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these vegan roast potatoes are perfect for any meal. Simple to make with olive oil and herbs for maximum flavor.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds (700g) baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable broth or water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Parboil potatoes in salted water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Shake potatoes in the pot to roughen edges for crispiness.
- Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme.
- Spread potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 30g
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