Ingredients

  • 3 lb Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1½-inch chunks
  • ½ cup duck fat, melted
  • 1½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to finish
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic, lightly smashed (optional)

Method

1. Parboil for Fluffy Interiors

Place potatoes in a large pot of cold, well-salted water.
Bring to a boil and cook 8–10 minutes until just tender on the outside but not fully cooked.
Drain completely and let steam dry for 5 minutes.

2. Rough Them Up

Shake the potatoes gently in the pot to rough up the edges.
This creates maximum surface area for crisping.

3. Heat the Duck Fat

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Add duck fat to a heavy roasting pan or cast-iron skillet and place it in the oven for 5–7 minutes until smoking hot.

4. Roast

Carefully add potatoes to the hot duck fat. Toss to coat.
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if using.

Roast 45–55 minutes, turning every 15–20 minutes, until:

  • Deeply golden
  • Shatter-crisp on all sides

Add garlic during the final 15 minutes so it doesn’t burn.

5. Final Finish

Transfer to a serving bowl.
Taste and finish with flaky sea salt and fresh herbs if desired.