Which are the best potatoes for roasting in Australia?
Find what are the best potatoes for roasting in Australia as well as tips to choose the best potato for your recipe.
How to choose the best potatoes for roasting
Like when finding the best potatoes for mashed potatoes, you can easily find what are the best potatoes for roasting by following a few simple outlines.
If you’re on the fly and looking for a quick answer; it’s always best to use firm, waxy potatoes for roasting because they hold their shape well and don’t become too mushy.
However, you can really use any type of potato for roasting as long as you adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Best potatoes for roasting in Australia
White potatoes (sebago potatoes)
White potatoes, with their pale coloured skin and flesh, are similar in taste and texture to russets (making them a good alternative for recipes that call for them).
Their thin skin means you can often skip the step of peeling for a variety of recipes, as the exterior will become very soft while cooking. As such, they are excellent for making roast potatoes.
In Australian supermarkets, brushed potatoes are typically the same as regular white potatoes, but they still have a bit of dirt on them. And though they’re similar to white potatoes, they’re worth mentioning as they’ll typically last longer before sprouting roots because they’ve been less exposed to light.
Dutch cream potatoes
Like coliban potatoes, dutch creams are a good choice for roasting because they have a thin, light brown skin and a slightly waxy texture. This means that they hold their shape well when cooked, making them great for roasting as well as boiling.
They are medium-sized potatoes with a slightly nutty, earthy flavor and a creamy, smooth texture when cooked. They are also relatively easy to find and widely available in supermarkets in Australia.
Desiree potatoes
Desiree potatoes are a good choice for roasting because they have a thin, red skin and a slightly waxy texture.
They are medium-sized potatoes with a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and a creamy, smooth texture when cooked. They are also relatively easy to find and widely available in supermarkets (though they might be labelled as red or roasting potatoes).
Overall, Desiree potatoes are a versatile and tasty choice for roasting.
Baby potatoes
Baby potatoes, also known as new potatoes, are small, young potatoes that are harvested before they reach full maturity. They have thin, delicate skin and a slightly waxy texture, which makes them great for roasting.
They hold their shape well when cooked, and they have a tender, buttery flavour that pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices.
They are a tasty and convenient choice for roasting, as they do not need to be peeled or cut into larger pieces before cooking.
How to know what are the best potatoes for roasting?
When trying to find the best potatoes for roasting in Australia, there are several factors to consider.
If you’re trying to make a famous roast potato recipe like Kenji Lopez-Alt’s “Best Roast Potatoes Ever“, you’ll be stumped to find Yukon Golds or Russets. The best alternatives will be standard whites.
Texture
Waxy potatoes, such as Coliban potatoes and Desiree potatoes, tend to hold their shape well when cooked, making them great for roasting.
Floury potatoes, such as Sebago potatoes and Dutch Cream potatoes, tend to be softer and more fluffy when cooked, making them great for roasting, but not if you want to follow a recipe requiring boiling first.
Size
Larger potatoes give you more wiggle room as you can cut them into different shapes and sizes like discs for chips or chunks and wedges. However, larger potatoes can be bland when underseasoned or undercooked as they’re so wide.
Smaller potatoes give you less freedom, but are foolproof for flavour because they have less filling.
Skin
Potatoes with thin skins, such as Coliban potatoes and Dutch Cream potatoes, don’t need to be peeled before roasting, which can save time and effort. Potatoes with thicker skins, such as Sebago potatoes, may benefit from being peeled to remove any dirt or blemishes before cooking.
Many of the best recipes for roast potatoes will benefit from keeping the skin on (for a crispy touch), but many recommend removing it entirely regardless of the type of potato you use to roast.
Flavour
Some potatoes, such as Dutch Cream potatoes and Desiree potatoes, have a slightly sweeter, nuttier flavor that can add depth and complexity to your roasted potatoes.
Other potatoes, such as Coliban potatoes, have a more neutral flavor that can take on the flavors of the herbs and spices you use in your recipe.
Availability
Some types of potatoes may not be widely available in Australia, so choose a potato that is easy to find and purchase in your region.
Most supermarkets will carry the same basic potatoes listed for roasting, but shopping around farmers’ markets can be very rewarding for stepping up your roast potato recipe game.
If you’re standing in a standard Aussie supermarket tossing up between potatoes, your safest bet for roasting will be white potatoes or red desirees.
How to choose what potatoes are best for roasting
In general, it’s best to use firm, waxy potatoes for roasting because they hold their shape well and don’t become too mushy. However, you can really use any type of potato for roasting as long as you adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Just be sure to choose potatoes that are fresh and free from blemishes or damage, as these will give you the best results.
