Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside — that’s the hallmark of Gordon Ramsay’s perfect Christmas Roast Potatoes. This recipe takes the humble potato and turns it into a show-stopping side dish that complements any festive meal. The secret lies in parboiling, roughing up the edges, and roasting in sizzling hot fat for maximum crispiness. These potatoes are golden, crunchy, and seasoned with herbs and garlic, making them the ultimate accompaniment to your Christmas feast.
What are Gordon Ramsay Inspired Christmas Roast Potatoes?
Gordon Ramsay’s roast potatoes are inspired by his signature cooking style — simple, precise, and packed with flavor. The potatoes are first parboiled to create a soft, fluffy interior, then tossed in hot oil or goose fat before being roasted to golden perfection. A mix of garlic, rosemary, and thyme infuses them with a festive aroma, while a final toss ensures every bite is crisp, savory, and irresistible.

Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay Inspired Christmas Roast Potatoes
- Crispy Perfection – Each potato has a golden crust with a tender center.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor – Herbs and garlic elevate the taste beautifully.
- Simple Yet Impressive – Easy enough for beginners, elegant enough for holidays.
- Pairs with Everything – Complements turkey, beef, lamb, or vegetarian mains.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Parboil in advance for stress-free cooking.
- Holiday Essential – The perfect side dish for any Christmas dinner table.
Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Inspired Christmas Roast Potatoes
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) Maris Piper or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into even chunks
- 4 tbsp olive oil or goose fat
- 4 garlic cloves, lightly crushed (with skin on)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp semolina or flour (for extra crispiness)
Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan
- Colander
- Roasting tray
- Tongs or spatula
- Oven mitts
Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Inspired Christmas Roast Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the roasting tray with olive oil or goose fat in the oven to heat up. The fat should be sizzling hot before adding potatoes.
Step 2: Parboil the Potatoes
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the potatoes and parboil for about 7–8 minutes until the edges start to soften.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them steam dry for a few minutes.
Step 3: Rough Up the Edges
- Shake the colander gently to rough up the surface of the potatoes. This step helps create a crispier texture when roasted.
- Optional: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of semolina or flour over the potatoes and toss for added crunch.
Step 4: Roast the Potatoes
- Carefully remove the hot tray from the oven and add the parboiled potatoes. They should sizzle as they hit the fat.
- Add garlic and herbs (rosemary and thyme) to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Turn the potatoes to coat them evenly in the hot oil or fat.
- Roast for 45–50 minutes, turning them every 15 minutes until golden brown and crisp on all sides.
Step 5: Season and Serve
- Remove from oven and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Garnish with extra rosemary if desired, and serve hot with your Christmas main course.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay Inspired Christmas Roast Potatoes Recipe
- Christmas Turkey or Chicken – A classic pairing with festive roasts.
- Beef Wellington – Adds crisp contrast to the rich beef filling.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots – Complements the savory potatoes with sweetness.
- Yorkshire Puddings – A traditional British side that rounds out the meal.
- Cranberry Sauce or Gravy – Perfect for dipping and extra flavor.
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – Adds texture and smoky flavor to your plate.
Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Inspired Christmas Roast Potatoes Recipe
- Choose the right potatoes – Maris Piper or Yukon Gold work best for fluffiness.
- Heat the fat first – Ensures a crisp, golden crust from the start.
- Don’t overcrowd the tray – Give each potato space for even roasting.
- Turn regularly – Helps all sides crisp evenly.
- Use fresh herbs – Rosemary and thyme infuse the perfect festive aroma.
- Add garlic with skin on – Prevents burning while releasing a gentle flavor.
- Rest briefly before serving – Keeps the outside crisp and the inside soft.
Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Inspired Christmas Roast Potatoes Recipe
- Truffle Roast Potatoes – Drizzle with truffle oil and sprinkle Parmesan for luxury.
- Garlic Butter Version – Toss with melted butter and parsley before serving.
- Spicy Twist – Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
- Duck Fat Potatoes – Use duck fat instead of olive oil for a richer taste.
- Lemon-Herb Variation – Add lemon zest for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Cheesy Roast Potatoes – Sprinkle grated Parmesan in the final 10 minutes of roasting.
Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Inspired Christmas Roast Potatoes Recipe
- Cool completely before storing – Keeps them from going soggy.
- Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later – Freeze on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months.
- Re-crisp before serving – Reheat in a hot oven rather than microwaving.
Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Inspired Christmas Roast Potatoes Recipe
- Oven method: Reheat at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes until crisp again.
- Air fryer method: Reheat at 180°C (356°F) for 8–10 minutes for quick crispiness.
- Avoid microwave: It softens the texture and removes the crunch.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
Gordon Ramsay Inspired Christmas Roast Potatoes
Gordon Ramsay’s roast potatoes are inspired by his signature cooking style — simple, precise, and packed with flavor. The potatoes are first parboiled to create a soft, fluffy interior, then tossed in hot oil or goose fat before being roasted to golden perfection. A mix of garlic, rosemary, and thyme infuses them with a festive aroma, while a final toss ensures every bite is crisp, savory, and irresistible.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) Maris Piper or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into even chunks
-
4 tbsp olive oil or goose fat
-
4 garlic cloves, lightly crushed (with skin on)
-
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
-
2 sprigs fresh thyme
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
Optional: 1 tbsp semolina or flour (for extra crispiness)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
-
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
-
Place the roasting tray with olive oil or goose fat in the oven to heat up. The fat should be sizzling hot before adding potatoes.
Step 2: Parboil the Potatoes
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
-
Add the potatoes and parboil for about 7–8 minutes until the edges start to soften.
-
Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them steam dry for a few minutes.
Step 3: Rough Up the Edges
-
Shake the colander gently to rough up the surface of the potatoes. This step helps create a crispier texture when roasted.
-
Optional: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of semolina or flour over the potatoes and toss for added crunch.
Step 4: Roast the Potatoes
-
Carefully remove the hot tray from the oven and add the parboiled potatoes. They should sizzle as they hit the fat.
-
Add garlic and herbs (rosemary and thyme) to infuse the oil with flavor.
-
Turn the potatoes to coat them evenly in the hot oil or fat.
-
Roast for 45–50 minutes, turning them every 15 minutes until golden brown and crisp on all sides.
Step 5: Season and Serve
-
Remove from oven and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
-
Season generously with salt and black pepper.
-
Garnish with extra rosemary if desired, and serve hot with your Christmas main course.
FAQs
How do you make roast potatoes extra crispy like Gordon Ramsay?
Parboil the potatoes until slightly soft, then rough up the edges before roasting in hot oil or fat. Starting with a preheated tray ensures an instant sizzle that locks in crispiness.
What type of potatoes work best for roast potatoes?
Floury potatoes like Maris Piper, King Edward, or Yukon Gold work best because they fluff up inside and crisp beautifully outside when roasted.
Should I boil the potatoes before roasting them?
Yes, parboiling helps soften the outer layer, which turns into a golden, crunchy crust once roasted. It’s a crucial step for achieving the perfect texture.
Can I make roast potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can parboil the potatoes a few hours in advance. Let them cool, then refrigerate uncovered. When ready, roast them directly in hot oil for fresh, crispy results.
Final Words
Gordon Ramsay-inspired Christmas Roast Potatoes are the ultimate festive side dish — crisp, golden, and packed with flavor. With simple ingredients and smart techniques, you can bring this restaurant-quality favorite to your own dinner table. These potatoes are proof that when done right, a classic side dish can easily steal the spotlight at Christmas dinner.
