This simple recipe for roasted Yukon Gold potatoes turns an ordinary vegetable into a very special side dish. Perfectly tender, delicious, and done in just about 30 minutes, this dish is a family favorite! Serve it with your favorite salmon recipe! SKIP DIRECTLY TO RECIPE
You can use any type of potatoes you like for this recipe, but I generally use Yukon Golds for various reasons. They are a fantastic choice for roasting in the oven as they have a creamy texture, which means they hold their shape well during baking. Also, I love their slightly sweet, buttery flavor and their golden-yellow color. The best part – the skin on Yukon Gold potatoes is thin, smooth, and tender so peeling is not required. Cooking these potatoes in their skins both saves time and retains nutrients. (And here’s another tip – Yukon Gold potatoes have a low starch content which prevents them from falling apart after absorbing liquid, so they work very well in soups!)
How Do I Wash Yukon Gold Potatoes?
The best way to clean Yukon Gold potatoes is under lukewarm or cool running water to loosen dirt particles on the skins. Use a vegetable scrubber, vegetable brush, or kitchen scrub brush in a circular motion to scrub the skins. Give the scrubbed potato another quick rinse under running water to wash away any remaining surface debris, then pat dry with a paper towel.
Some people like to wash potatoes in the rinse cycle on the top rack of their dishwasher. If you want to try this method, make sure the dishwasher is empty and free of detergent first.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recommends washing all potatoes before you eat them. As potatoes grow in the ground, they may carry both dirt and bacteria to the supermarket, and then later to your table. Additionally, pesticides remain on potato skin; even organic varieties can have some contaminants.
Do I Need to Soak Yukon Gold Potatoes Before Roasting?
Soaking Yukon Gold potatoes before roasting isn’t necessary, but some like to do so because roasting can help remove some of the starch on the surface. This step can result in crispier, more evenly browned potatoes. Soaking can also prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan during roasting. Soaking is also helpful if you want to prep-chop the potatoes ahead of time. Submerging the chopped Yukon Golds in water in the refrigerator prevents them from browning. Drain your potatoes well and pat them dry with paper towels before roasting. If you plan to roast the potatoes right after you cut them, you don’t need to soak them.
Tips and Tricks
There are several tips and tricks you can follow to achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes. Elevate your potatoes to a new level of deliciousness!
Choose the right size and cut
Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate for perfect roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes.
Preheat your pan
Preheating the baking sheet in the oven before adding the potatoes helps create a crispier exterior from the moment the potatoes touch the hot surface.
Don’t crowd the potatoes
Spreading the potatoes out evenly in a single layer on the preheated baking sheet allows for proper airflow around each piece. This promotes even cooking and crispiness when making roasted Yukon Gold potatoes.
Flip halfway through the roasting time
Stirring the potatoes and flipping them with a spatula helps ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
Serve immediately
Serve your Yukon Gold potatoes immediately after removing them from the oven for the best texture and flavor.
Perfect Oven Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoe Recipe
Oven Roasted Potatoes (Yukon Gold)
Ingredients
Method
- Wash Yukon Gold Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 450 and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
- In a bowl, toss chopped potatoes, olive oil, garlic and Italian seasoning. Make sure all pieces are evenly coated evenly.
- Spread the potatoes out on the parchment paper lined baking sheet. Do not crowd the potatoes!
- Roast for 20 minutes, toss the potatoes, then bake for 10-15 minutes more until potatoes are browned and fork tender.
Notes
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about Yukon Gold potatoes and their answers.
What makes Yukon Gold potatoes different from other varieties?
Yukon Golds are unique in that they have golden-yellow skin and flesh, and a buttery flavor and creamy texture.
How do I select and store Yukon Gold potatoes?
Look for potatoes that are firm, smooth-skinned, and free from blemishes or sprouting eyes. It’s best to store them in a cool dark place with good ventilation. However, avoid storing in the refrigerator as this can cause their starches to turn into sugar.
What are some popular ways to cook Yukon Golds?
Boiled, baked, roasted, mashed, fried or used in soups and stews – it’s all good!
Do Yukon Gold potatoes need to be peeled before cooking?
This depends on personal preference and the recipe you’re following. The thin, tender skin is edible and adds texture and flavor to dishes, so many choose to leave the skin intact.
What is the nutritional value of this type of potato?
Yukon Golds are a healthy addition to a balanced diet, especially when prepared without excessive added fats and salt. They provide carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins such at Vitamin C and B6, and minerals like potassium.
Can I grow Yukon Golds in my garden?
Yes, these potatoes grow well in home gardens in cooler climates with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. They are relatively easy to cultivate. With proper care and attention to watering and soil quality, Yukon Gold plants can yield a bountiful harvest.
Leslie Farin is the Publisher and Founder of 50PlusToday. She is an experienced communications and marketing professional passionate about working with older adults and their families. She works with a team of writers to provide essential and cutting-edge information related to the 50Plus community.
