The Best Sauces for Roast Potatoes
Looking to take your comfort food game to the next level?
Then you might be eager to discover the best sauces for roast potatoes!
Whether you’re making a batch of these crispy favourites as a side course for a main meal, or you just want to enjoy them as a snack, there’s something here that’s exactly what you’re looking for…
(By the way, for more meal planning inspiration, you might also want to take a look at the best meals that go with roast potatoes!)
Salty and Savoury Sauces for Roast Potatoes
In this section, we’ll explore three salty and savoury sauces that are sure to impress your guests: Garlic Sauce, Gravy, and Mustard Sauce.
Garlic Sauce
A beautifully fragrant garlic sauce can add a burst of flavour to your roast potatoes. To make this sauce:
Ingredients:
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat, then add the minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the remaining ingredients. Pour the sauce over your roast potatoes and toss well to coat. Enjoy!
Gravy
A classic gravy is always a crowd-pleaser, providing a deliciously rich complement to roast potatoes.
For a simple yet flavourful gravy:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary for added flavour
Instructions:
- Heat the stock in a saucepan over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then gradually whisk the mixture into the simmering stock, until the gravy thickens.
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper, and add any fresh herbs if desired. Serve alongside or pour over your roast potatoes.
Mustard Sauce
For something with a bit of kick, try a creamy and tangy mustard sauce to enhance your roast potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup wholegrain mustard
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine both types of mustard, mayonnaise, and dill.
- Season the sauce to taste with salt and black pepper. Drizzle over your roast potatoes or serve as a dipping sauce on the side.
Citrus and Herb Sauces for Roast Potatoes
Lemon Herb Sauce
A zesty lemon herb Sauce can elevate your roast potatoes to new levels of flavour.
To prepare this delightful sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
First, whisk together the lemon juice, basil, chives, parsley, and olive oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re all set!
This citrusy sauce is perfect for drizzling over your roast potatoes or serving as a dipping sauce on the side.
Pesto
Pesto is a versatile sauce that pairs excellently with roast potatoes.
The rich and creamy flavours from the basil and Parmesan cheese truly complement well with the soft interior and crispy exterior of your potatoes.
Here’s a simple pesto recipe for you to try:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic. Process until smooth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like a smoother and creamier consistency, feel free to add more olive oil as needed.
If you need to use a jar, take a look at how to improve store bought pesto.
Spicy Sauces for Roast Potatoes
Cajun Roasted Potatoes
Cajun roasted potatoes are a delicious and easy way to spice up your meal.
To make this flavourful sauce, start by mixing smoked paprika and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. The smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavour, while the cayenne pepper brings a subtle heat.
Remember, you can always adjust the level of spiciness to your preference.
For the potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (approximately 392°F)
- Cut your potatoes into evenly sized pieces
- Parboil the potatoes for about 5 minutes
- Drain and let them steam dry
- Toss the potatoes in your spicy Cajun mixture and a drizzle of oil
Place them on a baking tray and roast until crispy and golden brown.
Enjoy your Cajun roasted potatoes with your favourite roast or grilled meat and vegetables.
Smoked Paprika Sauce
A smoked paprika sauce is another fantastic option to elevate your roast potatoes. Rich and flavoursome, this sauce strikes the perfect balance between smoky and spicy.
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil and add the minced garlic. Cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Make sure to combine well, allowing the spices to infuse into the oil.
Once your roast potatoes are golden and crispy, generously drizzle the smoked paprika sauce over them, tossing to ensure even distribution of flavour. This sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of roast meats and hearty vegetables.
Cheesy Sauces for Roast Potatoes
Cheese Sauce
Who doesn’t love a rich and creamy cheese sauce, right?
This cheese sauce recipe is simple to follow, and creates delicious results every time.
To elevate this cheese sauce to the next level, you can add some caramelised onions.
To do this, simply thinly slice some onions and cook them in a pan with butter over low heat until they turn golden and sweet. Then, stir the onions into your cheese sauce.
Drizzle this delicious, velvety sauce over your roast potatoes, and I guarantee your taste buds will thank you!
Check out this guide to using up leftover cheese sauce for more meal ideas for the week ahead.
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
If you’re a fan of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavours, this roasted red pepper sauce is for you.
You’ll need some roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, and grated parmesan cheese to create this delightful sauce.
First, blend the roasted red peppers with a splash of olive oil until smooth. Then, sauté minced garlic in a pan with a little olive oil until fragrant.
Combine the garlic and the pepper purée in the pan and simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
Finally, stir in your grated parmesan cheese for that lovely cheesy finish.
Ladle this stunning sauce onto your crispy roast potatoes for an irresistible combination of flavours. Your family and guests will surely enjoy this delightful twist on the classic roast potato dish!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving your roast potatoes, you have a variety of options to choose from.
Your delicious oven-roasted potatoes can complement various dishes, making them an excellent side dish for many meals.
Chicken: Roast potatoes are a classic accompaniment to a succulent roasted chicken. Pair your potatoes with a scrumptious gravy or white sauce to tie the flavours together.
Fish: For a delightful seafood dish, serve your roast potatoes alongside baked or grilled fish. A light and buttery sauce will enhance the overall taste of this pairing.
Pork and pork chops: Roast potatoes work wonders with pork dishes, too. Combine them with tender pork chops, juicy meatloaf, or a mouth-watering slow-cooked pork roast for a comforting meal.
Vegetables: Don’t forget to add a colourful assortment of vegetables to balance your meal. You can mix freshly steamed or roasted veggies directly with your potatoes, or serve them on the side.
When it comes to leftovers, be sure to store your roast potatoes in a sealed container in the fridge for optimal freshness.
