Standard roast potato portion guide
Determining the ideal quantity of roast potatoes per portion is a common culinary challenge. The answer varies depending on several factors, including the appetite of your guests and whether the roast potatoes are the star of the show or a supporting side dish. For most average appetites, a good rule of thumb is to start with a standard weight per person and adjust from there.
Per-person guidelines
- For a light side dish with a large roast and many other sides: Plan for around 125g (4 oz) of raw potato per person. This typically equates to 2-3 small-to-medium roast potatoes after cutting.
- For a standard Sunday roast: Aim for a generous 225-250g (8-9 oz) of raw potato per person. This usually results in 3-5 medium-sized roast potato chunks per serving, with a few extra for second helpings.
- For a starchy-heavy meal or for bigger appetites: Consider increasing your allowance to 300g (10-11 oz) or more per person, ensuring you won't run short. This is also a good approach if you enjoy leftovers.
Calculating for large groups
When scaling up for a crowd, it's often best to work with weight rather than counting individual potatoes, which can be inconsistent. For example, if you're catering for eight people, a generous portion of 250g per person would require 2kg of raw potatoes.
Factors that influence portion size
Several factors can affect how much your guests will eat. Considering these can help you avoid either running out or having too much food waste.
Appetite and guest demographics
- Children and smaller appetites: For children or adults who eat less, you can estimate a smaller portion, such as two-thirds of the standard adult serving.
- Guests with hearty appetites: If you know your family loves roast potatoes, it’s always a safe bet to make extra. Leftover roasties are almost as popular as the main event.
The role of roast potatoes in the meal
- The main event: If your roast potatoes are a primary carbohydrate source and there are few other heavy side dishes, allocate a larger portion. This is common at Christmas dinner.
- One of many sides: If you're serving a full spread with multiple side dishes, you can reduce the individual roast potato portion size, as people will fill their plates with a variety of foods.
The best potatoes for roasting
Using the right potato variety is key to achieving perfect results and can influence how your portions appear. Starchy potatoes are ideal for that fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Good choices include:
- Maris Piper (UK): A UK favorite, offering a fluffy texture perfect for roasting.
- King Edward (UK): Another great option, known for great roasting results.
- Russet/Idaho (US): Highly starchy, resulting in a nice, crispy crust.
- Yukon Gold (US): Offers a creamy, buttery flesh and crisps up beautifully.
Perfecting your roast potato technique
Once you've decided on your quantity, getting the technique right is crucial for irresistible results. Here are the steps for the ultimate roast potatoes:
- Peel and chop your chosen potatoes into large, even-sized pieces.
- Parboil them in a large pot of salted water for about 10-15 minutes until just tender. This is the crucial step for a fluffy interior.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them steam dry for a few minutes. This is essential for a crispy finish.
- Return the potatoes to the hot pan and give them a good shake to 'chuff up' the edges. This creates more surface area for crispiness.
- Add your chosen fat (goose fat, duck fat, or a high smoke-point vegetable oil) to a roasting pan and heat it until shimmering in a hot oven (around 200-220°C / 400-425°F).
- Carefully add the chuffed potatoes to the hot fat, ensuring they are in a single layer. Roll them to coat evenly.
- Roast for 45-60 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy. For a flavor boost, add herbs like rosemary or crushed garlic cloves towards the end of the cooking time.
Comparison table: Portioning scenarios
| Scenario | Raw Weight Per Person | Equivalent Potato Chunks* | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Meal / Many Sides | 125g (4 oz) | 2-3 medium chunks | Make a batch and serve smaller scoops |
| Standard Sunday Roast | 225-250g (8-9 oz) | 3-5 medium chunks | Aim for this as the default; it's a generous serving |
| Hearty Appetites / Fewer Sides | 300g+ (10-11 oz) | 5+ medium chunks | Scale up your base calculation to ensure no one goes without |
| Catering for a Crowd (e.g., 20 guests) | 225g (8 oz) | ~4 medium chunks | Use total weight (4.5 kg) to plan; always make extra |
*Number of chunks is an estimate and depends on the size of the initial potato and how it's cut.
Conclusion
Mastering how many roast potatoes per portion is less about a rigid number and more about understanding the factors at play. By using a standard weight of 225-250g per person as your generous base, and adjusting based on the occasion and your guests' appetites, you can ensure everyone is perfectly satisfied. Whether you're planning a full Sunday roast or a simple dinner, a thoughtful calculation ensures you have enough crispy, fluffy roasties to go around. And remember, it's better to have a few extra for next-day treats than to run out. For a visual guide on technique, check out BBC Food's perfect roast potatoes recipe.
Further reading
For more detailed recipes and techniques, exploring resources like BBC Food or Simply Recipes can provide inspiration and deeper insights into creating the perfect roast potatoes.
