Skip Salt And Pepper: Add A Packet Of This Seasoning For Heartier Roast Potatoes
Roast potatoes are one of the easiest side dishes to make, but a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper can leave them tasting a little flat. If you want potatoes with deeper, more savoury flavour, there’s a budget-friendly shortcut that’s probably already sitting in your pantry: a packet of dry onion soup mix. Toss it with your potatoes before roasting, and you’ll get golden, crispy spuds packed with rich, hearty flavour, with no measuring or extra chopping required.
Why Onion Soup Mix Works So Well
Onion soup mix is basically a ready-made seasoning blend. Most packets contain dried onion flakes, onion powder, salt and pepper, along with ingredients like parsley, celery and paprika. Some versions also include beef bouillon, which adds an extra layer of savoury depth, while others contain cornstarch that helps the potatoes brown.
As the potatoes roast, the little bits of dried onion crisp up and cling to the surface, creating caramelised edges and a satisfying crunch. Chefs note that nothing in the mix clashes with mild, starchy potatoes, which is why it’s such an easy upgrade. The result tastes like you spent far more time on seasoning than you actually did.
How to Make Onion Soup Mix Roast Potatoes
Serves: 4 to 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 to 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 kg (about 2 lb) potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, red or russet
- 3 to 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet (about 40 g / 1.4 oz) dry onion soup mix
- Fresh parsley or chives, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Heat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a large baking tray with baking paper.
- Cut the potatoes. Chop the potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. There’s no need to peel them unless you prefer to.
- Dry them well. Pat the potatoes dry with a clean tea towel or paper towels. Removing extra moisture helps them crisp up.
- Season. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the olive oil until coated, then sprinkle over the onion soup mix and toss again until evenly covered.
- Roast. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the tray, leaving a little space between them. Roast for 20 minutes, flip, then roast for another 15 to 25 minutes, until golden and crisp on the outside and tender inside.
- Serve. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use the right ratio. A good rule of thumb is about one packet of soup mix for every 1 kg (2 lb) of potatoes.
- Skip the extra salt. Onion soup mix is already quite salty, so taste before adding more.
- Don’t overcrowd the tray. Crowded potatoes steam instead of roasting. Use two trays if needed.
- Check the label. Some onion soup mixes contain beef stock, so look for a vegetarian version if needed.
- Try a lower-sodium mix. If you’re watching your salt intake, use a reduced-sodium version or half a packet with some garlic powder and dried herbs.
Other Seasoning Packets to Try
Onion soup mix isn’t the only packet that can transform your roast potatoes. Here are a few other easy options:
| Seasoning Packet | Flavour Profile | Best Paired With |
|---|---|---|
| Onion soup mix | Savoury, rich and hearty | Roast beef, pot roast, steak |
| Ranch seasoning | Creamy, herby and tangy | Chicken, burgers, barbecue |
| Italian dressing mix | Zesty, garlicky and herby | Pasta dishes, grilled chicken |
| Lemon pepper seasoning | Bright, citrusy and peppery | Fish, seafood, roast chicken |
| Taco seasoning | Smoky and lightly spicy | Tacos, Mexican-inspired meals |
Easy Ways to Take It Further
Want to make your onion soup mix potatoes even more indulgent? Turn them into French onion potatoes by sprinkling grated Gruyère cheese over the top during the last few minutes of roasting. You can also toss in sliced fresh onion, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for colour or finish them with a drizzle of melted butter. They’re also great made in the air fryer: cook at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much onion soup mix should I use for roast potatoes?
Use about one packet for every 1 kg (2 lb) of potatoes. If you prefer less salt, start with half a packet and add more to taste.
2. Do I need to add salt to onion soup mix potatoes?
Usually not. Onion soup mix already contains plenty of salt, so taste the potatoes before adding any extra.
3. Is onion soup mix vegetarian?
Not always. Some onion soup mixes contain beef stock or bouillon, so check the label if you need a vegetarian option.
4. Can I make onion soup mix potatoes in an air fryer?
Yes. Toss the potatoes with oil and soup mix, then air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
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