Thyme & Chestnut Roast Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
These thyme and chestnut roast potatoes are a delicious twist on a classic side dish, perfect for festive dinners or cozy meals. The chestnuts add a subtle sweetness and an earthy texture that pairs beautifully with the crispy, golden potatoes and fragrant thyme.

Ingredients
- 1.5-2kg floury potatoes, such as King Edward or Maris Piper, cut into equal chunks
- 150ml vegetable oil
- Bunch of thyme, roughly chopped
- 180g pouch cooked chestnuts, roughly crumbled
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the potatoes in a large pan and cover with cold salted water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
- Step 2: Pour the vegetable oil into a large roasting tin and place it in the oven with your turkey to heat for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Carefully remove the hot roasting tin from the oven. Tip in the drained potatoes and chopped thyme, turning them to coat thoroughly in the hot oil.
- Step 4: Once the turkey is cooked through, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Roast the potatoes for 40 minutes, then turn them over and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and crisp all over.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the crumbled chestnuts over the potatoes and roast for a final 10 minutes until the chestnuts are warmed through. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, shake the potatoes in the pan after parboiling to rough up the edges before roasting.
- If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used but add it towards the end of roasting to prevent it burning.
- Chestnuts can be substituted with roasted hazelnuts or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover roast potatoes and chestnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the potatoes soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Floury potatoes like King Edward or Maris Piper work best because they become fluffy inside and crispy outside. Waxy potatoes may not achieve the same texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can parboil and toss the potatoes with oil and thyme ahead of time, then roast just before serving. Add the chestnuts in the last 10 minutes of cooking as usual.
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Thyme & Chestnut Roast Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crispy and flavorful thyme and chestnut roast potatoes, perfect as a delicious side dish. Parboiled and roasted until golden, these fluffy potatoes are infused with fresh thyme and topped with tender cooked chestnuts for a unique, festive twist.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1.5–2kg floury potatoes (such as King Edward or Maris Piper), cut into equal chunks
Other Ingredients
- 150ml vegetable oil
- bunch of fresh thyme, roughly chopped
- 180g pouch cooked chestnuts, roughly crumbled
- Salt, for boiling water
Instructions
- Parboil the Potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pan and cover them with cold salted water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the potatoes are just tender but not fully cooked. Drain well.
- Heat the Oil: Put the vegetable oil in a large roasting tin and place it in the oven alongside the turkey for 10 minutes to get the oil very hot.
- Coat the Potatoes: Carefully remove the hot roasting tin from the oven and tip the parboiled potatoes and chopped thyme into the oil. Turn the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated in the hot oil.
- Roast the Potatoes: Once the turkey is cooked and removed from the oven, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Roast the potatoes for 40 minutes, then turn them over and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until they are golden and crisp all over.
- Add Chestnuts: Sprinkle the crumbled cooked chestnuts over the potatoes and continue roasting for a final 10 minutes until the chestnuts are heated through, adding a delicious nutty flavor and softness to the dish.
Notes
- Use floury potatoes like King Edward or Maris Piper for the best texture—crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the potatoes for maximum crispiness.
- Turning the potatoes halfway through roasting ensures even browning.
- If cooked separately, timings may vary slightly—adjust depending on your oven and batch size.
- Chestnuts add a wonderful festive touch and an earthy flavor; canned or vacuum-packed cooked chestnuts work well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: roast potatoes, thyme, chestnuts, vegetable oil, crispy potatoes, side dish, British roast, festive recipe

