There is one common mistake that people make when cooking roast potatoes at home, preventing them from becoming as crispy as they can be. Roast potatoes are a staple in a Christmas dinner, and households across the country will be cooking them on the big day. But when a roast potato is bad, it can really bring down how good your Christmas dinner is. There is one mistake you should avoid, according to an expert.

Making good roast potatoes is relatively simple, but there are a few tricks to achieve a soft and fluffy interior while keeping them crispy and delicious on the outside. From boiling them with bicarbonateof soda to oiling them with herbs and spices, there are a few things to know when aiming for the most delicious roast potatoes. Apart from steps to get them crispy and delicious, there are common mistakes to be aware of.

Michelin-starred chef Jeff Baker has five important tips to know when cooking roast potatoes, including the common mistake people make. When cooking roast potatoes in your oven, it's important not to crowd the baking tray.

Many people cook roast potatoes for a big crowd on Christmas Day. Since they are a staple of the Christmas dinner plate, you need a lot of roast potatoes for a stand-out Christmas dinner that your friends and family will praise you for. However, it is vital that you space out your roast potatoes before placing them in the oven.

Instead of crowding them all onto one tray, Jeff suggests spreading them out on two or more trays. An extra roasting tray can make all the difference.

If the potatoes are too crowded on the tray, then they will steam instead of roasting. That means you won't get that golden and crispy outside that we all strive for when cooking roast potatoes at home.

Always place roast potatoes in a single layer, and make sure they have just a little bit of space in between. When they are too crowded, you run the risk of getting soggy roast potatoes.

Additionally, Jeff says you should avoid using too much oil when making roast potatoes, as this can also make them burnt on the outside but not cooked through on the inside. Instead of using too much oil, parboil them in salt water before you roast them.