Food experts in Cornwall have revealed that clotted cream could be a game-changer in roast potatoes, according to the Cornish Dairy Co. The company claims that this less common ingredient, typically associated with cream teas, will transform a humble spud into a golden roast potato, as it “brings out a depth of flavour.”
Traditional fats vs. clotted cream
Traditional ingredients for roast potatoes include goose fat, lard, beef dripping or duck fat. But the Cornish Dairy Co argues that clotted cream offers a unique advantage. A food expert from the company said: "The secret to truly great roast potatoes is Cornish clotted cream. Rich, silk and naturally sweet, it transforms a humble spud into a golden roast potato that's crisp on the outside and fluffy in the middle. Our secret will become your go to method for roast potatoes, bringing a taste of Cornwall to the table that everyone will want more of."
According to the expert, clotted cream “brings out a depth of flavour that other fats and oils can't match, creating a golden, crisp exterior as it melts whilst enriching the potato with a nutty, brown-butter richness.”
How to use clotted cream
The company suggests adding clotted cream directly to the roasting tray and melting it to coat the spuds. This method, they claim, results in roast potatoes that are crisp on the outside and fluffy in the middle.
For those looking to try it, the Cornish Dairy Co has shared a recipe for "The Ultimate Roast Potatoes with a Cornish Secret." It serves six and requires 1.5–2kg of floury potatoes (such as Maris Piper or King Edward), 3–4 heaped tablespoons of Cornish Dairy Co Clotted Cream, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional fresh rosemary or thyme.
The method involves preheating the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C) / Gas Mark 6, warming the roasting tray, parboiling the potatoes for 8–10 minutes, then shaking them to roughen the edges. The clotted cream is melted in the hot tray, the potatoes are coated, and they are roasted for 45–55 minutes, turning once, until golden and crispy.
