For UK-style roasties, the best potatoes are floury maincrop varieties like Maris Piper and King Edward , with Desiree, Rooster and some speciality types also doing brilliantly. These give the ideal combo of crisp outsides and fluffy middles that people expect with a Sunday roast in the UK.

Best roasting potatoes in the UK

  • Maris Piper – Widely seen as the classic roasting potato in UK kitchens and recipes; very floury, so it crisps well and stays fluffy inside.
  • King Edward – Another traditional favourite for roast dinners; similarly floury, with a light, fluffy texture when roasted.
  • Desiree – Slightly waxier but still great for roasting; holds shape well while still giving a soft interior.
  • Rooster – Often recommended on UK food forums as an underrated roasting potato with good colour and texture.
  • More unusual choices – Varieties like La Ratte, Albert Bartlett Rooster and Cyprus/Spunta are sometimes praised on forums for extra flavour and colour, if you want something a bit different.

What actually makes a good roastie?

  • Floury / high dry matter potatoes rough up easily when parboiled, giving lots of edges that turn crunchy in hot fat.
  • These types also have a fluffy internal texture after roasting, which is what most UK home cooks look for with roast potatoes.

Simple buying tips in UK supermarkets

  • For a safe bet, pick bags labelled for “roasting” or “baking” – these are usually Maris Piper, King Edward or similar floury types.
  • If the variety isn’t obvious, avoid very firm “salad” or “new” potatoes for classic roasties, as they tend to stay waxy rather than fluffy.

Quick forum-style view

Most UK cooks will say: “Grab Maris Piper or King Edward and you’re sorted for proper roasties.”

More niche potato fans suggest trying La Ratte, Rooster or Cyprus potatoes if you want to impress with flavour and colour.

TL;DR:
If you’re in the UK and wondering what potatoes are best for roasting , reach first for Maris Piper or King Edward; Desiree and Rooster are strong alternatives, and speciality types like La Ratte or Cyprus can give extra flavour if you spot them.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.