Smashed Potatoes Recipe
If you’ve never tried Smashed Potatoes before, get ready to fall in love with one of the simplest yet most irresistible side dishes out there. With irresistibly crispy edges, fluffy centers, and plenty of buttery, garlicky flavor in every bite, these golden beauties are a step up from ordinary potatoes. They’re a staple at my dinner table — perfect for casual weeknights, special gatherings, or whenever you crave a snack that’s crunchy, aromatic, and totally crowd-pleasing. From their rustic charm to the customizable toppings, Smashed Potatoes tick every box for potato lovers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the secret to outstanding Smashed Potatoes. Each component plays a starring role: creamy potatoes form the foundation, oil and butter create that crave-worthy crispness, and fresh herbs bring color and a fragrant finish.
- Baby potatoes (1 1/2 pounds): Small and tender potatoes are ideal for that fluffy inside and crispy outside—don’t peel them!
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds robust flavor and essential for that irresistible crunch.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): For rich taste and browning—mixing with oil gives the best texture.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings aromatic flair and a punch of savory depth to every bite.
- Fresh rosemary, chopped (1 teaspoon, optional): Infuses a woodsy, herby note that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for boosting all those potato flavors—season well!
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth and subtle heat.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Lends freshness and a pop of green that makes the dish sing.
How to Make Smashed Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add your baby potatoes. Let them cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re just fork-tender. The goal is soft and creamy centers, but not so soft that they fall apart when smashed. Drain them well and let them cool off just enough to handle comfortably.
Step 2: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring it gets nice and hot so the potatoes will crisp up. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
Arrange the potatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until it’s slightly flattened, keeping the edges intact so they crisp up beautifully in the oven. Aiming for about half an inch thick works well.
Step 4: Drizzle and Season
Whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle this savory mixture evenly over all the smashed potatoes, ensuring each one gets a flavorful coating. The oil-butter combo is your ticket to ultimate crispiness!
Step 5: Roast Until Crispy
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown exteriors with gorgeously crispy edges; don’t be afraid to let them really take on color. Once done, sprinkle them with plenty of fresh parsley and transfer to a serving platter while they’re still piping hot.
How to Serve Smashed Potatoes
Garnishes
For that final flourish, sprinkle your warm Smashed Potatoes with chopped fresh parsley—it adds brightness and a hint of herbal flavor. If you love cheese, a quick dusting of grated Parmesan before baking is absolutely delicious. And don’t forget a side of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or your favorite dipping sauce for dunking!
Side Dishes
Smashed Potatoes are incredibly versatile and complement a huge range of main dishes. They shine alongside roast chicken, steak, grilled fish, or even a hearty vegetarian stew. For a truly comforting meal, pair them with a fresh green salad or sautéed veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the basics by setting up a Smashed Potatoes bar with assorted toppings like crispy bacon bits, crumbled blue cheese, sriracha, or caramelized onions. For fun gatherings, serve them as bite-size appetizers on a platter, each topped with a dollop of dip or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Kids will love them as finger food at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Smashed Potatoes (though that rarely happens in my house!), let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. They’ll stay flavorful and maintain much of their texture.
Freezing
Surprisingly, Smashed Potatoes freeze quite well. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Give them a quick re-crisp in the oven straight from frozen for best results.
Reheating
Reheat Smashed Potatoes in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven until hot and crispy, usually about 10 minutes. The oven ensures they reclaim their crunch, but an air fryer works wonders, too. Skip the microwave for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for Smashed Potatoes?
Definitely! While baby potatoes are perfect, you can use fingerlings or small red and Yukon gold potatoes. Just make sure they’re similar in size so they cook evenly and hold together when smashed.
Do I have to use fresh herbs?
Not at all! Fresh herbs add a nice touch, but dried rosemary or thyme can also work in a pinch. If you love bold flavors, try adding smoked paprika or a sprinkle of chili flakes right before roasting.
Can I make Smashed Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can boil and smash the potatoes in advance, then store them (covered) in the fridge. When you’re ready, drizzle with oil and seasonings, then roast just before serving for maximum crispiness.
How do I get them super crispy?
The key is thoroughly drying the potatoes after boiling, then using a combo of olive oil and melted butter. Roast them at a high temperature and give each potato plenty of space on the baking sheet so the edges can brown beautifully.
What dipping sauces pair best?
Classic sour cream is a hard-to-beat favorite, but ranch, spicy aioli, honey mustard, or even tzatziki are all amazing with Smashed Potatoes. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try your own blends.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about sharing crispy, golden Smashed Potatoes with the people you love. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this easy recipe delivers unforgettable results every single time. Don’t wait—give them a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “pass the potatoes!”
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Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor from garlic and rosemary. They make a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Baby Potatoes:
1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes;
Olive Oil Mixture:
3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook Potatoes: Boil baby potatoes until fork-tender, then cool slightly. Transfer to baking sheet and smash them gently.
- Prepare Olive Oil Mixture: Mix olive oil, melted butter, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over potatoes.
- Roast: Roast smashed potatoes for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream or dipping sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 4-5 potatoes
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
