Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This smashed potatoes recipe is the perfect balance of crispy and creamy textures, with every bite giving you a satisfying crunch on the outside and a soft, buttery center. It’s easy to make, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. These potatoes are perfect for pairing with just about any main dish, from roast meats to grilled veggies. Plus, you can customize them with different seasonings to fit your taste. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a casual family meal, this dish will be a hit every time.
Ingredients
-
Baby potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
-
Olive oil (for drizzling)
-
Salt
-
Black pepper
-
Garlic powder (optional)
-
Fresh herbs (optional, like rosemary or thyme)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
-
Wash and scrub the baby potatoes thoroughly.
-
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
-
Once boiling, cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender.
-
Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes.
-
Place the cooked potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
-
Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato to flatten it slightly.
-
Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings like garlic powder or herbs.
-
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy around the edges.
-
Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: This recipe serves about 4 people.
-
Total Time: 40 minutes (10-12 minutes for boiling, 20-25 minutes for baking).
Variations
-
Cheesy Smashed Potatoes: Top the smashed potatoes with shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy, gooey finish.
-
Herb Butter Smashed Potatoes: After baking, drizzle the potatoes with melted herb-infused butter for added richness.
-
Spicy Smashed Potatoes: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick to the recipe.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store any leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: To reheat, place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, but the texture won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
How do I get my smashed potatoes crispy?
To get the best crispy edges, be sure to smash the potatoes gently and evenly, and then drizzle with enough olive oil. Baking at a high temperature, like 425°F, will help achieve that perfect crispiness.
Can I make smashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes ahead of time by boiling them and smashing them. Store them in the fridge and bake them just before serving for that freshly crispy texture.
What type of potatoes are best for smashing?
Baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their creamy texture and smaller size. However, Russet potatoes can also be used if you prefer.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, you can use butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor. You can also use a combination of both for extra flavor.
Can I freeze smashed potatoes?
While it’s not ideal to freeze smashed potatoes, you can freeze the boiled, smashed potatoes before baking. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
Can I make smashed potatoes in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry the smashed potatoes! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, place the smashed potatoes in a single layer, and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I serve smashed potatoes with?
Smashed potatoes are perfect with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a vegetarian main like a vegetable stir fry. They also pair well with salads and sauces like gravy or sour cream.
How do I make smashed potatoes more flavorful?
Try adding garlic powder, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking. You can also drizzle them with flavored oils or dressings to enhance the taste.
How can I make smashed potatoes vegan?
To make the recipe vegan, simply swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute, and avoid any cheese toppings.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, you can use larger potatoes like Russets, but they may need to be cut into smaller pieces before boiling to ensure they cook evenly.
Conclusion
Smashed potatoes are a versatile, easy-to-make dish that pairs beautifully with many different meals. Whether you’re serving them for a casual weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, they’re sure to impress with their crispy edges and creamy centers. Customize them to suit your tastes, and enjoy this delicious side dish!
Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Smashed potatoes are a comforting, crispy, and creamy side dish that combines the softness of mashed potatoes with the crispy edges of roasted potatoes. Perfect for any occasion and easily customizable with seasonings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1.5 lbs Baby potatoes
Olive oil (for drizzling)
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder (optional)
Fresh herbs (optional, like rosemary or thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and scrub the baby potatoes thoroughly.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Place the cooked potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato to flatten it slightly.
- Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings like garlic powder or herbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy around the edges.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Notes
- For cheesy smashed potatoes, top with shredded cheese before baking.
- For herb butter smashed potatoes, drizzle melted herb-infused butter after baking.
- For spicy smashed potatoes, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste.
- To make ahead, boil and smash potatoes in advance, then bake before serving.
- To reheat, bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or microwave, though the texture won't be as crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Leave a Reply