Crispy smashed potatoes are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine biting into a golden-brown potato that is both crunchy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside—heavenly! The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing everyone within a 10-mile radius. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting a lively gathering with friends, these little spuds are bound to steal the show.
Growing up, my family’s dinner table always felt like a battleground for the best side dishes. Enter crispy smashed potatoes—my secret weapon. I still remember the first time I made them; my friends were so impressed they thought I had hired a professional chef! This dish has become my go-to whenever I want to impress without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These crispy smashed potatoes are not only easy to whip up but also packed with flavor
- Their golden exterior adds visual appeal that will wow your guests
- Perfect for pairing with any main dish or enjoying as a snack
- Each bite delivers crunchiness followed by soft goodness that keeps you coming back for more
The first time I served these at a family gathering, my uncle declared them “the best thing since sliced bread,” which is quite the compliment considering he’s been around since before bread was sliced!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Baby Potatoes: Choose small to medium-sized baby potatoes for perfect smashing and even cooking.
- Olive Oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor and crispiness.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth; you can also use fresh garlic if you want an intense aroma.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme will elevate the flavor profile—don’t skip this step!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning; adjust to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Potatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Wash and scrub those baby potatoes until they gleam like little treasures.
Boil Until Tender: In a large pot, add water and salt before bringing it to a boil. Toss in the potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart.
Smashed with Love: Drain the potatoes and let them sit in the colander for about five minutes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently smash each one with the bottom of a glass or potato masher.
Add Seasoning Magic: Drizzle olive oil over each smashed potato while sprinkling garlic powder, salt, pepper, and herbs evenly across them. Make sure every crevice gets some love!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Slide those beauties into your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they achieve that irresistible golden hue!
Serve & Enjoy!: Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool slightly before diving in. Serve as an irresistible side or snack—guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Now that you’ve got this crispy smashed potatoes recipe down pat, get ready to impress everyone at your next meal!
You Must Know
- Crispy smashed potatoes are a game-changer for any meal
- Their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior make them irresistible
- Perfect as a side or snack, these potatoes will bring joy to your dinner table with their delightful aroma and satisfying crunch
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the potatoes until tender, then smash them gently before roasting for maximum crispiness. This sequence ensures the potatoes cook evenly and develop that coveted golden crust.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor. You can also add cheese on top before roasting, turning these into a cheesy delight that elevates your dish to new heights.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover crispy smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crunchiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect crispy smashed potatoes, use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best texture
- Ensure they’re dried thoroughly after boiling to maximize crispiness during roasting
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this allows air circulation for even cooking
I remember the first time I made crispy smashed potatoes for a family gathering. Everyone devoured them so quickly that I barely got to taste my own creation!
FAQ
What type of potatoes should I use for crispy smashed potatoes?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold are ideal due to their creamy texture and flavor.
Can I make crispy smashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, prepare them in advance and reheat just before serving for maximum freshness.
Are there any vegan options for toppings?
Absolutely! Try adding nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for a delicious dairy-free option.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crispy smashed potatoes are a crowd-pleasing side dish featuring a crunchy exterior and fluffy interior. Perfectly seasoned and golden brown, they are irresistible at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Scrub the baby potatoes until clean.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, gently smash each potato with the bottom of a glass.
- Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes, then sprinkle with garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato (70g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with different seasonings like paprika or cheese before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
