If there’s one side dish that never fails to steal the spotlight, it’s the Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe. Imagine tiny potatoes boiled to tender perfection and then smashed just enough to create the perfect surface for golden, crunchy edges. Baked to crisped glory with simple seasonings, this dish combines creamy insides with a satisfyingly crunchy outside, making every bite a pure delight. Whether you’re serving them alongside your favorite main or enjoying them as a snack, these crispy smashed potatoes bring comfort and excitement in one irresistible package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe is in its simplicity—each component plays an essential role, creating a balance of texture, flavor, and color that’s nothing short of delicious. From the creamy Yukon Gold potatoes delivering softness inside to the perfectly seasoned oil that encourages a golden crisp crust, every ingredient is a star.
- 1 pound small Yukon Gold or red potatoes: Choose uniform-sized potatoes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds a rich flavor while helping the potatoes crisp up beautifully during baking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory kick that complements the natural earthiness of the potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing every bit of flavor and bringing the seasoning into perfect balance.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and peppery note that jazzes up the dish.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which is key to achieving that coveted crispy crust. While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. This initial step sets the stage for your potatoes to transform into crispy treasures.
Step 2: Boil Potatoes Until Tender
Next, place your uniform potatoes in salted water and boil them until they’re fork-tender—soft enough inside but still holding their shape. This tenderness ensures that when you smash them, the insides will be creamy and melt-in-your-mouth, contrasting perfectly with the crispy edges.
Step 3: Gently Flatten Each Potato
Once the potatoes have cooled enough to handle, it’s time for the fun part—smashing! Use a potato masher or the bottom of a sturdy glass to gently press each potato down to about half an inch thick. Keep the potatoes intact while creating just enough surface area to get wonderfully crispy later on.
Step 4: Season, Oil, and Bake to Golden Perfection
Drizzle your extra virgin olive oil over the smashed potatoes, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. These simple seasonings bring out authentic flavor without overpowering the potatoes’ natural charm. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake until the potatoes are golden brown and irresistibly crispy on the edges, usually taking around 20 minutes.
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your crispy smashed potatoes can elevate them from a humble side to a showstopper. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives bring a burst of color and a fresh, bright note to balance the richness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the end will add textural contrast and intensify the savory flavors.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with a range of main dishes. Serve alongside grilled chicken for a comforting meal, or offer them with seared steak to soak up all the delicious juices. They also complement vegetarian mains perfectly, like roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms, because their hearty texture adds substance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel free to get creative with how you present your smashed potatoes. Arrange them in a single layer on a platter and top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a snack-worthy appetizer. Or, serve them stacked with layers of melted cheese and crispy bacon for a decadent twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply let the potatoes cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready to reheat and enjoy without sacrificing too much crispness.
Freezing
While crispy smashed potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for convenience. Freeze cooked, cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to have a ready-to-bake snack or side anytime.
Reheating
To reheat and recover that incredible crunch, avoid the microwave if you can. Instead, pop the potatoes back into a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This will re-crisp the edges beautifully and warm the potatoes through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and red potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and thin skins, you can experiment with baby red, fingerling, or even small white potatoes. Just make sure they’re of uniform size for even cooking.
How do I know when the potatoes are done boiling?
They’re ready when a fork slides easily all the way through the potato without resistance. The potatoes should be tender but still hold their shape to prevent them from falling apart when smashed.
Can I add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
You can, but fresh garlic may burn in the high oven heat. To avoid bitterness, mix finely minced garlic with the olive oil and brush it on the potatoes right before baking, or add fresh garlic as a garnish after baking.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! This Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe is naturally vegan, made with just potatoes, olive oil, and seasonings. It’s a crowd-pleasing side that fits well into plant-based meals.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Indeed you can! The recipe uses only naturally gluten-free ingredients, so it’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way these crispy smashed potatoes bring a comforting crunch and creamy softness together in each bite. Whether you’re looking for an easy side to impress or a snack to indulge in, the Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe is a total winner you’ll want to keep coming back to. Give it a try, and get ready to wow your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to join you at the table.
Print
Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a simple yet delicious side dish featuring tender boiled potatoes that are smashed flat, seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then baked to golden, crispy perfection with a touch of olive oil. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 pound small Yukon Gold or red potatoes, uniform size
Seasonings & Oil
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Cook Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a pot of salted water and boil until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes depending on size. Drain well and allow them to cool slightly.
- Smash Potatoes: Arrange the potatoes on the baking sheet and gently flatten each one using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass until they are about ½ inch thick, taking care not to break them apart completely.
- Season and Drizzle: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the smashed potatoes, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper for flavour.
- Bake Crispy: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for 20-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the edges. Serve hot.
Notes
- Choose small, uniform potatoes so they cook evenly.
- Smashing gently helps keep the insides fluffy while creating crispy edges.
- Feel free to add other seasonings like smoked paprika or fresh herbs.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like sour cream or aioli for extra flavor.
- For extra crispiness, flip potatoes halfway through baking.
