I vividly remember the Saturday afternoon when my usual potato routine was forever changed. I was scrolling through food blogs, seeking inspiration for a quick yet impressive side dish. My kitchen counter was already laden with ingredients for a simple chicken roast, but the potatoes… they needed something *more*.
That’s when I saw it – a picture of golden-brown, craggy-edged potatoes, promising an unparalleled crunch. Intrigued, I decided to dive in, and oh, what a delicious discovery it turned out to be! The aroma of garlic and herbs filled my apartment as these humble tubers transformed into something truly magical.
The first bite was an absolute revelation: a creamy, tender interior giving way to an unbelievably crunchy exterior. My initial attempt at making crispy Smashed Potatoes wasn’t just a success; it was an epiphany. This simple technique takes the humble potato from supporting actor to a show-stopping star, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
Now, whenever I crave ultimate comfort food that’s both easy and impressive, I turn to my trusty recipe for Crispy Smashed Potatoes. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest ideas yield the most extraordinary flavors. You’re about to fall in love with this incredible smashed potato recipe, just as I did.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Smashed Potatoes
You are in for a serious treat with this Crispy Smashed Potatoes recipe! First and foremost, the texture is out of this world. Imagine a potato that is incredibly soft and fluffy on the inside, almost like a baked potato, but with an outer crust that shatters with an satisfying crunch with every bite.
This unique combination makes them far more exciting than your average roasted or mashed potatoes. It truly sets these apart. Secondly, the flavor profile is wonderfully versatile.
We infuse these Crispy Smashed Potatoes with aromatic garlic, fresh rosemary, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. This simple blend enhances the natural earthy taste of the potatoes, creating a truly irresistible dish.
Furthermore, this smashed potato recipe is surprisingly easy to make. While there are a few steps involved, none of them are complicated. You simply boil, smash, and roast – that’s it!
It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights, yet it’s elegant enough for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a pot, a baking sheet, and something to smash with. Plus, these crispy potatoes are a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying side dish that pleases everyone at the table, even the pickiest eaters.
Once you try these perfectly golden, intensely flavorful Crispy Smashed Potatoes, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They really are the ultimate crispy potato experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating perfect Crispy Smashed Potatoes starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
* 1.5 pounds (about 680g) small potatoes (Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes work best)
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
* 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
* Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Substitutions & Variations
The beauty of these Crispy Smashed Potatoes lies in their adaptability. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
* Potatoes: While Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes offer the best texture for this smashed potato recipe, you can absolutely use other varieties. Russet potatoes will work, but they might be a bit drier on the inside. New potatoes or fingerlings are also excellent choices for creating the perfect crispy potatoes.
* Herbs: Fresh rosemary provides a classic, aromatic touch to these Crispy Smashed Potatoes, but feel free to experiment. Thyme, oregano, or a mix of Italian herbs would be equally delicious. For a brighter flavor, fresh dill or chives added after roasting are fantastic.
* Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be substituted. Mix it with the olive oil before tossing with the potatoes. For a milder garlic flavor, use roasted garlic cloves instead of minced fresh garlic.
* Spices: Want to add more flair to your crispy smashed potatoes? Consider a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth, a dash of onion powder, or even a sprinkle of chili powder for a slight kick. A sprinkle of za’atar or everything bagel seasoning would also be amazing.
* Oil: While olive oil gives a lovely flavor, you can use avocado oil or any other high-heat cooking oil. For an extra rich flavor, you could drizzle a tiny bit of melted unsalted butter over the potatoes before the final roast, though olive oil delivers excellent crispiness for these smashed potatoes.
* Cheese: For an indulgent twist, sprinkle some finely grated Parmesan cheese over the Crispy Smashed Potatoes during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
The cheese will melt and become delightfully crispy, adding another layer of flavor to your already incredible crispy potatoes.
* Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture. A dash of cayenne pepper would also work wonders.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Crispy Smashed Potatoes is incredibly straightforward, promising a delicious outcome every time. Follow these steps for perfect results.
1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by thoroughly washing your small potatoes. You don’t need to peel them; the skin adds to the rustic charm and crispiness of these Crispy Smashed Potatoes.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the washed potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water by about an inch.
Add a generous pinch of salt to the water; this seasons the potatoes from the inside out. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not mushy.
You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
3. Drain and Dry: Once tender, carefully drain the potatoes in a colander.
Allow them to sit for a few minutes, letting the steam escape and ensuring they are as dry as possible. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness for these smashed potatoes.
4. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: While the potatoes are drying, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
5. Smash the Potatoes: Arrange the cooked potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Now for the fun part! Using the bottom of a glass, a potato masher, or a sturdy spatula, gently smash each potato until it’s about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
Be firm enough to flatten them but gentle enough so they don’t disintegrate. You want those beautiful craggy edges for maximum crispiness. This step is crucial for achieving truly crispy potatoes.
6. Season and Oil: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this fragrant mixture generously over the smashed potatoes, ensuring each one is coated.
Use your hands or a brush to spread the oil and seasoning evenly. Make sure every surface gets some love for maximum flavor in your Crispy Smashed Potatoes.
7. Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are deeply golden brown and wonderfully crispy on both sides. The exact time will depend on your oven and how crispy you like your smashed potatoes.
Keep an eye on them during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.
8. Serve: Once perfectly golden and crunchy, remove the Crispy Smashed Potatoes from the oven.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible texture and flavor of these amazing crispy potatoes!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect batch of Crispy Smashed Potatoes requires a few insider tricks. Here are my go-to tips to ensure your smashed potato recipe turns out spectacularly every time:
* Choose the Right Potato: As mentioned, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes are ideal. They hold their shape well after boiling and offer a creamy interior, contrasting beautifully with the crispy exterior of your Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Starchy potatoes can sometimes become too crumbly.
* Salt the Boiling Water: Don’t skip this step! Salting the water seasons the potatoes from the inside out, providing a foundational layer of flavor for your smashed potato recipe. It makes a noticeable difference in the final taste of these crispy potatoes.
* Don’t Overcook During Boiling: Boil the potatoes until they are just fork-tender. If you overcook them, they will be difficult to smash without falling apart completely, making it harder to get those perfect Crispy Smashed Potatoes. They should still have some structural integrity.
* Dry, Dry, Dry: After draining, let the potatoes air-dry in the colander for a few minutes. You can even gently pat them with a clean kitchen towel. Less moisture means more crispiness when they hit the hot oven.
This is a critical step for truly crispy potatoes.
* Evenly Smash: Aim for a consistent thickness, around 1/2 to 3/4 inch. This ensures uniform cooking and crisping.
Unevenly smashed potatoes will cook at different rates, leading to some being too soft and others too hard. The more surface area with craggy edges, the crispier your Crispy Smashed Potatoes will be!
* Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your Crispy Smashed Potatoes plenty of space on the baking sheet.
If they are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, preventing them from getting beautifully golden and crispy. Use two baking sheets if necessary. This is crucial for achieving a great crispy potato texture.
* Flip for Even Crispness: Flipping the potatoes halfway through the roasting process ensures both sides get that fantastic golden-brown crisp. Don’t be afraid to let them get really golden; that’s where the magic happens for these smashed potatoes.
* Hot Oven is Key: A high oven temperature (400°F/200°C) is essential for developing that desirable crispy crust quickly. The initial boil cooks the inside, and the high heat finishes the exterior of your Crispy Smashed Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating Tips
While these Crispy Smashed Potatoes are undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can certainly store and reheat them. Here’s how to keep your smashed potatoes delicious.
Storage:
Allow any leftover Crispy Smashed Potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be aware that they will lose some of their crispness once refrigerated, as the moisture gets reabsorbed.
Reheating:
The best way to bring back the crispiness of your Crispy Smashed Potatoes is by using the oven or an air fryer.
* Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the leftover smashed potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the edges have crisped up again.
* Air Fryer Method: If you have an air fryer, this is an excellent option for restoring the crispness. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches).
Cook for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until hot and re-crisped.
* Microwave (Not Recommended for Crispness): You can reheat them in the microwave for a quick warm-up, but they will be soft, not crispy. Only use this method if crispiness isn’t a priority.
Remember, even reheated, these crispy potatoes offer fantastic flavor, making them a great meal-prep option.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These incredibly versatile Crispy Smashed Potatoes make a fantastic side dish for almost any meal. Their crunchy texture and savory flavor complement a wide range of main courses.
* Roast Chicken or Turkey: The classic pairing! A succulent roast chicken or a festive turkey truly shines with a side of these Crispy Smashed Potatoes. The herbs in the potatoes echo the flavors of a traditional roast.
* Grilled Meats: Imagine juicy grilled steaks, tender lamb chops, or flavorful kebabs alongside these golden smashed potatoes. The robust flavors create a perfect harmony.
* Fish and Seafood: For a lighter meal, serve your Crispy Smashed Potatoes with baked salmon, pan-seared cod, or even crispy shrimp.
The crunch of the potatoes offers a lovely contrast to delicate fish.
* Vegetarian Main Dishes: These crispy potatoes are hearty enough to accompany substantial vegetarian options. Think alongside a flavorful lentil loaf, a roasted vegetable medley, or a creamy mushroom stroganoff.
* Eggs for Brunch: Don’t limit these to dinner! Enjoy a glorious brunch by serving Crispy Smashed Potatoes with perfectly poached eggs, a fluffy omelet, or a simple fried egg. They make for a truly elevated breakfast potato experience.
* Burgers and Sandwiches: Upgrade your casual meals! Instead of regular fries, serve a generous portion of Crispy Smashed Potatoes with your favorite burger or a gourmet sandwich. It’s a fresh take on a classic combo.
* Soups and Stews: For a cozy meal, a bowl of hearty soup or a slow-cooked stew becomes even more satisfying with a side of these intensely flavorful Crispy Smashed Potatoes for dipping or simply enjoying alongside.
The options are truly endless for what pairs well with your delicious smashed potato recipe. These crispy potatoes are a crowd-pleaser and will enhance any dish you serve them with.
FAQs
Can I make Crispy Smashed Potatoes ahead of time?
While Crispy Smashed Potatoes are best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispness, you can prepare them partly ahead. Boil and smash the potatoes a few hours in advance, then store them uncovered at room temperature. When ready to serve, proceed with drizzling oil and seasonings, then roast. This allows for quicker preparation without sacrificing too much crispiness, ensuring your smashed potatoes still come out great.
Why are my Smashed Potatoes not getting crispy?
Several factors can prevent your Crispy Smashed Potatoes from getting truly crispy. Ensure you thoroughly dry the boiled potatoes before smashing – excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Also, make sure your oven is preheated to the correct high temperature (400°F/200°C), and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
Give each smashed Potato plenty of space so they can roast, not steam. A generous amount of olive oil also contributes significantly to achieving that perfect crispy potato texture.
What kind of potatoes are best for Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
For the absolute best Crispy Smashed Potatoes, I highly recommend using small, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, baby red potatoes, or fingerling potatoes. These varieties hold their shape well after boiling, have a naturally creamy interior, and develop an incredible crisp crust when roasted. While Russet potatoes can work, they tend to be a bit starchier and might not offer the same creamy interior as the waxy varieties for your smashed potatoes.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delicious Crispy Smashed Potatoes, based on approximately 4 servings per recipe. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Total Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Potassium | 15% DV |
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Smashed Potatoes are an incredibly flavorful and satisfying side dish that combines a creamy interior with a crunchy exterior, infused with garlic and herbs.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds small potatoes
3 tablespoons Olive oil
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon Sea salt
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Thoroughly wash the small potatoes without peeling them
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water and a pinch of salt. Boil for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender
- Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes and allow them to sit for a few minutes to dry
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
- Smash the Potatoes: Arrange the cooked potatoes on the baking sheet and gently smash each potato
- Season and Oil: Whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, sea salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the smashed potatoes
- Roast to Perfection: Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy
- Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with parsley and serve immediately
Notes
Consider using different herbs or spices for variety.
Allow cooked potatoes to cool before storing.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg