Smashed potatoes are a fun twist on your regular mashed potatoes! They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, full of buttery goodness and flavor.
They’re so easy to make! Just boil, smash them down, and pop them in the oven until golden. I love adding a sprinkle of cheese or herbs for an extra treat! 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Yukon Gold and red potatoes are great choices for their creamy texture and flavorful skin. If you can’t find baby potatoes, regular potatoes can be chopped into smaller pieces for a similar effect.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the potatoes crisp up nicely. If you’re looking for a different flavor, avocado oil is a good alternative due to its high smoke point.
Salt & Pepper: These basic seasonings are crucial for enhancing the flavors. Don’t shy away from experimenting with sea salt or flavored salts for an extra twist!
Garlic Powder: Using garlic powder adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can crush a clove and roast it with the potatoes. Just use less since fresh garlic is more potent.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add wonderful aroma and taste. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs will work, but use about a third of the amount since they’re more concentrated.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a savory touch. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can give you that cheesy flavor without the cheese!
How Can I Get My Smashed Potatoes Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy exterior on your smashed potatoes is all about how you roast them. Here are some tips to achieve maximum crispiness:
- Make sure to smash the potatoes enough for maximum surface area exposure. The flatter they are, the crispier they’ll get!
- Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil, ensuring every part of the potato is coated. This helps with browning.
- Use a really hot oven, like 450°F (232°C). The high heat helps the edges crisp up quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Leave space between each potato to allow hot air to circulate around them.
Following these steps will help you create golden, crispy smashed potatoes that are irresistible!
How to Make Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or other herbs (like rosemary), chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and cooking the potatoes, plus another 20-25 minutes for roasting in the oven. Including everything, expect to spend about 40-45 minutes to enjoy your tasty smashed potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This will help create that crispy texture we all love!
2. Boil the Potatoes:
Wash your baby potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot and cover them with water. Make sure to add a generous pinch of salt—this adds flavor! Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they are fork-tender, which will take about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain and Cool:
Once the potatoes are tender, carefully drain them in a colander. Let them cool for a few minutes so you can handle them without burning your hands.
4. Smash the Potatoes:
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place each cooked potato. Now, gently smash each one using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass. Aim for a flat shape while keeping them intact—this helps with crisping later!
5. Season and Coat:
Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil, making sure each potato is well-coated. Then, sprinkle salt, black pepper, and garlic powder over them if you like a little extra flavor.
6. Add Fresh Herbs and Cheese:
Top the potatoes with your choice of fresh herbs—thyme or rosemary work great! If you want, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and richness.
7. Roast in the Oven:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and roast the potatoes for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges are golden brown and crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Feel free to garnish with extra herbs if you like and enjoy your deliciously crispy smashed potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes are great choices for their creamy texture, you can use other varieties like fingerling or even larger potatoes cut into chunks. Just adjust the cooking time for larger potatoes accordingly to ensure they’re fork-tender.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you’re looking for a substitute for olive oil, you can use melted butter, avocado oil, or even vegetable oil. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but all will work well for roasting. Just keep the quantity the same!
How Should I Store Leftover Smashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the smashed potatoes ahead of time! Boil and smash them, then refrigerate before adding the oil and seasonings. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before roasting, so they heat evenly in the oven.
