Smashed potatoes are a delightful twist on a classic side dish. I remember making these for a family gathering and watching everyone eagerly dig in as the golden, crispy edges crunched with every bite. It’s amazing how such simple ingredients can create a dish that’s both fun to make and a crowd-pleaser.
You will love how the crispy exteriors contrast with the soft interiors, making them irresistible. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes. With just a few straightforward steps, you'll have a side that steals the show at your next meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: These potatoes come out crunchy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few kitchen staples to create this tasty dish, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a side dish, snack, or appetizer; they fit any occasion perfectly.
- Easy Steps: The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks who want to impress.
- Flavorful Seasoning: With just the right mix of garlic, onion powder, and herbs, every bite is packed with flavor.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Red or yellow potatoes – 2 pounds. These small-to-medium potatoes are perfect for achieving that crispy texture.
- Fine sea salt – 1 tablespoon plus ¼ teaspoon, divided. This enhances the flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Olive oil – 4 tablespoons, divided. It helps crisp up the potatoes and adds a rich flavor.
- Garlic powder – ¼ teaspoon. This adds a savory depth that complements the potatoes well.
- Onion powder – ¼ teaspoon. It brings a subtle sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste. Adds a nice warmth and balance to the seasoning.
- Fresh parsley, chives, and/or green onion – 2 tablespoons, chopped. These fresh herbs brighten the dish and add color.
How to Make Smashed Potatoes
Step 1: Clean the Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes well and rinse them under cold water. Make sure to remove any sprouting areas or blemishes. This ensures a clean base for your dish.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Take a baking sheet and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly across the surface to avoid sticking.
Step 4: Smash the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, smash each potato to about ½ inch high on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Season the Potatoes
Drizzle the smashed potatoes with the remaining olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, the remaining salt, and black pepper to taste over the top of each potato.
Step 6: Bake the Potatoes
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with the fresh herbs. Serve the crispy smashed potatoes hot for the best flavor.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
✓ Use Even Potatoes – Choose potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking. This prevents some potatoes from cooking faster than others.
✓ Don’t Skip Cooling – Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes after boiling before smashing. This helps them hold their shape during baking.
✓ Adjust the Seasoning – Feel free to customize the seasonings based on your taste. More garlic or a dash of paprika can add unique flavors.
✓ Use Fresh Herbs – Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. Chives and parsley add brightness that shapes the dish beautifully.
✓ Monitor Baking Time – Keep an eye on the potatoes as they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want to catch them right when they are crispy and golden.
What Makes This Recipe Work
- The boiling step cooks the potatoes uniformly, ensuring a soft interior that contrasts with the crispy skin when smashed and baked.
- The addition of olive oil during baking promotes a golden color and a crisp texture, while the seasonings penetrate for great flavor.
- Smashing the potatoes allows for more surface area to crisp up, enhancing the crunch while visually appealing with a rustic look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smashed Potatoes
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes, for slightly different textures and flavors. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if you choose larger potatoes.
To achieve a crispy texture, make sure the smashed potatoes have enough space on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to steaming rather than crisping.
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, then reheat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes to regain crispness.
If the potatoes become too mushy, they may lose their shape when smashed. To avoid this, watch closely while boiling and test for tenderness with a fork. They should be tender but firm.
These potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled veggies, or even as a base for a savory toppings like pulled pork or cheese. Enjoy them with your favorite main dishes for added satisfaction.
Smashed Potatoes Baked Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Red or yellow potatoes Small-to-medium potatoes for crispy texture.
- 1 tablespoon Fine sea salt Plus ¼ teaspoon, divided for seasoning.
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Onion powder
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chives, and/or green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Scrub the potatoes well and rinse them under cold water, removing any sprouting areas or blemishes.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool for 5 minutes. Smash each potato to about ½ inch high on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle the smashed potatoes with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, the remaining salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use even-sized potatoes for uniform cooking and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Monitor baking to achieve the desired crispiness.
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