Smashed potatoes are fluffy, tasty, and super fun to eat! They’re like mashed potatoes but with some delightful chunks left for a bit of crunch.
You can dress them up with butter, cheese, or herbs—everyone has their favorite way. For me, a sprinkle of garlic makes them irresistible! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These are perfect for smashing because they are small and tender. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can use any small waxy potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time as larger potatoes will need longer.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps achieve that crispy texture. If you prefer, avocado oil is a good substitute as it has a similar flavor profile and high smoke point.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a lovely taste. If you’re in a pinch, you could use garlic powder, but fresh really makes a difference. I recommend using it to complement the herbs!
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary are classic choices. If you want a different taste, consider Italian seasoning or even fresh herbs like parsley or chives if you have them on hand.
Parmesan Cheese: It’s optional, but it adds richness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be a great alternative that still provides a cheesy flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
The key to achieving that delightful crispiness on your smashed potatoes is in the roasting step. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven properly, ensuring it reaches 450°F (232°C) before you start roasting. A hot oven is crucial.
- After smashing the potatoes, make sure they are evenly spaced on the baking sheet. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisp them up.
- Generously brush the oil mixture on all sides of the smashed potatoes. This helps create a crispy texture as they roast.
- Don’t be afraid to let them roast until they’re golden brown. If you want extra crispiness, you can flip them halfway through cooking!
Following these tips will help you get that crunchy outside while keeping the inside tender—a perfect combo! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- Salt, for boiling
For the Garlic Herb Oil:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 15-20 minutes for preparation and cooking in the pot, plus an additional 20-25 minutes for roasting in the oven. All in all, you’re looking at about 45-50 minutes to make these crispy smashed potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high heat will help crisp up the potatoes nicely.
2. Boil the Potatoes:
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook them until they are fork-tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
3. Drain and Cool:
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander and let them cool slightly for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle.
4. Smash the Potatoes:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cooled potatoes on the sheet and gently smash each one with the bottom of a glass or a potato masher until they are flattened but still hold together. This step is crucial for getting crispy edges!
5. Make the Garlic Herb Oil:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. This fragrant oil will add lots of delicious flavor to your potatoes.
6. Brush the Potatoes:
Generously brush each smashed potato with the garlic herb oil mixture using a pastry brush. Make sure to coat them well for extra flavor!
7. Roast Until Crispy:
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and roast the potatoes for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for crispy, golden brown edges!
8. Finish with Garnish:
Once they’re done, take the potatoes out of the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme leaves if you like. It adds a lovely final touch!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the potatoes hot, and enjoy the delightful crunch and flavor of your crispy smashed potatoes! They make a fantastic side dish or a delicious snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are great for this dish, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them as they boil to ensure they’re fork-tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want to skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version, you can leave it out completely or sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. It’s a delicious substitute!
What Should I Do if I Want to Prepare These Ahead of Time?
You can boil the potatoes a few hours ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to smash and roast. Just bring them back to room temperature before smashing and apply the garlic herb oil mixture as instructed. This will save you some time at dinner!
How to Store Leftover Smashed Potatoes?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again, or use a microwave if you’re in a hurry, but they might lose some crunch.
