If you’re on the hunt for a snack or side that’s bursting with flavor and texture, you absolutely have to try this Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of tender, fluffy insides and delightfully crunchy, golden edges that make every bite a celebration. These potatoes are simple to make but deliver big on comfort and satisfaction, making them a sure-fire crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just craving something irresistibly tasty. Trust me, once you start making this Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe just right hinges on using a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings its own magic, creating layers of flavor and textures that shine through in the final dish.
- Baby potatoes: These small, tender potatoes are perfect for smashing and crisping up beautifully.
- Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil helps achieve that irresistible golden crust and adds a fruity richness.
- Salt: The go-to seasoning that enhances every flavor and balances the dish perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild spicy kick to round out the taste.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the potatoes with aromatic depth and warmth.
- Paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- Dried thyme: Gives a hint of earthy herbal brightness.
- Dried rosemary: Adds savory piney notes that complement the potatoes wonderfully.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to getting the potatoes perfectly crisp on the outside while keeping the inside soft and pillowy.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water, then bring it to a boil over high heat. Boiling them until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes, ensures they’re cooked through and ready to be smashed without falling apart.
Step 3: Cool and Smash
Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle. Then, one by one, gently press down on each potato with a fork on a cutting board to flatten them just enough to create a rough surface for crisping—this texture is what makes the Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Mix the Seasoned Oil
While the potatoes are cooling, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary in a small bowl. Mixing these flavorful ingredients together turns your oil into an aromatic brush-on seasoning.
Step 5: Coat and Arrange
Place each smashed potato on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Brush the seasoned oil liberally on top, making sure every nook and cranny is coated for maximum flavor and crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop crisp edges. That beautiful crunch is the hallmark of the Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe, the result of the perfect balance between oil, heat, and timing.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, serve these crispy gems immediately for the best texture and taste. Their warm, seasoned crunch is incredible on its own or paired with your favorite dips and meals.
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate these potatoes instantly, adding freshness and a savory punch that pairs beautifully with their crispy exterior.
Side Dishes
Crispy smashed potatoes make a fantastic side for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. They’re also fantastic alongside breakfast favorites like eggs and bacon, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these potatoes stacked with dollops of sour cream and chives or topped with a spicy aioli to kick things up a notch. You can also turn them into bite-sized appetizers by cutting larger potatoes into smaller pieces before smashing and baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The crispy texture will soften, but the flavors will stay delicious.
Freezing
This Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe doesn’t freeze well because the texture changes after thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or reheat from refrigerated leftovers for the best experience.
Reheating
To bring back some of that crispiness, reheat the leftover potatoes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This quick bake revives the texture far better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just choose small to medium-sized potatoes and adjust the boiling time accordingly. The key is to ensure they’re tender before smashing.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Olive oil is ideal due to its flavor and ability to crisp well, but you can experiment with avocado oil or any high smoke point oil you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan since it relies on plant-based ingredients. Just avoid adding any animal-derived garnishes.
How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?
Make sure to spread them out on the baking sheet without overcrowding and brush them generously with oil. Baking at a high temperature also helps achieve that golden crisp.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your seasoning with cayenne pepper for heat, smoked paprika for more depth, or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
Making this Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe is such a joy because it transforms humble baby potatoes into something truly special — crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive. I promise that once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. So gather your ingredients, dive into the process, and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor with everyone you love.
Print
Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish featuring boiled baby potatoes that are gently smashed and coated with a flavorful mixture of olive oil, garlic, paprika, thyme, and rosemary, then baked until perfectly golden and crispy. This recipe combines simple ingredients and easy techniques to create a comforting, crunchy treat ideal for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
Seasoning & Oil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes to a crispy finish.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly, so they are safe to handle and maintain their shape when smashed.
- Smash Potatoes: On a cutting board, gently press down on each potato with a fork to flatten them without breaking apart.
- Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix thoroughly to create a seasoned oil coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the smashed potatoes evenly spaced on the sheet.
- Brush with Seasoned Oil: Generously brush each smashed potato with the prepared seasoning mixture to ensure full flavor and promote crispiness during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for 25-30 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the crispy smashed potatoes hot as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use baby potatoes or small new potatoes for best results as they hold their shape well when smashed.
- Ensure the potatoes are dry before brushing with oil to help achieve maximum crispiness.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning with your favorite herbs or spices.
- Serve with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, sour cream, or ketchup for added flavor.
