If you are searching for a dish that combines rustic charm with vibrant flavor, the Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe is an absolute keeper. These potatoes are boiled to tender perfection, then smashed to create a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with their soft and fluffy insides. Tossed generously with a fragrant garlic herb sauce bursting with rosemary, thyme, and melted butter, every bite is a celebration of comforting textures and savory notes you will crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the key to unlocking the full potential of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s adding aroma, richness, or that perfect golden crust everyone loves.
- Red potatoes (2 ½ pounds): These small, waxy potatoes hold their shape beautifully and have a naturally buttery flavor that shines when smashed.
- Melted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the herb sauce cling to every potato, creating golden, crispy edges during baking.
- Garlic cloves (4, finely minced): Infuses a lively punch that cuts through the richness of the butter with bright, savory notes.
- Fresh rosemary and thyme (1 ½ teaspoons each, finely chopped): These classic herbs add earthiness and a hint of piney freshness that elevate the overall flavor.
- Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Essential for seasoning both the boiling water and the herb sauce, ensuring balanced flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat to complement the garlic and herbs.
- Fresh parsley (optional, finely chopped): Sprinkled on top at the end for a touch of color and a mild herbal brightness.
How to Make Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is perfect for crisping the smashed potatoes, giving them that mouthwatering golden crust you want. Also, make sure your potatoes are rinsed and scrubbed clean before cooking for the best texture.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Place the red potatoes in a large pot and cover them with about an inch of water. Toss in a pinch or two of salt to season them from the inside out. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a rapid simmer. Boil the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes until fork tender — the perfect tenderness that ensures they’ll smash without falling apart.
Step 3: Smash for Crispy Perfection
Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain and pat them dry. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Use a potato masher or a large fork to press down on each potato twice in a criss-cross pattern. The thinner and more evenly smashed they are, the crispier and more delicious they’ll get in the oven.
Step 4: Make and Apply Garlic Herb Sauce
Whisk together the melted butter, finely minced garlic, chopped rosemary and thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This luscious sauce is where all the flavor magic happens — wildly aromatic and deeply comforting. Drizzle the sauce evenly over each smashed potato, making sure each gets coated with the garlicky, herbaceous goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Edges
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The potatoes will crisp up beautifully on the edges while the insides stay tender and fluffy. Take them out when they sport a lovely golden color and a slight crunch for the perfect texture balance.
How to Serve Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing these potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds not only a pop of vibrant green but also a fresh, slightly peppery note to lighten the richness of the garlic herb sauce. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of extra melted butter or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese works wonders too.
Side Dishes
These smashed potatoes make a fantastic side to grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or juicy steak. They’re versatile enough to pair with elegant meals or simple weeknight favorites. Plus, their crispy texture and vibrant herb flavors complement almost any protein beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these potatoes with a dollop of sour cream mixed with fresh chives makes for an irresistible option. For a colorful twist, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives alongside the parsley garnish. You can also turn them into mini potato sliders by topping each with melted cheese and crispy bacon bits for a fun party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover smashed red potatoes store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
It’s best to avoid freezing these potatoes, as their crispy texture suffers after thawing. If you must freeze them, flash freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags and reheat in the oven to restore some crispness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and edges regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which tends to make them soft and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well, Yukon Golds work nicely too. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets as they can fall apart when smashed.
How important is drying the potatoes after boiling?
Very important! Removing moisture helps ensure the potatoes crisp up in the oven rather than steam, which results in soggy edges.
Can I make the garlic herb sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bring it back to room temperature before drizzling over the potatoes.
Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter with olive oil or any neutral oil to keep the delicious flavor while avoiding dairy.
How do I get the potatoes really crispy?
Smashing them thinly, drying well, using enough fat in the garlic herb sauce, and baking at a high temperature are all essential for achieving that crave-worthy crispiness.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe that makes it a go-to for any meal. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy family side or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, their crispy texture paired with rich, garlicky herbs is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a whirl—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes!
Print
Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, flavorful smashed red potatoes baked with a garlic herb butter sauce. This recipe combines tender boiled red potatoes smashed and baked to golden perfection with fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic, making for a perfect side dish that’s easy to prepare and full of aromatic goodness.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 ½ pounds red potatoes (about 10-12, rinsed and scrubbed)
Garlic Herb Sauce
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (or oil if dairy-free)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme (finely chopped)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped, optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the smashed potatoes.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the red potatoes in a large pot, cover with about an inch of water, and add a pinch or two of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and maintain a rapid simmer. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and dry the potatoes thoroughly.
- Smash Potatoes: Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Smash each potato twice in a criss-cross pattern using a potato masher or a large fork. The thinner you smash, the crispier the potatoes will become.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter (or oil), minced garlic, chopped rosemary and thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Apply Sauce and Bake: Drizzle the garlic herb sauce evenly over each smashed potato on the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the potatoes turn golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, optionally sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the potatoes. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Smashed potatoes can be made dairy-free by using oil instead of butter.
- For extra crispiness, make sure potatoes are dried completely before smashing and baking.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can substitute in a pinch (use about one-third of the amount).
- These smashed potatoes pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or can be served as a tasty snack.
- Make sure not to overboil potatoes to maintain firmness for smashing.
