Zesty Crispy Buffalo Potatoes Recipe: Fiery Spuds That Pop!

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these crispy buffalo potatoes hit the flavor jackpot.

Spicy buffalo sauce coats perfectly golden potato wedges, creating a mouthwatering appetizer or side dish.

Crunchy on the outside and tender inside, these potatoes pack a serious punch of zesty heat.

Each bite delivers a bold combination of crisp texture and tangy buffalo kick.

Jalapeños and blue cheese crumbles add an extra layer of excitement to this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Serve these potatoes at game day gatherings or as a delicious snack that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet irresistible dish that transforms ordinary potatoes into a culinary sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients to Smash into Buffalo Potatoes

• Baby Potatoes: Creamy little gems perfect for smashing, choose small and uniform ones for even cooking.

• Olive Oil: Helps create crispy edges and carries flavor, opt for extra virgin for best taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds intense savory depth without raw garlic bite.
• Paprika: Brings warm, slightly smoky undertone and beautiful reddish color.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that complement every ingredient.

• Hot Sauce: Provides signature tangy kick, choose classic Louisiana-style for authentic buffalo flavor.
• Butter: Creates silky sauce texture and mellows heat, use unsalted for better control.
• Honey: Balances spiciness with subtle sweetness, local raw honey adds extra complexity.

• Parsley: Fresh herbal brightness that cuts through rich flavors.
• Green Onions: Adds mild oniony crunch and visual appeal.
• Blue Cheese: Creamy, pungent topping that complements buffalo sauce perfectly.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Cool, tangy dipping sauce to balance heat.

Tools to Make Smashed Buffalo Potatoes

• Large pot: For boiling potatoes with salted water.
• Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for roasting potatoes.
• Fork/glass/potato masher: Used to gently smash potatoes.
• Brush: For coating potatoes with olive oil and buffalo sauce.
• Small bowl: To mix buffalo sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: For combining hot sauce, butter, and honey.
• Measuring spoons: To measure spices and seasonings.
• Cutting board: For chopping garnish like parsley and green onions.

How to Cook Smashed Buffalo Potatoes to Crispy Perfection

• Prep the Potato Base

Scrub baby potatoes clean and toss them into a pot of salty water. Boil until they’re super tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

• Smash and Flatten

Transfer boiled potatoes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a sturdy fork or bottom of a glass to gently crush each potato, creating a rustic, uneven surface that’ll crisp up beautifully.

• Season and Roast

Drizzle olive oil over smashed potatoes and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Slide the baking sheet into a blazing hot oven and roast until edges turn golden and crispy.

• Buffalo Sauce Magic

Whip up a zesty buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce, melted butter, and a touch of honey. Generously coat the roasted potatoes with this fiery mixture, allowing it to caramelize and intensify the flavors.

• Finish and Serve

Pull out the saucy potatoes and dress them up with chopped parsley, green onions, and crumbled blue cheese. Serve immediately with a cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

Tips to Dial Up Heat in Buffalo Potatoes

• Crispy Coating Secrets: Ensure potatoes are completely dry after boiling to achieve maximum crispiness on the exterior.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust hot sauce quantity to match your personal heat tolerance – use mild buffalo sauce for less spice or extra-hot sauce for fire lovers.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Boil and smash potatoes in advance, then refrigerate before final baking to save preparation time during busy evenings.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps: Replace butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version, or use vegan hot sauce and plant-based blue cheese for a completely vegan alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Serving Smashed Buffalo Potatoes with Dips

• Flavor Party Platter: Create a vibrant appetizer spread by arranging these buffalo potatoes alongside crispy chicken wings, fresh celery sticks, and creamy dipping sauces for a game day feast.
• Loaded Potato Extravaganza: Transform these smashed buffalo potatoes into a hearty main dish by topping with shredded rotisserie chicken, extra blue cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
• Brunch Breakthrough: Serve these spicy potatoes as a bold side dish alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a fresh herb garnish for a weekend brunch that packs a flavorful punch.
• Tailgate Crowd-Pleaser: Pack these potatoes in a portable container for outdoor events, keeping them warm in a insulated carrier to impress friends with a zesty, crowd-pleasing snack.

Keep Leftover Buffalo Potatoes Crispy and Spicy

• Smart Refrigeration: Store leftover smashed buffalo potatoes in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375F for best crispiness, avoiding microwave to maintain their delightful crunch.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Spread potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle extra olive oil, and warm at 400F for 8-10 minutes. This restores their crispy exterior and ensures a delicious second serving.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare potatoes in advance and store boiled, smashed potatoes uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before final baking. This allows for convenient entertaining and faster meal preparation.
• Freezing Tips: While best fresh, you can freeze cooked potatoes by laying them flat on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw in refrigerator and reheat in oven at 400F for 12-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Crispy Buffalo Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy smashed buffalo potatoes deliver spicy, tangy goodness in every bite. Potato lovers will savor this simple yet bold side dish that brings game-day excitement to the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) hot sauce (like Franks RedHot)
• 0.25 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 cup (50 g) crumbled blue cheese or feta
• 0.25 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (for drizzling)
• 2 tbsps fresh chives or green onions, chopped
• Extra hot sauce for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 425F (220C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for crisp potato roasting.
2. Potato Boiling: Submerge baby potatoes in salted water, boiling until fork-tender, roughly 15-20 minutes, ensuring soft interiors.
3. Potato Smashing: Transfer boiled potatoes to prepared baking sheet, using a fork or masher to gently flatten each potato, creating textured, rustic surfaces while maintaining potato structure.
4. Seasoning Process: Drench potatoes with olive oil, then generously dust with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to amplify flavor complexity.
5. Initial Roasting: Bake potatoes for 20-25 minutes, rotating midpoint to guarantee uniform crispiness and achieve a rich, golden-brown exterior.
6. Buffalo Sauce Creation: Whisk hot sauce, melted butter, and honey in a small bowl, developing a balanced, tangy coating with depth of flavor.
7. Final Transformation: Brush potatoes with buffalo sauce, returning to oven for 5 additional minutes to caramelize and intensify flavor absorption.
8. Garnish and Presentation: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley, sliced green onions, and crumbled blue cheese over potatoes, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed dish.
9. Serving Suggestion: Plate immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for an indulgent dipping experience.

Notes

• Boil Potatoes Perfectly: Ensure even cooking by selecting uniform-sized baby potatoes and adding salt to water for enhanced flavor absorption.
• Smash Technique Matters: Use a flat-bottomed tool like a fork or potato masher, applying gentle, consistent pressure to create crispy edges without breaking potatoes.
• Maximize Crispiness: Pat potatoes completely dry after boiling to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crunchier, golden-brown exterior when roasting.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust buffalo sauce heat by mixing different hot sauce varieties or reducing butter for a lighter, tangier coating that suits individual taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg