Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe for Crunchiest Side Ever Made

Golden, crispy smashed potatoes have become my unexpected kitchen crush lately.

Russet potatoes boast incredible potential when prepared with a bit of culinary magic.

Crushing each potato creates delightful crevices that crisp up beautifully in hot oil.

Salt and herbs add remarkable depth to these simple spuds.

Crisp edges and fluffy interiors make this dish irresistible for anyone seeking comfort food with serious crunch.

Butter and fresh herbs elevate these potatoes from ordinary side to star of the meal.

You’ll want to serve these immediately while they’re at peak deliciousness.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes That Steal the Show

• These crispy smashed potatoes deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute side dishes.
• The simple boiling and smashing method ensures anyone can achieve restaurant-quality potatoes, regardless of cooking experience.
• Crispy exterior and creamy interior create an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a universal crowd-pleaser.
• Easy to adapt with different herbs, spices, or toppings, allowing home cooks to personalize the recipe to match their taste preferences or complement any main course.

Ingredients That Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes Shine

• Baby Potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes perfect for smashing, with thin skin that gets super crispy when roasted. Choose uniform-sized potatoes for even cooking.

• Salt: Enhances potato flavor and helps create a savory crust. Helps draw out moisture for extra crispiness.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and aromatic depth to the potatoes. Freshly ground provides the best flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides richness and helps create a golden, crispy exterior. Olive oil offers a healthier option, while butter adds more flavor.

How to Smash and Crisp These Potatoes Just Right

Boil and Prep Potatoes

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Sprinkle in salt. Gently add baby potatoes to the bubbling water. Let them simmer for 15-20 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork.

Drain the potatoes in a colander and allow them to cool down for a few minutes. The potatoes should be soft but not falling apart.

Prepare Baking Surface

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

Smash and Season Potatoes

Place each potato on the baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass, measuring cup, or potato masher to gently press down on each potato, flattening them to about 1/2 inch thickness. Be careful not to completely crush them.

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Dried herbs (optional)

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Dried herbs (if using)

Ensure each potato is well-coated with oil and seasonings.

Crisp in the Oven

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. The potatoes should have a crunchy exterior and a soft, creamy interior.

Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven. Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving plate. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for extra flavor.

Sauces and Proteins That Pair With Crispy Smashed Potatoes

• Crisp sauvignon blanc cuts through the richness of smashed potatoes, offering a bright, citrusy contrast that refreshes the palate with every bite.
• Roasted rosemary chicken complements the crispy potato edges, creating a harmonious blend of earthy herbs and golden, crunchy textures.
• Prepare a garlic aioli or herbed sour cream to elevate the potatoes' crispiness, adding a creamy, punchy element that intensifies the overall dining experience.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the potatoes' richness, providing a fresh, peppery counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.

New Ways to Spin Your Smashed Potatoes

• Herb-Infused Smash: Replace salt with a blend of dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic herbal version that elevates the potato's natural flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil to create a vegan-friendly recipe that maintains crispy texture and adds rich flavor.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use 1 tbsp salt or replace with dried herbs and garlic powder to reduce sodium content while keeping the potatoes tasty and well-seasoned.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes before roasting to introduce a zesty, heat-packed profile for those who enjoy bold flavors.

Questions? Start With These Potato FAQs

• What are the best types of potatoes for this recipe?

Baby potatoes or small round potatoes work best. Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and create a crispy exterior when smashed.

• How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?

Ensure potatoes are completely dry after boiling and use plenty of oil on a hot baking sheet. Press them down firmly with a fork or potato masher to create more surface area for browning.

• Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

You can boil the potatoes in advance and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, smash and bake them for the crispiest results. Just bring them to room temperature before baking.

• What can I do if my potatoes aren't getting crisp?

Make sure your baking sheet is preheated, use enough oil, spread potatoes with space between them, and bake at a high temperature around 425-450°F. Flipping them halfway through cooking can also help achieve extra crispiness.

Tips for Texture and Golden Edges

• Prevent Waterlogging: Pat potatoes completely dry after boiling to ensure maximum crispiness when smashing and roasting.
• Master the Smash Technique: Use the bottom of a glass or potato masher to gently flatten each potato, creating more surface area for a crispy exterior.
• Boost Flavor Layers: Generously drizzle olive oil and sprinkle sea salt before roasting to enhance the potato's natural taste and achieve a golden-brown crust.
• Temperature Matters: Preheat the baking sheet in the oven to create an instant sizzle when potatoes are placed, promoting crunchier edges and better texture.
• Season with Creativity: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to customize the potatoes and add extra depth of flavor.

Store and Reheat Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Ease

• Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Spread potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Warm potatoes in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat with a touch of butter or oil, flipping occasionally to restore crispiness.
• Freeze cooked potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy smashed potatoes bring rustic charm straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Perfectly golden and seasoned with herbs, these potatoes offer a delightful crunch you’ll crave with every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tablespoons salt (for boiling water)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a capacious pot with water and introduce salt, bringing the liquid to a vigorous boil.
2. Gently lower baby potatoes into the bubbling water, allowing them to simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes until they yield effortlessly when pierced with a fork.
3. Carefully transfer potatoes to a colander, permitting excess moisture to drain completely and allowing the potatoes to cool slightly and release steam.
4. Prepare a baking sheet by lightly coating its surface with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure optimal crispiness.
5. Place each potato onto the prepared sheet, maintaining ample spacing between them to facilitate even heating.
6. Utilize a flat-bottomed implement like a glass or potato masher to gently crush each potato, creating rustic, irregular surfaces that will transform into crispy edges.
7. Generously drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil, ensuring each potato receives an even coating for maximum golden-brown potential.
8. Season abundantly with freshly ground black pepper, complementing the existing salt from the initial boiling process.
9. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven, roasting at high temperature until the potatoes develop a gloriously crunchy exterior and deep golden-brown color.
10. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme to enhance the potatoes’ aromatic profile.

Notes

• Opt for small, uniform-sized baby potatoes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or potato masher to gently smash each potato, creating crispy edges and maximizing surface area for browning.
• Pat potatoes completely dry after boiling to guarantee maximum crispiness when roasting, preventing steaming instead of crisping.
• Experiment with alternative seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary, or smoked paprika to customize flavor profiles and suit different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg