Perfect Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Crunchy Potato Perfection: A Golden Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Golden and irresistibly crispy smashed potatoes are about to become your new favorite side dish.

These delectable potato bites combine a crunchy exterior with a soft, creamy interior that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients and easy techniques turn ordinary potatoes into a spectacular culinary creation.

Salt, herbs, and olive oil work magic to elevate each golden bite.

The secret lies in carefully smashing boiled potatoes before roasting them to perfection.

Every crisp edge promises a burst of flavor that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this crowd-pleasing potato recipe that transforms an everyday vegetable into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 201 kcal

Servings: 4

Smashed Potato Ingredient Guide

For Boiling and Base:
  • Potatoes: Starchy base that creates crispy exterior, choose medium-sized yellow or red potatoes with smooth skin.
  • Salt: Enhances potato flavor and seasons water during boiling.
For Seasoning and Flavoring:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy edges and adds rich flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides deep, aromatic seasoning without raw garlic bite.
  • Rosemary or Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbaceous notes that complement potato's natural taste.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
  • Salt: Brings out potato's natural flavor and balances other seasonings.
For Optional Enhancement:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers nutty, sharp finish that creates irresistible crispy topping.
  • Parsley: Adds fresh, bright garnish that provides color and light herbal freshness.

Tools to Smash and Roast for Extra Crunch

  • Large pot: Essential for boiling potatoes evenly with salted water.
  • Baking sheet: Critical for smashing and roasting potatoes to crispy perfection.
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray: Prevents potatoes from sticking during baking.
  • Fork or potato masher: Perfect for gently smashing potatoes to desired thickness.
  • Kitchen tongs: Helpful for flipping potatoes midway through baking.
  • Measuring spoons: Useful for accurately adding salt, pepper, and seasonings.
  • Cheese grater (optional): Handy if grating fresh Parmesan cheese.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Ease

  • Boil Potato Buddies

Drop whole potatoes into salted water. Cook until super soft when poked with a fork, around 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool down.

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 425F. Prep a baking sheet with parchment paper or a quick spray of cooking oil.

  • Crush Those Spuds

Gently squish each potato on the baking sheet using a fork or glass bottom. Press until they’re flattened and about half an inch thick.

  • Shower with Flavor

Drizzle olive oil generously over each potato. Sprinkle with garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper. Flip to make sure every inch gets coated.

  • Crisp and Golden Transformation

Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping midway. Watch for those crispy, golden edges that scream deliciousness.

  • Optional Cheesy Finale

In the last 5 minutes, shower potatoes with Parmesan for an extra flavor punch.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Pull from oven, scatter fresh parsley on top. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy potato masterpiece.

Add-Ons Like Cheese, Garlic, or Herbs to Try

  • Use a heavy-bottomed glass or flat potato masher for even smashing without breaking the potato.
  • Crush dried herbs between your fingers before sprinkling to release more intense flavors into the potatoes.
  • Boil and smash potatoes hours earlier, then refrigerate. Bake just before serving for maximum crispiness and convenience.
  • Swap olive oil with avocado oil for paleo diets. Use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for dairy-free version. Gluten-free naturally.
  • Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary-thyme, or add smoked paprika for a spicy kick. Try ranch seasoning or everything bagel seasoning for unexpected twists.

Serve These Potatoes as a Snack or Side

  • Side Dish Star: Pair these crispy smashed potatoes with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or juicy steak for a complete meal that will impress dinner guests.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve with homemade ranch, garlic aioli, or sour cream for a fun appetizer that encourages interactive eating and adds extra flavor layers.
  • Brunch Buddy: Incorporate these potatoes into a weekend breakfast spread alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a crowd-pleasing morning meal.
  • Party Pleaser: Create a potato bar with various toppings like chives, crumbled bacon, sour cream, and green onions, allowing guests to customize their crispy potato experience.

Tips to Keep Smashed Potatoes Tasty Later

  • Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container within the refrigerator. These crispy delights maintain their best quality for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
  • Revive cold potatoes by spreading them on a baking sheet and warming at 375F for 10-12 minutes. This method restores their original crispiness without sacrificing texture.
  • Boil and smash potatoes up to one day before final baking. Cover and refrigerate the prepared potatoes, then season and roast just before serving for maximum freshness.
  • Freeze cooled smashed potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer to freezer bags after solid freezing, storing up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen state at 400F for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly warmed and crispy.
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Perfect Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy, golden smashed potatoes deliver a delightful crunch with creamy interiors that elevate simple side dishes. Herb-infused olive oil and sea salt create irresistible flavor combinations you cannot resist trying at your next meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900 g) baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
  • 3 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Parsley, fresh, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Potato Preparation: Submerge potatoes in a generously salted water bath, bringing liquid to a rolling boil. Cook until potatoes yield effortlessly when pierced with a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes. Carefully drain and allow brief cooling.
  2. Oven Configuration: Calibrate oven to a scorching 425F (220C). Strategically line a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light oil coating to prevent sticking.
  3. Smashing Technique: Arrange cooled potatoes onto prepared baking surface. Employ a fork, robust potato masher, or sturdy glass bottom to gently flatten each potato into rustic, approximately 1/2-inch thick medallions.
  4. Seasoning Infusion: Liberally drizzle olive oil across smashed potatoes. Artfully sprinkle garlic powder, aromatic rosemary or thyme, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Carefully rotate potatoes to ensure comprehensive oil and seasoning coverage.
  5. Roasting Process: Position baking sheet in preheated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes. Midway through cooking, delicately flip potatoes to achieve uniformly crisp, golden-brown exterior edges.
  6. Optional Cheese Enhancement: During final 5 minutes of roasting, generously dust Parmesan cheese atop potatoes for an elevated flavor profile.
  7. Serving Presentation: Extract potatoes from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately as an accompaniment or appetizer.

Notes

  • Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the crispiest exterior and fluffiest interior.
  • Space potatoes evenly on the baking sheet to guarantee uniform crispiness and prevent soggy spots.
  • Gently press potatoes to maintain structural integrity; too much pressure can cause them to break apart completely.
  • Pat potatoes dry after boiling to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crunchier golden-brown exterior.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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