If you love potatoes that boast a golden, crunchy exterior paired with a tender, fluffy inside, then you are in for a treat with this Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of texture and flavor, celebrating baby potatoes that are boiled just until soft, then smashed and roasted to achieve that irresistibly crisp finish. This recipe is the kind of comfort food that elevates any meal, whether you’re serving it as a side or simply craving a satisfying snack. Trust me, once you try this Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to dish for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in turning humble baby potatoes into a mouthwatering dish, from the seasoning that adds that kick of flavor to the fresh parsley that gives a burst of color.
- 1½ lbs baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes): Choose firm, evenly sized potatoes for uniform cooking and smashing.
- 2 tbsp salt (for boiling water): Seasoning the boiling water enhances the natural potato flavor from the inside out.
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter: This coats the potatoes, helping achieve a stunning golden crisp.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a fragrant and savory note that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional): Offers a subtle smoky depth that adds complexity to the dish.
- ½ tsp salt: Ensures each bite is perfectly seasoned.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Provides a gentle heat that balances the other flavors.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish visually and refreshes every bite.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Introduces a nutty, savory richness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Begin by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to the water – this is key for seasoning the potatoes right from the start. Gently drop in your baby potatoes and cook them until they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water and let the potatoes cool just enough so you can handle them without burning your hands.
Step 2: Smash the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly. Arrange the cooked potatoes evenly across the sheet. Now for the fun part – take a fork or the bottom of a sturdy glass and gently press down on each potato until it’s flattened to about half an inch thickness. This smashing step is essential to create all those crispy edges when roasted.
Step 3: Season and Roast
In a small bowl, combine your olive oil or melted butter with garlic powder, smoked paprika if you’re using it, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it together and then drizzle the mixture generously over the smashed potatoes, making sure each piece is coated well. Pop the tray into your hot oven and roast the potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through to ensure even crispiness on all sides. The potatoes should turn irresistibly golden and crunchy by the end.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once roasted to perfection, sprinkle the potatoes with fresh chopped parsley and, if you like, a shower of grated Parmesan cheese. This final touch adds freshness and a wonderful cheesy richness known for making flavors pop. Serve these Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe beauties warm, ideally alongside your favorite dipping sauce or as a delicious side to whatever main dish you choose.
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is more than just a pretty garnish; it adds a vibrant, herbal note that contrasts the crispy potatoes perfectly. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkling Parmesan cheese right out of the oven melts slightly over the potatoes, adding a salty and nutty finish. You can also try a sprinkle of chives or a dash of chili flakes for some heat.
Side Dishes
These crispy smashed potatoes shine as a side for roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty veggie burger. Their crunchy texture and rich flavor pair exceptionally well with creamy dips and fresh salads, making them a versatile choice no matter your meal plan.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or just make your meal more festive? Serve these potatoes in mini cast-iron skillets or on rustic wooden boards garnished with sprigs of herbs and colorful edible flowers. You can even stack them in a small mound and drizzle with aioli or a tangy yogurt sauce to create a fun and interactive way to enjoy them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep that crisp texture as much as possible, place a paper towel under and over the potatoes inside the container to absorb moisture.
Freezing
While fresh crispy potatoes are best, you can freeze cooked boiled potatoes before smashing and roasting. Freeze them in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw fully, then proceed with smashing, seasoning, and roasting for best results.
Reheating
The key to bringing back that delightful crispness is reheating in the oven rather than the microwave. Place the refrigerated potatoes on a baking sheet and heat at 400°F (205°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until they regain their golden, crispy exterior.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cut regular potatoes into smaller, evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook thoroughly and smash nicely. Baby potatoes are preferred because they cook quickly and require less prep.
Is olive oil better than butter for roasting?
Both work beautifully in this Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe. Olive oil offers a healthy fat with a subtle peppery flavor, while butter brings richness and a slightly nutty taste. You can even mix both for a flavor boost.
How can I make these potatoes spicy?
Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to your seasoning mix before roasting. You can also serve the potatoes with a spicy dipping sauce like Sriracha mayo to heat things up.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No need to peel baby potatoes! Their thin skins become deliciously crispy when roasted and add wonderful texture and nutrients to the dish.
What’s the best dipping sauce for crispy smashed potatoes?
These potatoes pair well with a variety of dips including garlic aioli, sour cream and chive, tangy ketchup, or even a creamy ranch dressing. Choose what you love most for the ultimate bite.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and creates that perfect combination of crispy and tender that makes potatoes such a beloved staple. So go ahead and whip up a batch soon – your taste buds will thank you, and it may just become your favorite new way to enjoy potatoes.
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Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish featuring tender boiled baby potatoes smashed to a perfect thickness, seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic, smoked paprika, and herbs, then oven-roasted until golden and crunchy. Finished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, these potatoes make a delicious, easy-to-make accompaniment for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1½ lbs baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
- 2 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
Seasoning & Roasting
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Add the baby potatoes and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly to handle safely.
- Smash the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the potatoes on a greased baking sheet. Using a fork or the bottom of a glass, gently press each potato until it is flattened to about half an inch thick, creating a ‘smashed’ surface that will crisp nicely in the oven.
- Season & Roast: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil or melted butter with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this seasoning mixture over the smashed potatoes evenly. Roast the potatoes in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through baking, until they turn crispy and golden brown all over.
- Garnish & Serve: Once roasted, sprinkle the potatoes with fresh chopped parsley and, if desired, grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the crispy smashed potatoes warm alongside your favorite dipping sauce or main dish.
Notes
- Choose baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture and flavor balance.
- You can substitute olive oil with melted butter for a richer taste.
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Flip the potatoes halfway through roasting for even crispiness on both sides.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
