Smashed Potatoes are the perfect blend of crispy and creamy textures that elevate any meal. With their golden crust and tender interior, these delightful potatoes make for a hearty side dish that you and your guests will love. Plus, they are simple to prepare, making them an ideal addition to both casual weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
Why Make This Smashed Potatoes
Smashed Potatoes offer a delightful twist on traditional roasted or mashed potatoes. The unique cooking method creates irresistible crispy edges while keeping the insides creamy and flavorful. They are versatile and can be seasoned to match any cuisine, making them a fantastic companion to roasted meats, grilled veggies, or even a stand-alone dish. Plus, they require minimal effort and use just a few basic ingredients!
How to Make Smashed Potatoes
Making Smashed Potatoes involves just a few simple steps that yield delicious results. Follow these directions closely for perfect potatoes every time.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of baby potatoes
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme) for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preheating
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Step 2: Boiling
Boil the baby potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Step 3: Cooling and Preparing
Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
Step 4: Smashed Preparation
On a baking sheet, place the potatoes and gently smash each one with a fork or the bottom of a glass.
Step 5: Seasoning
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 6: Roasting
Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Garnishing
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
How to Serve Smashed Potatoes
These Smashed Potatoes are extremely versatile. They pair wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish and are excellent alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal. For a comfort food twist, serve them with beef stew or roasted vegetables. You can also create a fun potato bar, offering toppings like cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, or chives for guests to customize their potatoes.
How to Store Smashed Potatoes
If you have leftovers, allow the Smashed Potatoes to cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.
Expert Tips for Perfect Smashed Potatoes
- Choosing the right potatoes matters; baby potatoes hold their shape and texture well during cooking.
- Don’t skip the salt in the boiling water; it infuses flavor right into the potatoes.
- For extra crispiness, ensure the potatoes are well spaced on the baking sheet and use a good amount of olive oil.
Delicious Variations
- Cheesy Smashed Potatoes: Add shredded cheese on top before roasting for a cheesy delight.
- Spicy Smashed Potatoes: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the seasoning for a kick.
- Herbed Smashed Potatoes: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill or parsley for various flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, you can use larger potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet; just cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking times. -
What can I substitute for olive oil?
You can use melted butter or avocado oil for a different flavor profile. -
Can I make these potatoes in advance?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can prepare them and refrigerate before roasting. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to bake them. -
What should I do if my potatoes are not crisping up?
Make sure they are sufficiently smashed for maximum surface area. Also, ensure the oven is fully preheated and keep an eye on them, adjusting cooking time as needed. -
Is it possible to make these Smashed Potatoes vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you stick to plant-based toppings.
Conclusion
Smashed Potatoes are a delightful addition to any dinner table, bringing comfort and flavor together with minimal effort. Their crispy edges and fluffy centers are sure to impress your family and friends, whether you’re enjoying a weeknight meal or hosting a special occasion. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start smashing your way to a delicious dish today!
Print
Smashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Smashed Potatoes are the perfect blend of crispy and creamy textures that elevate any meal. With their golden crust and tender interior, these delightful potatoes make for a hearty side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of baby potatoes
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Boil the baby potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- On a baking sheet, place the potatoes and gently smash each one with a fork or the bottom of a glass.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
