Crispy smashed potatoes offer a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that will elevate your meal. I love preparing this dish for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, and each time, it brings smiles all around the table. The crunchy exterior pairs perfectly with a soft, fluffy inside, making every bite delightful.
Imagine roasting these potatoes until Golden Brown and adding your favorite herbs and cheese for an extra layer of flavor. These crispy smashed potatoes are not just a side dish; they can also steal the show. Enjoy a simple yet delicious recipe that will impress anyone who tries it.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it easy for anyone to follow.
- Delicious Texture: The contrast between the crispy outside and soft inside creates a satisfying eating experience.
- Customizable Flavors: With the option to add herbs and cheese, you can easily personalize the taste to fit your preferences.
- Perfect for Any Meal: These crispy smashed potatoes pairs well with various main dishes, making them versatile for any occasion.
- Quick Cooking Time: You can have these potatoes ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Small yellow potatoes – 2 pounds. These potatoes have a buttery flavor and creamy texture.
- Sea salt, divided – 2 teaspoons. This enhances the potato flavor at multiple points in the recipe.
- Extra-virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons, plus more for the pans. This oil helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Garlic powder – 1½ teaspoons. This adds a savory depth to the potatoes.
- Onion powder – ¾ teaspoon. This provides a subtle sweetness and flavor contrast.
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste. This adds a bit of heat and sharpness to the dish.
- Finely chopped fresh herbs – 1 tablespoon (parsley, chives, and/or dill). Fresh herbs bring brightness and color to the potatoes.
- Flaky sea salt (optional) – for finishing. This adds an extra crunch and burst of flavor on top.
- Parmesan cheese (optional) – for topping. This adds a rich, savory layer that many love.
How to Make Smashed Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Coat two baking sheets generously with olive oil to ensure the potatoes do not stick and get that crispy finish.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Place the small yellow potatoes and 1 teaspoon of sea salt in a large pot. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the potatoes by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are soft and fork-tender, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
Drain the cooked potatoes and allow them to cool slightly. Transfer each potato onto the oiled baking sheet. Use the back of a measuring cup to gently smash each potato down until they are about ¼-inch thick. This creates more surface area for crispiness.
Step 4: Season and Roast
Drizzle the smashed potatoes with the extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, remaining sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper over them. Roast the potatoes in the oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp around the edges. Remember to rotate the pans halfway through for even cooking.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the potatoes are done roasting, season them to taste with more sea salt, flaky sea salt, or freshly chopped herbs. For an extra touch, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the hot potatoes to melt slightly.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
✓ Use the Right Potatoes – Small yellow potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their creamy texture. Other waxy potatoes like red potatoes can also work well, but avoid starchy varieties.
✓ Ensure Even Cooking – Make sure the potatoes are of similar size for consistent cooking. If some are larger, cut them in half before boiling.
✓ Crush Gently – When smashing the potatoes, apply gentle pressure. If you smash them too hard, they may fall apart instead of staying intact with a crispy exterior.
✓ Rotate Your Pans – If you have multiple baking sheets in the oven, rotate them halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly and achieve that nice golden color.
✓ Season After Cooking – If you want more herb flavor, consider adding fresh herbs right after roasting for better taste and color. This keeps the herbs vibrant and flavorful.
Serving Ideas and Variations
- Serve these crispy smashed potatoes alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fish for a delightful meal that everyone will love.
- For a twist, try adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.
- Top the potatoes with your favorite dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli or a zesty ranch dressing, for a fun appetizer or side dish.
- Try using sweet potatoes instead of yellow potatoes for a unique flavor and a hint of sweetness that pairs well with savory seasonings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smashed Potatoes
Yes, you can use other waxy potatoes like red potatoes. However, avoid starchy varieties like russets as they may not hold their shape when smashed.
The potatoes are fully cooked when they are soft and fork-tender. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes of boiling. Be careful not to overcook them; otherwise, they may become waterlogged.
You can boil the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you are ready to bake, simply smash and roast them as directed. They are best enjoyed fresh, but reheating is an option.
If the potatoes aren’t crispy, ensure that they are not crowded on the baking sheets. Spread them out to allow hot air to circulate around each potato. Additionally, verify that your oven is at the right temperature.
Crispy smashed potatoes go well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or any type of dip. They make a versatile side dish suitable for family dinners or festive gatherings.
Smashed Potatoes Baked Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Small yellow potatoes
- 2 teaspoons Sea salt, divided
- 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 0.75 teaspoon Onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, and/or dill)
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (optional) For topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and coat two baking sheets generously with olive oil.
- Place the small yellow potatoes and 1 teaspoon of sea salt in a large pot. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the potatoes by about an inch. Bring to a boil and cook the potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and allow them to cool slightly. Transfer each potato onto the oiled baking sheet and gently smash each potato down until about ¼-inch thick using the back of a measuring cup.
- Drizzle the smashed potatoes with extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle over garlic powder, onion powder, remaining salt, and black pepper. Roast in the oven for 25 to 35 minutes, until golden brown and crisp, rotating pans halfway through.
- Once done, season with more sea salt, flaky sea salt, or freshly chopped herbs. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the hot potatoes to melt slightly.
Notes
- Use small yellow potatoes for best results, ensure even cooking with similar sized potatoes, apply gentle pressure when smashing, and consider adding fresh herbs after roasting for enhanced flavor.
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