Crispy Golden Smashed Potatoes Recipe: Irresistibly Fluffy Inside

Crispy, golden smashed potatoes promise a delightful twist on the classic side dish that will make your taste buds dance.

Transforming humble spuds into a crunchy, irresistible treat that steals the spotlight at any meal.

Russet or yellow potatoes work perfectly for this simple yet impressive technique.

Salt, pepper, and olive oil create magical flavors that complement the potatoes’ natural richness.

Each bite offers a perfect balance between creamy interiors and crackling exterior edges.

Herbs like rosemary or thyme can add an extra layer of aromatic excitement to this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to bookmark this technique for your next dinner party or weeknight meal.

Tips To Make The Best Smashed Potatoes

• Choose Waxy Potatoes: Select sturdy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes that hold their shape when boiled and smashed, ensuring a crispy exterior and creamy interior.
• Dry Potatoes Thoroughly: After boiling, let potatoes cool and drain completely to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve maximum crispiness when roasting.
• Space Potatoes Carefully: Arrange smashed potatoes with enough room between them on the baking sheet, preventing steaming and promoting golden, crunchy edges.
• Experiment with Seasoning: Try alternative herb blends like za'atar, Italian seasoning, or cajun spice mix to add exciting flavor variations to your smashed potatoes.
• Make It Dietary-Friendly: For vegan options, skip cheese and use nutritional yeast; for low-carb diets, substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets following the same smashing technique.

How To Keep Smashed Potatoes Fresh And Warm

• Refrigerate: Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat in Oven: Spread potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil to restore crispiness. Warm at 375F for 10-12 minutes until heated through and edges turn golden again.
• Microwave Option: Place potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking and maintain texture.
• Avoid Freezing: Smashed potatoes lose their crispy texture when frozen, so best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated within a few days of cooking.

What Goes Well With Smashed Potatoes

• Elevate with Herbaceous White Wine: Pair these crispy smashed potatoes with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that echoes the rosemary and thyme notes, cutting through the richness of the potatoes with its bright acidity.
• Match with Robust Protein Partners: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or pan-seared steak to create a balanced meal where the potatoes' crispy edges complement the meat's tender texture.
• Introduce Creamy Dipping Companions: Offer a garlic aioli, herbed sour cream, or tangy ranch dressing as a complementary side to enhance the potatoes' flavor profile and provide a cool contrast to their hot, crunchy exterior.
• Craft a Vegetarian Feast: Combine with a fresh green salad topped with goat cheese and toasted pine nuts, creating a light yet satisfying vegetarian meal that highlights the potatoes' versatility.

Cool Changes You Can Try With Smashed Potatoes

• Spicy Southwest Smashers: Add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a zesty kick. Top with diced jalapeños and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
• Mediterranean Herb Potatoes: Replace rosemary with za'atar seasoning and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese during the last few minutes of baking. Finish with chopped fresh oregano and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Loaded Bacon Ranch Potatoes: Crumble crispy bacon over the smashed potatoes after baking. Sprinkle with ranch seasoning and green onions for a crowd-pleasing variation.
• Garlic Parmesan Herb Crunch: Mix grated Parmesan with panko breadcrumbs and additional dried herbs before sprinkling over the potatoes. This creates an extra crispy and flavorful crust that adds irresistible texture.

All Your Smashed Potatoes Questions Answered

• Why are my potatoes falling apart when I smash them?

The potatoes might be overcooked. Choose waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold, and cook them just until fork-tender. Let them cool slightly before smashing to maintain their structure.

• Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

You can boil the potatoes and smash them beforehand, then refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This can actually help create an even crispier texture when you roast them.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

No worries! Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about 1/2 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. If you don’t have herbs at all, the garlic powder and salt will still create delicious potatoes.

• How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?

Make sure to use plenty of olive oil, spread the potatoes with space between them on the baking sheet, and don’t skip flipping them halfway through baking. A hot oven is key to achieving those golden, crunchy edges.

Why Smashed Potatoes Always Hit The Spot

• Crunch into Golden Perfection: These smashed potatoes deliver an incredible crispy exterior with a soft, creamy interior that creates an irresistible textural contrast.
• Effortlessly Delicious: The simple cooking method requires minimal prep and basic ingredients, making it a foolproof recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual parties, these potatoes complement almost any main course and appeal to both kids and adults.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe allows endless seasoning variations, from herbs and spices to cheese toppings, ensuring you can adapt it to your taste preferences or match different cuisines.

Simple List Of Ingredients For Smashed Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy base for crispy, golden smashed treat. Waxy or all-purpose potatoes work best for holding shape.

• Olive Oil: Helps create crispy exterior and adds rich flavor. Extra virgin olive oil provides best taste.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing potato flavor. Freshly ground black pepper offers more robust taste.
• Rosemary, Thyme: Optional herbs that add aromatic depth. Fresh herbs can replace dried for more intense flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, savory finish to potatoes. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
• Parsley: Fresh garnish for color and light herbal note. Chopped just before serving maintains brightness.

Easy Steps To Make Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Place whole potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook 15–20 minutes until a fork slides in easily. Drain in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Sheet

Heat the oven to 425 °F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly brush it with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Arrange the cooled potatoes on the prepared sheet. Using a fork, potato masher, or the bottom of a glass, gently press each potato until it’s about ½ inch thick and has a rustic, uneven surface.

Step 4: Season the Potatoes

Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes, then sprinkle with garlic powder, fresh or dried rosemary (or thyme), salt, and black pepper. Flip each potato to coat both sides evenly.

Step 5: Roast Until Crispy

Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Look for golden‑brown, crispy edges before removing them from the oven.

Step 6: Add the Cheese (Optional)

In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the potatoes. Return to the oven until the cheese melts and turns slightly crisp.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the finished potatoes to a serving plate, scatter with chopped parsley, and serve immediately while they’re hot and crunchy.

Smashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden “Herb-Crusted Smashed Potatoes” deliver a perfect crunch with garden-fresh herbs and delicate seasoning. Rustic potato perfection awaits you on a plate that promises pure comfort and irresistible flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900 g) baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)

Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings:

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Select medium-sized potatoes with similar dimensions to ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture.
2. Submerge potatoes in a generously salted water bath, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil. Simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes until a fork effortlessly pierces the potato’s center. Carefully drain and allow potatoes to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the baking surface by positioning a parchment-lined sheet pan in the oven and heating to 425F (220C), creating an optimal crispy environment.
4. Gently transfer boiled potatoes onto the heated baking sheet, maintaining space between each potato. Using a sturdy kitchen tool like a potato masher or flat-bottomed glass, apply measured pressure to flatten each potato into a rustic, textured disc approximately 1/2-inch thick.
5. Liberally drizzle extra virgin olive oil across the smashed potatoes, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of garlic powder, dried rosemary, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, thoroughly coating both surfaces.
6. Roast the seasoned potatoes for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan midway to promote even browning. Watch for edges transforming into a golden, crispy landscape.
7. Optional: During the final five minutes, shower potatoes with finely grated Parmesan cheese for an enhanced flavor profile.
8. Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while maintaining maximum crispiness.

Notes

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best crispy texture and even smashing.
• Ensure potatoes are similar in size to cook evenly and create uniform smashed potatoes.
• Pat potatoes completely dry after boiling to achieve maximum crispiness when roasting.
• Generous spacing between potatoes on the baking sheet prevents steaming and promotes golden, crunchy edges.
• Use a sturdy flat-bottomed glass or potato masher with careful pressure to smash without completely breaking the potato.
• Experiment with alternative seasonings like paprika, ranch seasoning, or everything bagel spice for unique flavor profiles.
• For a dairy-free version, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or omit cheese entirely.
• Make ahead by boiling and smashing potatoes in advance, then refrigerate and bake just before serving to save preparation time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg