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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Select medium-sized potatoes with similar dimensions to ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture.
- 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.
- Prepare the baking surface by positioning a parchment-lined sheet pan in the oven and heating to 425F (220C), creating an optimal crispy environment.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Optional: During the final five minutes, shower potatoes with finely grated Parmesan cheese for an enhanced flavor profile.
- 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