Oh my goodness, let me tell you about smashed potatoes! They’re this incredible combination of crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside that just makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I made them; I was trying to impress some friends at a dinner party, and they were a total hit! The way the garlic and rosemary mingle with the olive oil—wow! Every bite is a little piece of heaven. Trust me, once you try these smashed potatoes, you’ll be dreaming about them. They’re the perfect side dish for any meal, and I can’t wait to show you how to make them!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 1/4 cup olive oil, preferably extra virgin for the best flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for boiling water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for a kick
- 2 cloves garlic, minced finely to release all the aromatic goodness
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped to bring that earthy flavor
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for a vibrant garnish
How to Prepare Smashed Potatoes
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is crucial for that perfect crisp! While the oven heats up, give your baby potatoes a good wash and scrub to remove any dirt. Then, toss them into a pot of salted water and boil for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You want them soft enough to smash but not falling apart. Once they’re ready, drain the potatoes and let them cool just a bit—trust me, you don’t want to burn your fingers when it’s time to smash!
Smash and Season
Now, let’s get smashing! On a baking sheet, arrange the boiled potatoes with a little space in between each one. Using a fork or a potato masher, gently smash each potato down until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t worry if they crack a bit; that’s part of the charm! Next, drizzle the olive oil over the smashed potatoes, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Make sure each potato is evenly coated for that delicious flavor explosion. A quick tip: use your hands to toss the potatoes lightly in the oil and seasonings if you want to ensure an even distribution!
Bake to Perfection
Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for that golden color and a crispy exterior, which just makes the inside fluffier! Halfway through, you might want to rotate the baking sheet for even cooking. When they’re perfectly crispy and golden, take them out and let them cool for just a minute. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for—get ready to enjoy some seriously scrumptious smashed potatoes!
Nutritional Information
These delicious smashed potatoes yield approximately 250 calories per serving. Each serving contains about 14g of fat, 4g of protein, and 33g of carbohydrates, including 4g of fiber. Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used, so feel free to adjust accordingly!
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your smashed potatoes, start with the right potatoes—baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes are my go-tos for that creamy texture. When smashing, apply gentle pressure; you want to flatten them without turning them into mush. Also, don’t skimp on the olive oil; it’s key for that crispy exterior, so drizzle generously! If you find your potatoes aren’t crisping up as desired, try broiling them for the last couple of minutes to achieve that golden perfection. And remember, seasoning is everything—taste as you go to ensure those flavors come through beautifully!
Variations on Smashed Potatoes
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your smashed potatoes! For a zesty twist, try adding some lemon zest and juice right before baking. You could also toss in other herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile. Cheese lovers will rejoice by sprinkling some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top just before baking—yum! If you want a smoky touch, a sprinkle of smoked paprika can really elevate the dish. And for a fun cooking method, why not try frying them in a skillet with butter until crispy? The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your smashed potatoes, the options are limitless! They pair beautifully with grilled meats like succulent chicken, juicy steak, or tender pork chops—just imagine that crispy potato goodness alongside your favorite proteins. For a lighter option, consider serving them with a fresh garden salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette; the crunch and brightness balance those rich potatoes perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something comforting, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of garlic aioli can take your dish to the next level. Whatever you choose, these smashed potatoes are the star of the show!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover smashed potatoes, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can also freeze them! Just place the cooled smashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for about a month. When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the oven for the best results—just preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also pop them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil for a quick and delicious reheating option!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of potatoes? Absolutely! While baby potatoes are fantastic, you can use larger varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold. Just cut them into even chunks for boiling.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs? No worries! Dried herbs work too; just use about a third of the amount since they’re more concentrated. You can experiment with your favorite flavors!
Can I make these smashed potatoes ahead of time? Yes, you can prep them in advance! Just boil and smash, then store them in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
How can I make them spicier? If you like a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix before baking.
What’s the best way to reheat them? For the crispiest results, reheat in the oven or a skillet with a little olive oil. This will bring back that delightful crunch!
Print
Smashed Potatoes: 7 Tips for Crispy, Delicious Success!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A recipe for perfectly smashed potatoes, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and scrub the baby potatoes, then boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- On a baking sheet, arrange the potatoes and gently smash each one with a fork or potato masher, ensuring they remain intact.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the smashed potatoes and season with salt and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic and chopped rosemary over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
- Pair with grilled meats or as a side for a hearty salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, baby potatoes, side dish
