Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Crispy, Golden Smashed Potatoes Recipe: A Family Favorite

Smashed potatoes refine ordinary spuds into crispy, golden-edged delights that dance between rustic comfort and culinary artistry.

These irresistible bites capture the perfect balance between creamy interiors and crunchy exterior landscapes.

Rough-handled and lovingly pressed, each potato becomes a canvas for incredible texture and flavor potential.

Seasoned with strategic simplicity, they emerge from the oven as crowd-pleasing miracles that challenge traditional potato preparations.

Home cooks appreciate how minimal ingredients can produce maximum deliciousness with surprisingly little effort.

Crisp edges, pillowy centers, and robust seasonings elevate this humble side dish into something remarkably memorable.

Salt, herbs, and a fearless approach turn humble ingredients into a spectacular accompaniment that steals the spotlight.

A Potato Dish That’s Both Rustic and Elegant

  • Crisp Up Perfectly: These smashed potatoes deliver an irresistible golden-brown crunch that transforms ordinary potatoes into a restaurant-worthy side dish with minimal effort.
  • Maximize Flavor Efficiency: The simple technique of boiling and then smashing creates maximum surface area for seasoning, allowing rosemary, salt, and olive oil to infuse deep flavor into every crispy bite.
  • Foolproof Technique for Home Cooks: This recipe requires basic cooking skills, making it accessible for beginners while still impressive enough to wow dinner guests with its professional-looking results and restaurant-quality texture.
  • Versatile Party-Pleaser: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday meals, or weeknight dinners, these potatoes complement almost any main course and can be easily customized with different herbs and seasonings to match your meal.

What You Need to Make Smashed Potatoes

Potatoes:
  • Baby Potatoes: Small, creamy potatoes perfect for smashing, with thin skin and smooth texture for easy cooking.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Rosemary, Salt, Pepper: Classic herb and spice combination that adds robust flavor and aromatic depth to the potatoes.
Cooking Oils and Fats:
  • Olive Oil: High-quality oil for creating crispy exterior and helping potatoes brown beautifully in the oven.
Optional Serving Components:
  • Toppings: Customizable additions like sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon bits to enhance the final dish.

How to Smash, Season, and Roast to Perfection

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a high boil. Gently add baby potatoes and cook for 12-15 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Carefully drain the water and let potatoes cool slightly.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Transfer potatoes to the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a heavy glass or potato masher, gently press each potato until it’s flattened to about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 4: Season the Potatoes

Generously coat each smashed potato with olive oil. Sprinkle with seasonings:
  • Fresh rosemary (lightly crushed)
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Step 5: Roast to Crispy Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 30-40 minutes, carefully flipping the potatoes halfway through. Look for a golden brown and crispy exterior.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the smashed potatoes to a serving platter. Add optional toppings like:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped chives
  • Sour cream
  • Crispy bacon bits

Tips for Crisp Edges and Creamy Centers

  • Boil with Precision: Choose small, uniform baby potatoes to ensure even cooking and consistent smashing texture.
  • Drain and Dry: After boiling, let potatoes sit in the colander for a few minutes to remove excess moisture, guaranteeing extra crispiness.
  • Smash Technique: Use a flat-bottomed glass or potato masher, applying gentle, even pressure to create perfect potato medallions without breaking them.
  • Oil Generously: Coat potatoes thoroughly with olive oil, creating a crisp, golden exterior that delivers maximum flavor and crunch.
  • Seasoning Secret: Crush rosemary between your fingers to release essential oils, enhancing the herb's aromatic profile before sprinkling over potatoes.

Saving and Warming Up Smashed Potatoes Right

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy texture.
  • Reheat Oven: Spread potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and warm at 375˚F for 10-12 minutes until crispy edges return.
  • Microwave Option: Reheat in short 30-second bursts, checking between intervals to maintain crispness and prevent rubbery texture.

Dishes That Pair Well With These Spuds

  • Pair with Hearty Protein: Serve these crispy smashed potatoes alongside grilled steak or roasted chicken for a perfect protein and potato combo that'll make your taste buds dance.
  • Wine Companion: Reach for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir that complements the rosemary's earthy notes and cuts through the potato's richness.
  • Dipping Delights: Create a zesty garlic aioli or herb-infused sour cream as a creamy sidekick that adds an extra layer of flavor to these golden, crispy potatoes.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle some chopped chives or parsley on top to brighten the dish and add a fresh, green pop of color and flavor that elevates the entire potato experience.

Smashed Potato Add-Ons to Try

  • Garlic Herb Smashers: Swap rosemary for a blend of minced garlic, thyme, and parsley for an aromatic herb-packed version that brings bold flavor to the classic recipe.
  • Spicy Parmesan Crunch: Dust smashed potatoes with cayenne pepper, grated parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of chili flakes to create a fiery, cheesy side dish with extra crispy edges.
  • Mediterranean Medley: Top potatoes with crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to transform the dish with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
  • Bacon Cheddar Blast: Crumble crispy bacon over the potatoes and sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a decadent, protein-rich variation that adds smoky depth to the original recipe.
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Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Smashed Potatoes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy smashed potatoes deliver a delightful crunch with creamy interiors that elevate simple side dishes. Golden edges and herbed seasoning create an irresistible potato experience you’ll crave at every meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) baby potatoes

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Cooking and Topping Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil

Optional Toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Chives

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and set the oven temperature to a scorching 450˚F.
  2. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil. Gently lower baby potatoes into the bubbling water, allowing them to simmer for 12-15 minutes until they reach a tender consistency.
  3. Carefully drain the potatoes and let them cool briefly, ensuring they are not too hot to handle.
  4. Arrange the partially cooled potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each one.
  5. Using the flat bottom of a sturdy glass, carefully press down on each potato, flattening them to approximately half an inch in thickness.
  6. Liberally drizzle olive oil across the surface of each smashed potato, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  7. Crush dried rosemary between your fingers to release its aromatic oils, then generously sprinkle the herb over the potatoes.
  8. Season the potatoes with a generous pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper, distributing the seasonings evenly.
  9. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure uniform browning.
  10. Remove from the oven once the potatoes develop a golden, crispy exterior and serve immediately with optional garnishes or toppings of choice.

Notes

  • Ensure potatoes are evenly sized to guarantee uniform cooking and perfect smashing texture.
  • Salting the boiling water infuses flavor deep into the potatoes before roasting.
  • Smash potatoes gently to maintain their structural integrity while creating crispy, uneven surfaces.
  • Use a heavy glass or flat-bottomed tool with a smooth surface for consistent potato flattening.
  • Generously coat potatoes with olive oil to achieve maximum crispiness and golden-brown edges.
  • Let potatoes cool slightly after boiling to prevent burning and make smashing easier.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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