These smashed potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them a perfect side dish! You just boil, smash, and roast them for loads of flavor.
I love how they’re so easy to make and browning them in the oven adds a nice crunch. Plus, you can dress them up with herbs or cheese for extra yum! Who can resist? 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Baby or small potatoes are perfect for this dish. They’re tender and easy to smash. If you don’t have these, you can use regular potatoes; just cut them into smaller pieces before boiling to save time.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice flavor and helps the potatoes crisp up in the oven. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil is a great alternative, offering a similar taste while also being healthy.
Garlic & Onion Powder: These spices add depth to the flavor. You can use fresh garlic and onion in place of powders if you prefer. Just mince 1-2 cloves of garlic and a small onion, and sauté them before adding to the smashed potatoes.
Dried Thyme: I love using dried thyme for its earthy flavor. If you have fresh thyme, use it instead—just double the amount since fresh herbs are less potent.
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional but adds a rich, umami flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can mimic that cheesy taste nicely!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
To get your smashed potatoes crispy, focus on these simple steps:
- After boiling, make sure to let the potatoes cool a bit. This makes them easier to handle.
- When smashing, don’t press too hard! Flatten them just enough to break the skin but keep them in one piece. This helps them stay crispy.
- Coat them well with olive oil. This helps crisp the edges during baking.
- Don’t rush the baking time. Bake until golden brown and crispy. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them!
Using parchment paper is also a great trick. It prevents sticking and helps with even cooking!
How to Make Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby or small potatoes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if available)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, e.g., chives or parsley)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prep, plus an additional 20-25 minutes for baking. You’ll boil the potatoes first, then smash and season them before giving them a nice crisp in the oven. It’s a simple yet tasty side dish that you can whip up quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, turn your oven on to 450°F (230°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the potatoes. This will help them get crispy!
2. Boil The Potatoes:
Wash the potatoes thoroughly before placing them in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
3. Get Ready to Smash:
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly. After they’ve cooled enough to handle, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making clean-up a breeze!
4. Smash Those Potatoes:
Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato until they are flattened, but be careful to keep them in one piece!
5. Season And Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil over the smashed potatoes, making sure each one is coated well. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper for that delicious flavor. If you like, you can also add the grated Parmesan cheese here for an extra cheesy touch!
6. Bake Until Crispy:
Now, pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the potatoes bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are crispy and golden brown—yum!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Take the potatoes out of the oven, and if you’d like, sprinkle them with fresh herbs for some added flavor and color. Serve them up immediately as a delicious side dish and enjoy every crispy bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby or small potatoes are great for this recipe, you can also use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even larger potatoes cut into smaller chunks. Just be sure to adjust the boiling time based on the size of your potatoes until they’re fork-tender.
How to Store Leftover Smashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. You could also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Feel free to get creative! You can add spices like paprika, smoked paprika, or even chili powder for a kick. Fresh garlic or shallots can be roasted with the potatoes for an additional depth of flavor. Just make sure any added ingredients integrate well with the oil and seasonings before baking.
