Description
Crispy, zesty smashed buffalo potatoes deliver a spicy kick that elevates classic comfort food to new heights. Potato lovers will savor these golden, crunchy bites drizzled with tangy buffalo sauce, creating an irresistible appetizer perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes:
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Topping and Sauce:
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) hot sauce (like Franks RedHot)
- 0.25 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 cup (50 g) crumbled blue cheese or feta
- 0.25 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped
- Extra hot sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 425F (220C) and covering a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal potato roasting.
- Submerge baby potatoes in a generously salted water bath, bringing liquid to a rolling boil and allowing potatoes to simmer until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Carefully transfer boiled potatoes onto the prepared baking sheet, utilizing a sturdy fork or potato masher to gently flatten each potato, maintaining structural integrity while creating rustic, textured surfaces.
- Lavishly coat the smashed potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor profiles.
- Roast the seasoned potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even crispiness and achieving a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.
- Craft a zesty buffalo sauce by whisking together hot sauce, melted butter, and a touch of honey in a small mixing bowl, creating a balanced and tangy coating.
- Extract potatoes from the oven and generously brush with the prepared buffalo sauce, allowing the potatoes to return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize and absorb flavors.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with finely chopped parsley, sliced green onions, and crumbled blue cheese, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed dish.
- Serve immediately alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for an indulgent dipping experience.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by choosing mild or extra-hot buffalo sauce based on personal heat tolerance.
- For crispy exteriors, ensure potatoes are completely dry after boiling and use high-temperature baking.
- Create gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free hot sauce and checking butter ingredients.
- Transform into a vegan dish by substituting butter with plant-based margarine and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg