Crispy Golden Smashed Potatoes Recipe: Irresistibly Fluffy Inside

Crispy golden smashed potatoes deliver a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Potato enthusiasts adore this simple yet magical technique that transforms humble spuds into crispy, crunchy delicacies.

Russet or red potatoes work perfectly for this method, creating irresistible edges that crackle with each bite.

Salt, pepper, and olive oil become your secret weapons in achieving maximum flavor and texture.

Herbs like rosemary or thyme can add an aromatic dimension to these irresistible potato medallions.

A little extra effort turns ordinary side dishes into something spectacular that everyone will request again and again.

Why Smashed Potatoes Are More Fun Than Mashed

• Transform simple potatoes into a crispy, delicious side dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort.
• Boil, smash, and bake – this recipe uses just a few simple steps to create restaurant-quality potatoes with irresistible texture and golden edges.
• Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that appeals to both kids and adults with its crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Affordable ingredients and simple technique make this recipe a wallet-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste or visual appeal.

What You’ll Need for Crispy, Crushed Potatoes

Main Ingredients:

Potato Varieties: – Whole Potatoes: Starchy, creamy interior perfect for crispy exterior; yellow or red potatoes work best; medium-sized potatoes recommended for even cooking.

Olive Oil: – Olive Oil: Essential for creating crispy, golden edges; helps seasonings stick to potatoes; extra virgin olive oil provides best flavor.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Salt and Pepper: – Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning blend that enhances potato’s natural flavor; freshly ground black pepper adds more depth.

Herb and Spice Group: – Garlic Powder, Rosemary, Thyme: Aromatic seasonings that add layers of savory flavor; dried herbs work well for consistent taste.

Optional Finishing Ingredients:

Cheese and Garnish: – Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Parmesan adds rich, salty finish; parsley provides fresh, bright visual and flavor contrast; optional but recommended for gourmet touch.

How to Smash and Roast Potatoes to Perfection

Step 1: Boil Potato Gems

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Drop potatoes into the water and cook until super soft when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Once tender, drain and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Station

Turn oven to 425°F (220°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray.

Step 3: Create Potato Pancakes

Transfer boiled potatoes onto prepared baking sheet. Use a fork, potato masher, or glass bottom to gently flatten each potato into a rustic pancake shape, about half-inch thick.

Step 4: Dress and Season Potatoes

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Dried rosemary
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drizzle olive oil generously over potatoes. Sprinkle seasonings evenly, ensuring both sides are well-coated.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Slide baking sheet into preheated oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping midway to achieve crispy golden edges.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Finish

• Parmesan cheese

During final 5 minutes of baking, shower potatoes with Parmesan for extra decadence.

Step 7: Garnish and Present

Pull potatoes from oven. Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve piping hot as a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Tips for Flavorful Seasoning and Golden Edges

• Customize Potato Texture: Boil potatoes until just tender to achieve the perfect smashable consistency without falling apart during baking.
• Maximize Crispiness: Use high-heat oil like avocado or grapeseed and space potatoes apart on the baking sheet to ensure maximum golden-brown edges.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Replace rosemary or thyme with smoked paprika, cajun spice, or ranch seasoning for unique flavor profiles that match different main dishes.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap olive oil with coconut oil for a vegan version, or use ghee for a richer taste that suits paleo and keto dietary needs.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Boil and smash potatoes in advance, then refrigerate on the baking sheet. When ready to serve, simply drizzle with oil and bake for quick, crispy side dishes.

Best Storage and Reheating Tips for Smashed Potatoes

• Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Spread potatoes on a baking sheet, bake at 375F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness and maintain original texture.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, checking between each to prevent sogginess, but expect slightly softer results compared to oven reheating.
• Briefly broil reheated potatoes for 2-3 minutes to crisp up edges and refresh their golden-brown exterior.

What Goes Great with Smashed Potatoes

• Complement the potatoes' crispy texture with juicy, rosemary-infused roasted chicken that echoes the herb notes in the dish.
• Create a creamy contrast by serving a zesty sour cream dip with chives and a hint of garlic, balancing the potatoes' crunchiness.
• Enjoy a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that cuts through the potatoes' richness and enhances their herbal undertones.
• Add a light, lemony arugula salad with shaved Parmesan to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the potatoes' hearty texture.

Smashed Potato Twists to Keep Things Fresh

• Herb-Infused Potatoes: Replace rosemary or thyme with fresh dill, chives, or oregano for a different aromatic flavor profile.
• Vegan Crispy Option: Substitute dairy Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives to maintain crispy texture while keeping the recipe plant-based.
• Spicy Smashed Potatoes: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika to introduce a spicy kick and enhance the potato's overall heat level.
• Gluten-Free Low-Carb Swap: Use cauliflower instead of potatoes for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version that maintains the same smashing and roasting technique.

Potato Smash FAQs

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Small, waxy potatoes like red potatoes or baby potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well when boiled and smashed, creating a crispy exterior and creamy interior.

• How thin should I smash the potatoes?

Aim for about 1/2-inch thickness when smashing. This ensures a perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a soft, tender inside. Don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform – slight imperfections add character.

• Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?

You can boil the potatoes in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, smash and bake them. This makes the recipe convenient for meal prep or entertaining.

• Why do I need to flip the potatoes during baking?

Flipping ensures even cooking and helps both sides become golden and crispy. This technique creates a more uniform texture and prevents one side from burning.

Smashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden Smashed Potatoes emerge as a delightful sidekick to any main course, bringing rustic charm and irresistible texture. Salt-seasoned and herb-kissed, this simple dish promises a crunchy exterior and creamy center that will make you crave another bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Garnish and Optional Toppings:

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Submerge whole potatoes in a generously salted water bath, allowing them to simmer and soften for approximately 15-20 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.
2. Carefully transfer boiled potatoes to a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing between each potato.
3. Gently compress each potato using a sturdy kitchen tool like a fork or flat-bottomed glass, flattening to create a rustic, uneven surface approximately half an inch thick.
4. Lavishly coat the smashed potatoes with fragrant olive oil, ensuring complete coverage and creating a potential crispy exterior.
5. Liberally distribute garlic powder, crushed rosemary, and freshly ground black pepper across the potato surfaces, massaging seasonings into each crevice.
6. Position the seasoned potatoes into a preheated oven set at 425°F, allowing them to roast and transform for 25-30 minutes.
7. Midway through roasting, delicately flip each potato to guarantee uniform golden-brown crispiness on all sides.
8. Optional: During the final five minutes, sprinkle aged Parmesan cheese over the potatoes, enabling it to melt and create a delectable crusty layer.
9. Extract potatoes from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while maintaining peak crispness and temperature.

Notes

• Choose waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold for the best crispy texture and even smashing.
• Pat potatoes completely dry after boiling to ensure maximum crispiness when roasting.
• Space potatoes slightly apart on the baking sheet to allow edges to get golden and crunchy.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary and thyme or add smoked paprika for extra flavor depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 201
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 78 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg