These crispy smashed potatoes offer the best of both worlds: a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a creamy, tender inside. The blend of garlic, rosemary, and thyme gives them a fragrant, savory aroma that’s impossible to resist.
They are versatile enough to accompany just about any meal, whether you’re serving them alongside a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or a vegetable dish. Plus, they’re so easy to make, yet fancy enough to impress guests. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and delicious flavor profile, making it a perfect addition to any dinner table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the baby potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use a potato masher or fork to gently smash each potato, pressing down to flatten them but keeping them intact.
- Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and melted butter. Sprinkle with minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 235 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Smashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, providing the perfect balance of crispy, golden-brown edges and soft, creamy interiors. This recipe for crispy smashed potatoes is simple, yet packed with flavor thanks to a blend of garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. They make the perfect side dish for almost any main course, from a hearty steak to a delicious roasted chicken, or even a vegetarian meal.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. The garlic, rosemary, and thyme can easily be swapped out or adjusted to suit your taste preferences. For instance, if you prefer a more earthy flavor, try adding sage or parsley. You can also top these smashed potatoes with grated cheese, like Parmesan, for an extra layer of richness.
One of the key aspects of this recipe is the method of smashing the potatoes before roasting them. This not only increases the surface area of the potatoes, allowing for maximum crispiness, but it also ensures that the center stays soft and creamy. By roasting them at a high temperature (400°F or 200°C), the potatoes develop a perfectly crispy exterior while retaining their tender interior.
In addition to their great flavor and texture, these smashed potatoes are incredibly easy to prepare. After boiling the potatoes and smashing them, all that’s left is to drizzle them with olive oil and butter, sprinkle them with the seasonings, and bake. They are done in less than 45 minutes, making them a perfect weeknight side dish or a crowd-pleasing option for special gatherings.
For a more indulgent version, feel free to add some crispy bacon crumbles, sour cream, or chives to the dish right before serving. This will take the flavor profile to the next level and will certainly impress your guests.
Whether you’re looking for a simple, quick side dish for dinner or something a little more elaborate for a special occasion, these crispy smashed potatoes will always hit the spot. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, making this a go-to recipe in your kitchen rotation.
Tips for Perfect Smashed Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: For the best texture, baby potatoes or Yukon Golds are ideal for this recipe. Baby potatoes have a waxy texture that holds together well when smashed and roasted. Yukon Golds are naturally creamy and have a smooth texture, making them perfect for smashing.
- Boil Potatoes to the Right Texture: When boiling the potatoes, be sure not to overcook them. You want the potatoes to be tender but not falling apart. A good rule of thumb is to check them with a fork after about 15 minutes. If the fork easily pierces through the potato, they are ready to be drained and smashed.
- Smash, Don’t Mash: The key to getting crispy edges is smashing, not mashing! A potato masher or even the back of a spoon can be used to gently flatten each potato. The goal is to keep them intact but with a slightly broken surface that will crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Get Creative with Seasonings: While garlic, rosemary, and thyme are classic flavorings for smashed potatoes, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Some great options to try include parsley, sage, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat. You can also swap out the butter for olive oil if you’re looking for a lighter version or want to keep it dairy-free.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is a key ingredient for drizzling over the potatoes, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. The olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up in the oven and also adds a rich, fruity taste that enhances the overall dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: To get those crispy, golden edges, it’s important not to overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave some space between each smashed potato so they can roast evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. If needed, use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.
Serving Suggestions
Smashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with many different types of dishes. Here are a few suggestions for serving them:
- As a Side to Grilled or Roasted Meats: Smashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or pork tenderloin. The crispy potatoes balance well with the richness of the meat.
- With a Salad: For a lighter meal, serve smashed potatoes alongside a fresh salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The contrast between the crispy potatoes and the fresh vegetables makes for a delightful combination.
- Add Toppings for a More Indulgent Dish: You can elevate your smashed potatoes by adding toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or chives. This makes them an excellent option for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
- Vegetarian Option: These smashed potatoes make an excellent vegetarian side dish. Pair them with roasted vegetables or a hearty grain-based salad for a full meal.
Make-Ahead Option
While smashed potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, they can be made ahead to save time. After boiling and smashing the potatoes, store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, drizzle them with olive oil and butter, add the seasoning, and roast them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes to get them crispy again. This makes them a great option for meal prep or for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of about 40 minutes, this recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
- Crispy and Creamy: The crispy, golden edges of the potatoes contrast perfectly with the creamy interior, offering a delightful texture in every bite.
- Customizable: Whether you like your smashed potatoes with extra garlic, a sprinkle of cheese, or topped with fresh herbs, this recipe can be tailored to suit your preferences.
- Comforting and Satisfying: Smashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. They’re hearty, filling, and always hit the spot when you’re craving something indulgent.
Pairing Wine with Smashed Potatoes
If you’re looking to pair a wine with your smashed potatoes, try a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Chardonnay. For red wine lovers, a Pinot Noir or a light Merlot can also complement the flavors of the dish. The key is to pick a wine that’s light and fresh to balance the richness of the potatoes.
Conclusion
These crispy smashed potatoes are the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and texture. With their golden, crunchy edges and soft, creamy centers, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving them alongside a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or a hearty vegetable dish, they are versatile enough to complement any meal. The best part is, this recipe is easy to make, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can elevate this humble dish into something extraordinary. From experimenting with different herbs and spices to adding fun toppings like crispy bacon or cheese, the possibilities are endless. Plus, they are quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at special gatherings or holiday meals.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, these crispy smashed potatoes are a delicious and satisfying choice. They offer a comforting balance of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen – it’s easy to make, full of flavor, and always a hit. Enjoy every crispy bite!