Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe: Irresistible Spuds With a Twist

Golden, crispy smashed potatoes burst with irresistible flavor that will make your taste buds dance.

Creamy interiors peek through a crunchy exterior, creating a delightful textural experience.

Perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices, these potatoes elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that promises pure comfort.

Simple ingredients combine to create a side dish that steals the spotlight at dinner.

The magic happens with just a few easy techniques anyone can master.

Serve these potatoes alongside your favorite protein for a crowd-pleasing accompaniment that sparks conversation and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 3

All The Ingredients For Smashed Potatoes

For Potato Base:
  • Potatoes: Starchy foundation that creates crispy, golden exterior with fluffy interior; choose medium-sized, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for best texture and even cooking.
  • Salt: Enhances potato flavor and helps season during boiling process; use kosher or sea salt for deeper taste profile.
For Seasoning and Flavor Boosters:
  • Olive Oil: Provides rich, golden crispiness and helps seasonings adhere; select extra virgin olive oil for best flavor and healthier option.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic warmth without intense raw garlic bite; look for high-quality, fresh ground powder.
  • Rosemary or Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbaceous notes that complement potato's natural flavor; fresh herbs deliver more intense taste than dried.
  • Black Pepper: Delivers subtle heat and complexity; freshly ground offers more vibrant flavor than pre-ground.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional creamy, salty topping that creates delightful golden crust; choose freshly grated for maximum flavor.
For Fresh Finish:
  • Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herbal freshness; choose curly or flat-leaf based on personal preference.

Equipment Needed For Perfect Smashed Potatoes

  • Large pot: For boiling potatoes with salted water.
  • Baking sheet: To arrange and roast smashed potatoes.
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray: Prevents potatoes from sticking.
  • Fork or potato masher: Perfect for smashing potatoes to desired thickness.
  • Measuring spoons: To measure salt, pepper, and seasonings accurately.
  • Pastry brush or spoon: For drizzling olive oil evenly over potatoes.
  • Spatula: Helps flip potatoes halfway through baking.
  • Kitchen towel or oven mitts: For safely handling hot baking sheet.

How To Make Smashed Potatoes Crispy Outside

  • Potato Preparation

Grab fresh, firm potatoes and rinse them thoroughly. Select medium-sized potatoes for the best smashing result.

  • Water Magic

Submerge potatoes in salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook until potatoes feel tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.

  • Baking Surface Setup

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Create a welcoming space for your soon-to-be crispy potatoes.

  • Potato Smashing Technique

Transfer boiled potatoes onto the baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or potato masher to gently flatten each potato, creating rustic, uneven surfaces.

  • Flavor Explosion

Drizzle olive oil generously over smashed potatoes. Sprinkle herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to awaken delicious flavors. Ensure each potato gets an even coating.

  • Crispy Transformation

Slide the baking sheet into a hot oven at 425F. Roast until edges turn golden and crispy, about 25-30 minutes. Flip potatoes halfway through for even browning.

  • Final Touch

Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of baking. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve immediately.

Ways To Flavor Smashed Potatoes Your Way

  • Perfect Potato Smashing Techniques: Gently press potatoes with a flat-bottomed glass or fork to create crispy edges without completely breaking them apart.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that delivers similar crispy textures and absorbs seasonings beautifully.
  • Dairy-Free Herb Alternatives: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or crushed nuts for a tangy, crunchy topping that works for vegan and dairy-sensitive diets.
  • Global Seasoning Adventures: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like za'atar, smoked paprika, or Mediterranean herb blends to transform the classic recipe into an international flavor experience.

Serving Suggestions For Smashed Potatoes

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange smashed potatoes on a large wooden board with small dipping sauces like garlic aioli, herb ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that guests will love.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside poached eggs, crispy bacon, or as a base for eggs benedict to create a hearty weekend breakfast that transforms these potatoes into a star morning dish.
  • Protein Companion: Pair these crispy potatoes with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or juicy steak to create a complete meal that balances textures and flavors with restaurant-quality appeal.
  • Veggie Upgrade: Top with crumbled feta, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits to add extra layers of flavor and make these smashed potatoes feel like a gourmet side dish.

Tips To Store Smashed Potatoes So They Stay Good

  • Fridge Fresh Technique: Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Quick Reheat Magic: Revive cold potatoes by placing them on a baking sheet and warming in a 375F oven for 8-10 minutes. This restores their crispy exterior and warm interior.
  • Advance Prep Strategy: Boil and smash potatoes earlier in the day, then refrigerate on the baking sheet. When ready to serve, simply season and bake for a quick side dish.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze cooled smashed potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen at 400F for 12-15 minutes until crispy and heated through.
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Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Creamy smashed potatoes deliver crispy golden edges with herb-infused richness. Mediterranean herbs and olive oil elevate simple potatoes into a delectable side dish you’ll crave at every meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900 g) baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
  • 3 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Potato Preparation: Select medium-sized potatoes with uniform dimensions for consistent cooking and texture.
  2. Boiling Process: Submerge potatoes in heavily salted water, bringing to a vigorous boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and allow slight cooling.
  3. Oven Setup: Position parchment-lined sheet pan in oven, preheating to 425F (220C) to create an optimal crispy environment.
  4. Smashing Technique: Transfer boiled potatoes onto heated baking sheet, maintaining spacing. Utilize a potato masher or flat-bottomed glass to gently flatten each potato into a rustic disc, creating textured surfaces.
  5. Seasoning Application: Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil across potatoes. Distribute garlic powder, dried rosemary, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring thorough coverage on both sides.
  6. Roasting Stage: Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating pan midway to achieve uniform golden-brown edges. Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese during final five minutes for enhanced flavor complexity.
  7. Serving Finale: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately to preserve maximum crispiness and preserve textural integrity.

Notes

  • Choose Uniform Potatoes: Select medium-sized potatoes of similar size to guarantee even cooking and consistent crispy texture throughout.
  • Master Boiling Technique: Salt water generously and simmer potatoes until fork-tender, preventing undercooking or mushy results which compromise the final crunch.
  • Optimize Smashing Method: Use firm, controlled pressure when flattening potatoes to create maximum surface area for crispy edges without completely breaking the potato structure.
  • Elevate Crispiness Factors: Preheat baking sheet and use high oven temperature to ensure golden, crunchy exterior while maintaining a creamy interior, key to achieving perfect smashed potato results.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 2 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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