Smashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food! They’re creamy and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy, buttery top that makes every bite special.
I love how easy they are to whip up. Just boil, smash, and roast! Serve them with a sprinkle of herbs or enjoy them with gravy. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: I love using Yukon Gold or red potatoes for their creamy texture. If you can’t find them, try using fingerling or even other small potatoes. They work great too!
Olive Oil: This adds a lovely flavor and helps achieve that crispy texture. You can substitute with vegetable or canola oil if you’re in a pinch.
Garlic & Onion Powder: These spices provide amazing taste. If you prefer fresh, you can use minced garlic and finely chopped onions. Start with 1-2 cloves of garlic and a small onion.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is fantastic here! If you only have dried thyme, reduce it to about a third of the amount, as it’s more potent. You could also swap in rosemary for a different flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional but adds extra flavor. You can use Pecorino Romano if you want something a bit stronger or omit it entirely for a dairy-free version!
How do I Get My Smashed Potatoes Crispy?
Crispiness is key for a tasty smashed potato! Here are some easy steps to ensure your potatoes come out perfectly crunchy.
- Make sure to preheat your oven well. Hot air helps to crisp the edges.
- After smashing the potatoes, let them dry a couple of minutes. This helps evaporate any excess moisture that would make them soggy.
- Drizzle enough olive oil generously but don’t drown them. It should coat them without puddling on the baking sheet.
- Don’t crowd the potatoes on the baking sheet; give them space! This allows air to circulate around each potato, making them crispier.
How to Make Smashed Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs (or dried thyme)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
For Garnish:
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious smashed potato recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 45 minutes total, including boiling and roasting. You’ll enjoy crispy, flavorful potatoes in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). While that heats up, wash and scrub the baby potatoes really well to get rid of any dirt. Place the cleaned potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Turn the heat on high and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
2. Cool and Set Up:
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes. While they’re cooling, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Lightly drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the parchment and spread it around with a brush or your hands to coat the surface evenly.
3. Smash and Season:
When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, it’s time to get smashing! Place each potato on the baking sheet and gently smash it with the bottom of a glass or potato masher until it’s flattened but not completely falling apart. Drizzle the smashed potatoes with the remaining olive oil, then sprinkle them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to your liking.
4. Roast to Perfection:
Now, pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast those potatoes for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. If you want to add a little something extra, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tops of the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Garnish your smashed potatoes with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely finish. Serve warm and enjoy your crispy, delicious smashed potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold or red potatoes work wonderfully, you can also use other varieties like Russets or fingerling potatoes. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may vary slightly in cooking time and texture, so adjust as needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Certainly! This recipe is already vegan-friendly if you skip the Parmesan cheese topping. You can enhance the flavor with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without any dairy.
How to Store Leftover Smashed Potatoes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, but they may lose some crispiness.
Can I Add Other Seasonings or Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your spices—paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning can add a nice kick. For toppings, chopped chives or crispy bacon bits are great options, too!
