These smashed potatoes are a fun twist on regular mash! Simply boil your potatoes, give them a little smash, and roast until crispy. Yum!
I love how they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside. Perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce or just enjoying with some butter. So good you’ll want to smash them every time! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Baby or new potatoes are perfect as they’re small and tender. If you’re out of them, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a similar effect, just cut them into chunks if larger.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps with crisping. You can swap it for avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer. Keep in mind that butter will give a richer taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for its pungent flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder will do, though you’ll miss that delightful aroma while they bake.
Thyme: Fresh thyme offers a lovely, fragrant touch. If using dried thyme, remember it’s more concentrated—just half the amount is enough!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty crunch on top. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
To achieve that irresistible crispiness, it’s essential to follow a couple of key steps:
- Start by boiling the potatoes until tender but not mushy—15-20 minutes works well. The softer they are, the easier they smash!
- When smashing, aim to flatten but keep them intact. This creates more edges for crispiness.
- Drizzle or brush on the garlic-olive oil mixture evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; space them out to allow hot air to circulate, making them crunchy.
With these tips in mind, your smashed potatoes will come out golden brown and delicious every time! Enjoy the crispy edges and soft insides!
How to Make Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 lbs baby or new potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40-50 minutes. You’ll need around 15-20 minutes to boil the potatoes, followed by another 20-25 minutes for baking until they’re crispy. It’s a great side dish that’s simple and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This will ensure that your potatoes turn crispy and delicious!
2. Boil the Potatoes:
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with salted water. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. You can poke them with a fork to check if they’re soft enough.
3. Prepare for Smashing:
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly. You want them warm but not too hot to handle.
4. Smash the Potatoes:
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a potato masher or a fork, gently smash each potato until it’s flattened but still holds its shape. It’s okay if they break a little; that just helps make them crispy!
5. Make the Olive Oil Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme. This will add a tasty flavor to your potatoes.
6. Dress the Potatoes:
Now, brush or drizzle the olive oil mixture evenly over each smashed potato. Make sure to cover them well so they can absorb all that yummy flavor!
7. Optional Parmesan Topping:
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it generously on top of the potatoes. It really adds a nice cheesy touch!
8. Bake the Potatoes:
Put your baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the potatoes are crispy and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Once they’re done, take the potatoes out of the oven and let them cool for just a minute. If you’d like, garnish them with some fresh herbs. Serve them warm and enjoy your tasty smashed potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby or new potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the potatoes.
How to Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make the smashed potatoes dairy-free, simply skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy!
Can I Prepare These Potatoes in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes in advance! Boil and smash them, then store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, drizzle with oil and seasoning and pop them in the oven straight from the fridge. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to crisp back up, rather than using the microwave, to keep that desirable crunch!
