Crispy Smashed Potatoes

These Crispy Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. The crispy golden edges combined with the tender inside create a satisfying texture that’s hard to beat. Infused with garlic and fresh rosemary, these potatoes deliver bold flavors that enhance any meal.

Perfect for dinner parties, holiday meals, or as a side to a simple weeknight dinner, these potatoes are sure to become a favorite. The best part? They’re easy to make, so you can enjoy the crispy goodness in less than 40 minutes! Whether you’re serving them alongside a roast chicken, a steak, or even a vegetarian entrée, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Full Recipe:

• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the potatoes. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain and let them cool for a few minutes.

3. Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato until it flattens, but still holds its shape.

4. Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes and sprinkle with garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and paprika.

5. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Crispy Smashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Crispy Smashed Potatoes have become a fan favorite for good reason: they offer the perfect balance of crispy and tender textures, paired with rich and savory flavors. This dish is a wonderful take on traditional roasted potatoes, elevating them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re making them for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion, these crispy delights will surely impress.

The Appeal of Crispy Smashed Potatoes

What makes crispy smashed potatoes so appealing is their delightful contrast of textures. The outside is golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and fluffy, creating a bite that’s both satisfying and comforting. Unlike traditional roasted potatoes, which are typically roasted whole or in wedges, smashed potatoes are flattened and then roasted, resulting in more surface area for that irresistible crispy exterior.

These potatoes are also incredibly versatile, making them a perfect side dish for just about any main course. Whether you’re serving them alongside a juicy roast chicken, grilled steak, or a fresh salad, they complement a wide variety of meals. The garlic and rosemary seasoning infuses each bite with flavor, enhancing the natural taste of the potatoes.

Tips for Making Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes

To get those golden crispy edges that everyone loves, it’s important to follow a few key steps during the cooking process. Here are some tips for making sure your smashed potatoes turn out perfectly:

1. Use the Right Potatoes: Small to medium-sized potatoes, like baby potatoes or Yukon Golds, work best for this recipe. Their waxy texture allows them to hold their shape well when smashed, while still becoming soft and fluffy inside.

2. Boil Before You Smash: Boiling the potatoes until they are fork-tender is essential for getting the right texture. Undercooking them can result in potatoes that are too firm, while overcooking them may make them mushy when smashed.

3. Smash Gently: When smashing the potatoes, be sure not to apply too much pressure. The goal is to flatten them enough so that the edges get crispy, but you don’t want them to fall apart.

4. Use Plenty of Olive Oil: Drizzling the smashed potatoes with olive oil ensures they crisp up beautifully during roasting. The oil also helps to evenly distribute the seasoning for added flavor.

5. Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season your potatoes well with garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. These simple ingredients elevate the flavor, but feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to make the recipe your own.

Creative Variations on Crispy Smashed Potatoes

While the classic garlic and rosemary combination is a favorite, there are many ways you can customize crispy smashed potatoes to suit your tastes. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Cheesy Smashed Potatoes: Add shredded cheese like cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella to the potatoes during the last few minutes of roasting. The cheese will melt over the crispy surface, creating an extra layer of flavor.

• Spicy Smashed Potatoes: For a little kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or chili powder over the smashed potatoes before roasting. This gives the dish a bit of heat that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy potato center.

• Bacon and Chives: Crumbled crispy bacon and chopped chives make a great topping for smashed potatoes. The savory bacon adds depth, while the fresh chives provide a burst of color and freshness.

• Lemon and Dill: If you want to brighten up the flavors, drizzle the smashed potatoes with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with dill after roasting. This variation works wonderfully with fish or chicken dishes.

• Garlic Parmesan: For garlic lovers, a garlic Parmesan version is always a crowd-pleaser. Toss the potatoes in a mixture of garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan before roasting for a rich and flavorful result.

How to Serve Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Crispy Smashed Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for pairing them with main dishes:

• Roast Chicken: Crispy smashed potatoes make a perfect side dish for roast chicken. The potatoes’ crispy texture pairs well with the tender, juicy meat of the chicken.

• Grilled Steak: If you’re grilling steaks, these potatoes are a fantastic choice. The smoky flavors of the grilled meat complement the crispy, herb-infused potatoes beautifully.

• Vegetarian Meals: Serve crispy smashed potatoes with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or a veggie burger for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

• BBQ Ribs: The rich, smoky flavor of barbecue ribs pairs wonderfully with the crispy texture of smashed potatoes. You can even drizzle some BBQ sauce over the potatoes for added flavor.

• Salads and Light Dishes: For a lighter meal, serve the crispy potatoes alongside a fresh, tangy salad. The potatoes add a satisfying crunch that balances well with crisp greens and zesty dressings.

The Perfect Side for Every Occasion

Crispy Smashed Potatoes are ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of simplicity and flavor makes them a reliable and crowd-pleasing side dish. Plus, their ease of preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

For a fun twist, these potatoes also make a great appetizer or party snack. Just make the potatoes a bit smaller and serve them with various dipping sauces like sour cream, ranch, or a tangy aioli. They’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Conclusion: A Timeless Favorite

Crispy Smashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish that brings a little extra comfort to any meal. The crispy edges and fluffy interior are a combination that appeals to everyone, from potato lovers to those who crave savory, crispy bites. Whether you stick to the classic garlic-rosemary flavor or experiment with your own variations, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and incredibly versatile, crispy smashed potatoes are truly the ultimate comfort food.

Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and serving them alongside your favorite main courses—you’ll find that they make any meal even more special.