Smashed potatoes are a fun twist on your regular spuds! They are soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and just bursting with flavor. Top them with butter, herbs, or cheese for an extra treat!
I love how easy these are to make. Just boil, smash, and bake! You can even get the kids involved—smashing is always a blast. Who knew potatoes could be so much fun? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are my favorite for their buttery texture. If they’re not available, you can use red potatoes or even russets, though they might not be as creamy.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This oil adds richness and flavor. You can switch it with melted butter or avocado oil if you want a different taste or if you’re avoiding olive oil.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really brings flavor to this dish. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too—use about 1/4 teaspoon for every clove.
Thyme: Fresh thyme imparts a lovely fragrance. If you only have dried thyme, use half the amount. I love fresh herbs, but dried can still enhance the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Adding Parmesan gives a nice salty finish. If you want a dairy-free option, consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or just skip it altogether!
How Do I Get My Smashed Potatoes Crispy?
Getting those delicious crispy edges takes a few tricks! First, make sure to cook the potatoes until they are very tender. This ensures they smash easily and get nice and crispy when baked.
- After boiling, let the potatoes cool slightly—this helps prevent sticking when you smash them.
- Use high heat when baking (450°F is perfect). This is key for crispiness!
- Spread them out on your baking sheet. Give them some space; overcrowding can steam rather than crisp.
For a bonus crunch, drizzle a bit more olive oil over them halfway through baking!
How to Make Smashed Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds small to medium Yukon Gold potatoes
For the Flavor:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40-55 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 20-25 minutes boiling the potatoes and about 25-30 minutes baking them. Plus, it’s super fun and simple to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat will help create crispy edges on your potatoes.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook for about 20-25 minutes. They should be tender when you poke them with a fork.
3. Drain and Cool:
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes until they are cool enough to handle. You don’t want to burn your hands!
4. Smash the Potatoes:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cooled potatoes on the baking sheet. Using a fork or the bottom of a glass, gently flatten each potato until they are about 1 inch thick. Don’t worry if they break a bit; that’s part of the charm!
5. Season the Potatoes:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this tasty mixture all over the smashed potatoes, making sure each one is well-coated for lots of flavor.
6. Bake Until Crispy:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and take them out when the edges are crispy and golden brown. If you’d like to add grated Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on in the last 5 minutes of baking.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once the potatoes are out of the oven, you can sprinkle them with fresh parsley if you like. Serve them warm and enjoy your delicious smashed potatoes! They’re perfect as a side dish or even as a snack!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, you can use other varieties like small red potatoes or even baby potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for tenderness as you boil.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make these smashed potatoes vegan, simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast can be a great flavorful substitute that adds a cheesy taste without the dairy!
Can I Prepare Smashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can boil and smash the potatoes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply follow the oil and seasoning steps and bake them in the oven. They may need an extra few minutes to bake since they’ll be starting from a cool temperature.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for that nice crispy texture, or microwave them if you want a quicker option!
