Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love affair with Crispy Smashed Potatoes! These little gems are the perfect side dish, combining a delightful crunch on the outside with a fluffy, tender center that just melts in your mouth. They’re so easy to make, and honestly, they elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine serving these golden-brown beauties alongside your favorite protein or even just as a snack! Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen. You’ll be dreaming about that crispy texture and buttery goodness, I promise!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Crispy Smashed Potatoes ever! Gather these simple ingredients, and you’re halfway to potato perfection:

2 pounds baby potatoes: These little ones are ideal because they’re just the right size for smashing!
3 tablespoons olive oil: This will give our potatoes that lovely golden color and crispy texture.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Add a hint of garlicky goodness that takes these potatoes over the top.
Salt to taste: Essential for bringing out all those delicious flavors.
Pepper to taste: A little sprinkle adds a nice kick!
Fresh parsley, chopped: For that vibrant garnish that makes everything pop.

How to Prepare Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Let’s dive into the delicious world of Crispy Smashed Potatoes! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to potato heaven!

Prepping the Potatoes

First things first, you’ll want to get those baby potatoes cooking! Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your 2 pounds of baby potatoes and let them bubble away for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily. Once they’re done, drain the water and let the potatoes cool for a few minutes. This little resting time helps them firm up just enough for smashing!

Smashing the Potatoes

Now, it’s time to get smashing! Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place your cooled potatoes on the sheet, giving them a little space. Using a fork or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until it’s flattened but still intact—think of it like a little potato pancake! Be careful not to smash them too thin; we want those crispy edges to develop later!

Baking to Perfection

Next up, let’s get those babies baking! Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Drizzle the smashed potatoes with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and then sprinkle on that garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give them a good toss to coat them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Keep an eye on them—everyone’s oven is a little different, and you’ll want to catch them right at that perfect crispy moment!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for any skill level!
The contrast of crispy edges with a fluffy center is pure comfort food bliss.
They pair well with almost any main dish, making them a versatile side.
Quick prep and cooking time mean you can whip them up in no time.
Everyone loves a good potato dish, and these are sure to impress!

Tips for Success

To truly master your Crispy Smashed Potatoes, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure to use smaller, uniform baby potatoes; they cook evenly and make for easy smashing. If you want extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese right before baking for a cheesy twist! Don’t rush the cooling process after boiling; letting them sit for a few minutes helps them crisp up beautifully. Also, don’t be shy with the olive oil—more oil equals more crunch! And lastly, keep an eye on them while they bake; that perfect golden color is key to achieving ultimate crispiness!

Variations

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Crispy Smashed Potatoes! For a zesty twist, try adding some fresh rosemary or thyme before baking—herbs bring such a lovely fragrance! If you adore cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or crumbled feta on top for that extra cheesy goodness. Feeling spicy? A dash of paprika or cayenne pepper can add a delightful kick! You can also experiment with different oils, like truffle oil for a gourmet touch. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make these potatoes your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers of these delicious Crispy Smashed Potatoes (which is rare in my house!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain that crispy goodness. Let the potatoes cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re crispy again. This reheating method works like a charm and brings back that delightful crunch!

Nutritional Information Section

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for my beloved Crispy Smashed Potatoes! Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. Each serving has approximately 180 calories, 9g of fat (with just 1g of saturated fat), 24g of carbohydrates, 3g of protein, and 3g of fiber. Plus, they’re a delightful treat that fits well into a vegetarian diet. Enjoy these tasty potatoes without the guilt!

FAQ Section

Got questions about your Crispy Smashed Potatoes? I’ve got answers! One common query is, “Can I use larger potatoes?” Sure, just keep in mind they’ll take longer to boil and may need a bit more smashing. Another question is, “What if I don’t have garlic powder?” No worries! You can use fresh minced garlic instead, just add it to the olive oil before drizzling. If you’re wondering about reheating leftovers, the oven method is best for keeping that crunchy texture. And yes, these potatoes are fantastic for meal prep—just store them properly to enjoy throughout the week!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

For a great side dish, consider pairing these potatoes with garlic butter steak bites!

For tips on cooking potatoes, you can refer to this nutritional guide on potatoes (Healthline).

Crispy Smashed Potatoes: 5 Secrets For Ultimate Crunch

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a delicious side dish that combines crispy edges with a fluffy center.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds baby potatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Boil the baby potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Use a fork or potato masher to gently smash each potato.
Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes.
Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
Adjust seasonings to your preference.
Serve immediately for the best texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 180
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Crispy Smashed Potatoes, Potato Recipe, Side Dish

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