Crispy Smashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Garlic Butter Side Dish Recipe
Discover the secret to perfectly crispy smashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection and infused with aromatic garlic butter. This easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a delicious side dish that will become a family favorite for any occasion.
For many years, my relationship with potatoes was, shall we say, complicated. Growing up, the most common potato preparation involved simple boiling, often served alongside gravy – a condiment I was never particularly fond of. This meant my potato experiences were largely bland, leaving much to be desired. However, my love for French fries always hinted at a deeper potential for potatoes, a potential that truly crispy and well-seasoned varieties could unlock. It turned out, I just needed potatoes to be anything but plain.
Over time, I’ve embraced a world of flavorful potato dishes. From zesty Oven Roasted Potato Wedges, which are a regular fixture on our dinner table, to these incredibly simple yet universally loved crispy smashed potatoes. This recipe takes humble baby potatoes and transforms them into a culinary delight with a gloriously crunchy exterior and a wonderfully fluffy interior. They are a game-changer for anyone who appreciates texture and flavor in their side dishes.
Smashed vs. Mashed Potatoes: A Textural Revelation
While both mashed and smashed potatoes start with boiled potatoes, their end results offer vastly different culinary experiences. Mashed potatoes are boiled until very tender, then fully broken down and smoothed out, typically with butter, milk, or cream, resulting in a creamy, uniform consistency perfect for dishes like this indulgent Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole. They are all about comfort and melt-in-your-mouth richness.
Smashed potatoes, on the other hand, celebrate texture. Small, round potatoes are boiled just until tender, then gently flattened – or “smashed” – leaving their skins partially intact and creating a craggy surface. This unique preparation method allows for maximum surface area to crisp up when baked. The inside remains light and fluffy, reminiscent of a perfectly baked potato, while the exterior develops an irresistible golden-brown crunch. It’s the best of both worlds: a creamy heart surrounded by a satisfyingly crispy crust, making them an exciting alternative to traditional potato sides.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Smashed Potatoes
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect crisp and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for this incredibly satisfying side dish. For the complete, printable recipe card with exact measurements, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
- Baby Potatoes: The star of the show! I prefer a mix of small red and yellow baby potatoes for their appealing color and thin, flavorful skins, which crisp up beautifully. Any small, uniform-sized new potatoes will work wonderfully. Look for ones that are roughly 1-1.5 inches in diameter to ensure even cooking and smashing.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior and adds a subtle richness.
- Butter: Melted butter is crucial for flavor and for helping the garlic adhere to the potatoes. It contributes significantly to the savory, indulgent taste.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for its potent aroma and taste. It infuses the potatoes with an irresistible savory note that truly elevates the dish.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings. Use coarse sea salt or kosher salt for boiling and a finer salt for seasoning after smashing. Freshly ground black pepper adds a pleasant kick.
Creative Topping and Seasoning Ideas for Smashed Potatoes
While my go-to preparation for crispy smashed potatoes is simply butter, garlic, salt, and pepper – a combination that is undeniably delicious – the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily customize the toppings and seasonings to match your meal or personal preferences. Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your smashed potatoes:
- Herby Delights: Fresh herbs are a natural pairing with potatoes. Consider finely chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, chives, or a blend like Herbs de Provence. Mix them directly into the melted butter and garlic mixture before brushing over the potatoes. The warmth of the oven will release their fragrant oils.
- Cheesy Indulgence: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or a sharp cheddar over the potatoes during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. The cheese will melt and create a crispy, golden crust that is utterly divine.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your butter and garlic mixture. A dash of smoked paprika can also add a smoky, spicy depth.
- Lemon Zest: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest after baking can brighten the flavors, adding a wonderful tang that complements the richness of the butter and garlic.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: For a trendy and flavorful twist, sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning over the potatoes before baking. It adds a savory, garlicky, oniony crunch.
- Truffle Oil: For a gourmet touch, a drizzle of white or black truffle oil after the potatoes come out of the oven can add an earthy, luxurious aroma and flavor.
- Bacon Bits & Chives: Similar to a loaded baked potato, crisp bacon bits and fresh chives sprinkled on top after baking add savory, smoky, and fresh elements.
Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect smashed potato creation. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor this versatile side dish to any meal.
Mastering the Art of Smashing Potatoes for Maximum Crispiness
The “smash” is perhaps the most distinctive and crucial step in creating these crispy delights. It’s a gentle art, not a forceful mashing. The goal is to flatten each potato slightly, cracking its skin and increasing its surface area, without disintegrating it. This allows the seasoning to penetrate deeply and creates more edges for that coveted crispy crust.
Once your potatoes are perfectly boiled and thoroughly drained (dryness is paramount for crisping!), arrange them on a baking sheet. Now comes the smashing part. You have several tools at your disposal:
- Potato Masher: This is my preferred tool. Its design allows you to press down evenly, creating those wonderful little grooves and ridges that become extra crispy once baked.
- Fork: The tines of a fork can be used to gently press down and create a textured surface. This works especially well for smaller potatoes.
- Bottom of a Measuring Cup or Glass: A clean, flat bottom of a measuring cup or a sturdy drinking glass offers a broad, even surface to press down. This creates a more uniformly flattened potato.
Regardless of the tool you choose, remember to apply gentle but firm pressure. You want to flatten the potato to about ½ to ¾ inch thick, leaving it intact and largely round. The skin should crack and spread, but the potato should not break apart into pieces. This delicate balance ensures a fluffy interior with a maximum crispy surface area. A well-smashed potato sets the stage for unparalleled crispiness!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irresistibly Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Creating these delightful crispy smashed potatoes is surprisingly simple and involves just a few key steps. Follow this guide to achieve the perfect balance of fluffy interior and golden, crunchy exterior:
- Choose Your Potatoes Wisely: The foundation of this recipe is the humble baby potato. Opt for small, round varieties like baby red, Yukon Gold, or a colorful mix. Their thin skins are ideal for crisping, and their size ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Aim for potatoes that are roughly uniform in size, around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, for consistent results. Clean them thoroughly under running water, scrubbing off any dirt.
- Boil to Tender Perfection: Place your cleaned potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water – this seasons the potatoes from the inside out. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat slightly and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart. The cooking time will vary depending on their size. Once cooked, immediately drain the potatoes completely. This step is critical: excess moisture will prevent them from crisping up in the oven. For best results, let them sit in the colander for a few minutes to allow any remaining steam to escape and further dry the surface.
- The Art of the Smash: Once the potatoes are dry, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a potato masher, the bottom of a glass, or a sturdy fork, gently press down on each potato until it flattens to about ½ to ¾ inch thick, and its skin cracks around the edges. Be careful not to completely pulverize them; you want them to remain in one piece with a good surface area for crisping. The ridges created by a masher are excellent for capturing the garlic butter.
- Season and Flavor: In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic. Brush this aromatic garlic butter mixture generously over the surface of each smashed potato. This not only adds incredible flavor but also helps in achieving that beautiful golden crust. Finish with a sprinkle of additional salt and freshly ground black pepper. For extra crispiness and flavor, a light drizzle of olive oil over the seasoned potatoes is also recommended.
- Bake to Golden Crispy Perfection: Place the baking sheet with your smashed potatoes into a preheated oven at 450º F (230º C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are deeply golden brown and incredibly crispy. The high heat is essential for developing that desirable crunch. For even crisping, you can carefully flip them halfway through the baking time, especially if your oven has uneven heating. Once done, remove them from the oven and serve immediately while they are at their peak crispiness.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Crispy smashed potatoes are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic side dish for nearly any meal. Their savory flavor and satisfying texture complement a wide range of main courses, from hearty meats to lighter poultry or fish dishes. Here are some of my favorite suggestions to inspire your next meal:
- Best Meatloaf: The rich, comforting flavors of a classic meatloaf find a perfect companion in the crispy, garlicky potatoes.
- Honey Dijon Chicken: The tang and sweetness of honey Dijon chicken provide a wonderful contrast to the savory potatoes.
- Smothered Pork Chops: These potatoes are excellent for soaking up any delicious sauces from smothered dishes.
- Sous Vide Chicken Breasts: A perfectly cooked, tender chicken breast is elevated by the textural excitement of crispy potatoes.
- Oven Baked Pork Chops: A simple yet satisfying meal, the potatoes add a much-needed crunch and flavor dimension.
- Hamburger Steaks: Classic comfort food calls for classic, delicious sides. These potatoes fit the bill perfectly.
- Grilled Salmon or White Fish: The crispiness provides a delightful contrast to flaky fish, especially with a lemon-herb variation.
- Steak Dinner: Forget the traditional baked potato; crispy smashed potatoes are an upscale yet easy accompaniment to any cut of steak.
- Eggs & Breakfast Fare: Don’t limit them to dinner! Serve these alongside scrambled eggs, a fried egg, or as part of a hearty breakfast platter instead of hash browns.
- Vegetarian Mains: Pair them with a vibrant vegetable tart, a hearty lentil loaf, or a mushroom Wellington for a complete and satisfying vegetarian meal.
No matter what you choose to serve them with, crispy smashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a memorable addition to your plate.
Explore More Delicious Potato Recipes
If you’re a potato lover like me, the culinary possibilities extend far beyond smashed potatoes. Potatoes are incredibly versatile, offering endless ways to create comforting, flavorful, and satisfying dishes. Here are some other beloved potato recipes to expand your repertoire:
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: For a quick and effortless way to achieve creamy, perfectly mashed potatoes every time.
- Scalloped Potatoes: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce – a timeless comfort food classic.
- Best Potato Salad: A essential recipe for picnics, BBQs, and gatherings, featuring tender potatoes in a tangy, creamy dressing.
- Baked Potato Casserole: All the deliciousness of a loaded baked potato transformed into a convenient and crowd-pleasing casserole.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: The ultimate indulgence, a fluffy baked potato overflowing with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives.
- Crispy Rosemary Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Cubed or wedge-cut potatoes roasted until golden and fragrant with rosemary and garlic.
- Patatas Bravas: A Spanish tapas classic featuring crispy fried potato cubes served with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier and equally delicious alternative to regular fries, often seasoned with paprika or cinnamon.
From creamy to crispy, and from simple to decadent, potatoes truly offer something for everyone. Don’t hesitate to dive into these recipes and discover new ways to enjoy this incredible vegetable!
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
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Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby red or yellow potatoes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & Pepper black pepper
- Drizzle of Olive Oil
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 450º F (230º C).
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Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add 2 teaspoons salt and the baby potatoes. Cook for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are just fork tender. Smaller potatoes may take less time. Ensure they are thoroughly drained after cooking.1.5 pounds baby red or yellow potatoes, 2 teaspoons salt
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Arrange the drained and dried potatoes on a lined baking sheet. Use a potato masher, the back of a fork, or the bottom of a measuring cup to gently press down on each potato, flattening it to about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Be careful not to completely break them apart; you want them to keep their basic round shape with cracked skins.
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In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush this mixture generously over the surface of each smashed potato. Season each potato with a little bit of additional salt and freshly ground black pepper.3 Tablespoons melted butter, 4 cloves garlic, Salt & Pepper black pepper
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Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over all the potatoes for extra crispiness.Drizzle of Olive Oil
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are beautifully golden brown and ultra crispy. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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