Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Crispy Smashed Potatoes! These little gems are a game-changer when it comes to side dishes. They’re so simple to make, yet bursting with flavor! I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering; everyone went absolutely nuts over them! The crispy edges with that fluffy interior create a perfect harmony that just makes your taste buds dance. Plus, they’re super versatile—you can whip them up for a casual dinner or impress guests at a fancy meal. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple on your table too. You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds!

Ingredients List

2 pounds baby potatoes, washed and unpeeled
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, like parsley or rosemary)

How to Prepare Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Now, let’s dive into making these delicious Crispy Smashed Potatoes! It’s really a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rock star when you serve them up. Let’s break it down step by step.

Preheat and Boil

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps those potatoes get nice and crispy! While that’s warming up, grab a pot and fill it with water. Don’t forget to add a generous pinch of salt—this will season the potatoes as they cook. Once your water is boiling, toss in the washed baby potatoes and let them simmer away for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You want them soft enough that a fork can pierce them easily, but not falling apart. Once they’re done, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. You’ll want to handle them gently so they don’t break apart!

Smash and Season

Next up, it’s time to smash! Place the slightly cooled potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a fork or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until it’s flattened but not completely obliterated. Trust me, being gentle is key here! You want them to hold their shape a bit while still creating those crispy edges. Once you’ve got them all smashed, drizzle the olive oil generously over them. Then sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly across the tops. This step is crucial for flavor, so make sure every potato gets a good dose of seasoning!

Bake to Perfection

Now, pop those beauties in your preheated oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for that golden-brown color and crispy texture on the edges. I always like to peek in around the 20-minute mark just to check on them—it’s so exciting to see them transform! When they’re beautifully crispy and ready to go, take them out of the oven and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them hot, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s talk about how to make your Crispy Smashed Potatoes truly shine! First off, I highly recommend using small to medium-sized baby potatoes. They’re the perfect size for smashing and get that delightful crispy exterior while staying fluffy inside. You can also experiment with different potato varieties—Yukon Golds are my personal favorite for their buttery flavor, but red potatoes work beautifully too!

Now, don’t be afraid to play with the seasonings! While garlic powder is a must, feel free to add a pinch of paprika for a smoky kick or some grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme not only taste great but also make these potatoes look stunning. And if you want a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can be a fun twist! Remember, the key is to season well and enjoy the process. You’ll be amazed at how these simple tweaks can elevate your dish!

Nutritional Information

Let’s break down the nutritional goodness of these Crispy Smashed Potatoes! Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying with every crispy bite:

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 200
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 3g

These little potato wonders are not just delicious; they’re also a satisfying side option that won’t break the bank on calories. Enjoy them guilt-free at your next meal!

FAQ Section

Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While I love baby potatoes for their perfect size and texture, you can use other varieties like Yukon Golds or red potatoes as well. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the size and type of potato you choose. The key is to make sure they’re tender before smashing!

How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftover Crispy Smashed Potatoes (which is rare in my house!), just let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend popping them back in the oven to reheat. This way, you’ll get that crispy texture back!

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can totally prep these in advance! Boil and smash the potatoes, then cover them and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just drizzle with oil and seasonings, and pop them in the oven. They’re perfect for meal prep or when you want to impress guests without the last-minute rush!

What’s the best way to reheat them?
To keep your Crispy Smashed Potatoes nice and crunchy, reheating in the oven is the way to go! Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for an extra crispy finish!

Can I freeze them?
While I personally think they’re best fresh, you can freeze them after baking. Just make sure they’re completely cool, then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to restore their crispy goodness. Just don’t be surprised if they lose a bit of that original crunch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: These Crispy Smashed Potatoes come together in about 50 minutes from start to finish, making them a perfect side dish for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Deliciously Flavorful: With just a few simple ingredients, you get a burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of crispy edges and fluffy centers is simply irresistible!
Versatile: They pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to hearty vegetarian options. You can serve them at BBQs, family dinners, or even as a fun appetizer.
Customizable: Feel free to get creative with seasonings and toppings! Whether you want to add cheese, herbs, or spices, you can easily make them your own.
Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, everyone loves these potatoes! They’re always a hit at any gathering, leaving your guests asking for the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve mastered the art of Crispy Smashed Potatoes, let’s talk about what to serve them with! These little beauties are so versatile and can elevate just about any meal. Here are some of my favorite pairings that will leave everyone at the table smiling:

Grilled Meats: They’re a match made in heaven with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops. The smoky char from the grill complements the crispy potatoes beautifully!
Fresh Salads: A light salad, like a classic Caesar or a refreshing cucumber salad, can balance the richness of the potatoes. The crunch from the veggies adds a nice contrast!
Hearty Vegetables: Serve them alongside roasted or sautéed vegetables like Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus for a colorful and nutritious plate.
Dipping Sauces: Try serving with a side of garlic aioli, chimichurri, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra layer of flavor. Everyone loves a good dip!
Egg Dishes: For a fun brunch twist, pair these potatoes with sunny-side-up eggs or a frittata. They’re perfect for soaking up that yolk!

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect meal. The key is to enjoy every bite and share the love with those around you!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got some leftover Crispy Smashed Potatoes? No problem! Storing them correctly will keep that delicious flavor intact for your next meal. First, let them cool completely to room temperature. Once they’re cool, pop them into an airtight container. This will help keep them fresh and prevent any moisture from ruining that crispy goodness. You can store them in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just remember, the sooner you eat them, the better they’ll be!

When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, I highly recommend reheating them in the oven to bring back their crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C), then spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer if you have one—just a few minutes at a high setting will work wonders! The key is to avoid the microwave, as it tends to make them soggy. Trust me, you want that delightful crunch back in your life!

Crispy Smashed Potatoes That Will Wow Your Guests

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 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 is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds baby potatoes
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Boil the 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 and gently smash each one with a fork or potato masher.
Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes.
Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper on top.
Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until crispy and golden.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Choose small to medium-sized potatoes for best results.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 200
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

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