Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Gloriously Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Golden, crispy smashed potatoes deliver a delightful twist on classic potato sides that’ll make your dinner plate sing.

Crisp edges and creamy centers create a potato experience unlike any other.

These potatoes start with simple boiling, then get pressed and roasted to perfection.

Salt, herbs, and olive oil work magic on each potato’s surface.

The technique might seem simple, but the results are seriously impressive.

Crunchy exteriors and soft interiors guarantee these potatoes will disappear from your plate in moments.

Dive into this easy recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You’ll Need for Smashed Potatoes

For Potato Base:
  • Baby Potatoes: Creamy and waxy potatoes perfect for creating crispy exteriors while maintaining a soft interior, choose firm potatoes without sprouts or green patches.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential for creating a golden, crispy exterior that locks in delicious flavors, use extra virgin olive oil for best taste and high-quality sea salt for robust seasoning.
For Aromatic Herb:
  • Rosemary: Fragrant herb that adds earthy, pine-like notes and elevates the potato's natural taste, use fresh rosemary for the most vibrant flavor and maximum aromatic impact.

Tools & Setup for Cooking Smashed Potatoes

  • Large Pot: Essential for boiling potatoes until tender.
  • Baking Sheet: Crucial for roasting and creating crispy smashed potatoes.
  • Heavy Glass: Perfect for smashing potatoes to desired thickness.
  • Foil or Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy.
  • Pastry Brush: Great for evenly coating potatoes with olive oil.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately season potatoes with salt and pepper.
  • Colander: Needed to drain boiled potatoes quickly.

How to Prepare Smashed Potatoes from Scratch

  • Potato Preparation

Grab small round potatoes and wash them thoroughly. These little gems will transform into crispy, golden delights.

  • Boiling Stage

Drop potatoes into a pot of salted water. Let them bubble and cook until they’re soft enough to pierce easily with a fork, about 15 minutes.

  • Smashing Technique

Transfer boiled potatoes onto a baking sheet. Use the bottom of a sturdy glass to gently press each potato, creating a rustic, flattened shape.

  • Flavor Enhancement

Drizzle olive oil generously over the potatoes. Sprinkle crushed rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper across the surface for a burst of aromatic goodness.

  • Oven Magic

Place the baking sheet in a hot oven at 450˚F. Let the potatoes roast and transform, flipping them halfway through to ensure maximum crispiness. They’re ready when edges turn golden brown and corners become delightfully crunchy.

  • Serving Suggestion

Remove from oven and let cool briefly. Serve hot as a perfect side dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Serving Smashed Potatoes for Any Meal

  • Rustic Picnic Platter: Create a stunning outdoor spread by arranging these crispy smashed potatoes alongside grilled chicken, fresh garden salad, and a zesty dipping sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings and backyard celebrations.
  • Brunch Companion: Pair these golden potatoes with poached eggs, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of chives for a delightful weekend breakfast that will impress family and friends. The crispy texture complements runny egg yolks beautifully.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Board: Transform these potatoes into a star component of a shareable appetizer platter. Serve alongside olives, hummus, feta cheese, and herb-infused yogurt dip for a colorful and inviting spread that encourages communal dining.
  • Gourmet Side Dish: Elevate your dinner plate by positioning these rosemary-seasoned potatoes next to roasted lamb, grilled salmon, or herb-crusted steak. Their crispy exterior and soft interior make them a versatile accompaniment to many main courses.

How to Pack and Store Smashed Potatoes

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch of smashed potatoes and store extras in an airtight container for quick weeknight sides. Refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat in the oven for maximum crispiness.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool potatoes completely, then freeze flat on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. These crispy delights will stay fresh for 2-3 months, ready for instant reheating.
  • Meal Companion Suggestions: Perfect alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or as a hearty vegetarian main with added cheese or herbs. Customize toppings to match your protein or dietary preferences.
  • Leftover Transformation Trick: Chop cold smashed potatoes into breakfast hash, toss into salads, or use as a crispy base for loaded potato nachos with your favorite toppings and melted cheese.

Tips & Upgrades for Smashed Potato Flavor

  • Boil and smash potatoes up to a day in advance, storing them in the refrigerator covered. When ready to serve, simply brush with oil and roast for a quick and convenient side dish.
  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan, sharp cheddar, or crumbled feta during the last 10 minutes of roasting to add a delicious cheesy crust that elevates the entire dish.
  • Add a kick by incorporating garlic powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes before roasting to create a bold and zesty version of this classic potato recipe.
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Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.5 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy smashed potatoes deliver golden-brown perfection with herb-infused crunch. Salt and pepper enhance these irresistible potato bites that welcome eager diners to savor each delightful morsel.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) baby potatoes
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp fresh chopped rosemary
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 450˚F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, creating a perfect roasting surface.
  2. Boiling: Submerge baby potatoes in salted, rapidly boiling water. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender, allowing them to soften completely.
  3. Smashing: Drain potatoes and gently place on prepared baking sheet. Using a glass bottom, flatten each potato to create rustic, crispy edges, maintaining a half-inch thickness.
  4. Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil generously over potatoes, ensuring complete coverage. Crumble rosemary between fingers and scatter across the surface. Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly to enhance natural potato flavors.
  5. Roasting: Slide baking sheet into the preheated oven. Rotate midway through cooking to guarantee uniform golden-brown crispiness. Bake for 30-40 minutes until exteriors are crunchy and edges are deeply caramelized.
  6. Serving: Remove from oven immediately and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with optional herbs or toppings to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile.

Notes

  • Potato Selection: Choose small, uniform baby potatoes for consistent cooking and perfect smashing texture.
  • Water Boiling Tip: Salt the water generously to enhance potato flavor from the inside out before roasting.
  • Smashing Technique: Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup with a smooth surface to prevent sticking when flattening potatoes.
  • Crispiness Secret: Ensure potatoes are thoroughly dried after boiling and space them apart on the baking sheet to achieve maximum golden-brown crunchiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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