Prepare for potato perfection! These crispy smashed potatoes are about to become your new favorite side dish. Imagine spuds that are incredibly fluffy inside, with an irresistibly crunchy, golden-brown exterior. This recipe transforms humble potatoes into a truly superior accompaniment for any meal, offering ease, versatility, and an unbeatable texture that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Smashed Potatoes
This smashed potato dish stands out for its unique combination of textures and straightforward preparation. You’ll quickly discover why they’re so popular:
- Unmatched Crispiness: Achieve an incredibly crunchy exterior that crackles with every bite.
- Fluffy Interior: Each potato boasts a tender, cloud-like center, a delightful contrast to its crisp skin.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create this impressive side.
- Effortless Process: The steps are straightforward, making this a beginner-friendly recipe for perfect roasted spuds.
- Crowd-P\leasing Appeal: These potatoes are a guaranteed hit, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Customizable Flavor: Easily adapt the seasonings to match your meal or personal preferences.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your next batch of perfect crispy smashed potatoes:
- 2 lbs. small yellow potatoes
- 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal salt or ¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more for pot
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus more
- Finely grated Parmesan and finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, for serving; optional
Notes & Substitutions
Selecting the right potatoes is key for the best results. Understanding the unique properties of different potato varieties can significantly impact the final texture of your dish. The best potatoes for mashing, roasting, and more explains why certain types excel in specific cooking methods. Yukon Gold or baby yellow potatoes are ideal because their waxy texture holds up well to boiling and smashing, ensuring a creamy interior. When it comes to salt, always adjust to your preference. Remember that Diamond Crystal kosher salt is less dense than Morton kosher salt, so you generally need double the amount if substituting Diamond Crystal for Morton. Feel free to experiment with herbs like dried rosemary, thyme, or a pinch of paprika for a different flavor profile. For oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil can also work if you prefer a neutral flavor, but extra virgin olive oil adds a wonderful richness.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes preparing these crispy smashed potatoes a breeze. You’ll need just a few kitchen essentials to get started:
- Oven
- Large pot
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Smasher (bottom of a glass, a sturdy mug, or a potato masher)
- Small bowl for seasoning mix
- Thin metal spatula for flipping
Instructions
Follow these clear, numbered steps to create the ultimate crispy smashed potatoes:
- Prepare Oven: Place an oven rack in the bottom third of your oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Boil Potatoes: Place the 2 pounds of small yellow potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with water and generously season the water with kosher salt. Bring the water to a full boil over high heat.
- Simmer until Tender: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer. Cook until they are easily pierced with a fork, which typically takes about 15–20 minutes.
- Drain and Cool: Carefully drain the cooked potatoes. Transfer them to a large, rimmed baking sheet that has been lightly drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil. Allow the potatoes to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Prepare Seasoning: While the potatoes cool, combine 1½ teaspoons of Diamond Crystal salt (or ¾ teaspoon of Morton kosher salt), 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, and 1½ teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- Smash Potatoes: Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or a lightly oiled measuring cup, gently smash each potato. Aim for a thickness of roughly ½-inch to ¾-inch. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly uniform or if some edges break; this creates more surface area for crisping.
- First Seasoning & Oil: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over the smashed potatoes. Sprinkle half of the prepared seasoning mixture evenly over them.
- Flip and Season Again: Carefully flip each potato over using a thin spatula. It’s perfectly fine if some pieces break apart a bit; this actually helps maximize the crispy bits. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over the flipped potatoes and sprinkle them with the rest of the seasoning mixture.
- Roast to Perfection: Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven. Halfway through the cooking time, use your thin spatula to flip them again. Continue roasting until the potatoes are wonderfully crispy and have achieved a deep, dark golden-brown color, which takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes in total.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle the hot crispy smashed potatoes with finely grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped fresh parsley leaves just before serving. Enjoy your perfectly roasted spuds!
Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Achieving maximum crispiness is all about a few key techniques. Exploring the culinary science behind achieving that perfect crunch can elevate your cooking skills. This guide on the science of ultra-crispy roasted potatoes delves into methods like alkaline water boiling and proper surface area creation. Choosing the right potato variety is crucial; small waxy yellow potatoes like Yukon Golds work best as they hold their shape but still become tender. Don’t undercook the potatoes in the boiling stage; they need to be fork-tender to smash easily without resistance. For the ultimate crunch, avoid using parchment paper directly under the potatoes; cooking them on a lightly oiled baking sheet allows for direct contact with the hot metal, promoting superior browning. Ensure adequate spacing between each potato on the baking sheet to prevent steaming, which leads to soggy spuds. Preheating your baking sheet in the oven before adding the potatoes can also kickstart the crisping process. Finally, smash them evenly to ensure consistent cooking and browning across all pieces.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
These crispy smashed potatoes are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a classic side with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. For a creative twist, use them as a base for potato nachos, topping them with cheese, salsa, and sour cream. You can even turn them into mini “pizza potatoes” with marinara, mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings.
Store any leftover smashed potato dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and re-crisped. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Experiment with flavor variations to keep things exciting. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for spicy smashed potatoes. Incorporate fresh rosemary and thyme for a fragrant, herby version. For a cheesy delight, mix in grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast with your seasoning blend before roasting. Don’t forget toppings like crumbled bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo for extra flair.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of these crispy smashed potatoes. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Total Carbs | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 4g |
Estimated for 4-6 servings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use larger potatoes for this smashed potato recipe?
- Yes, you can, but slice larger potatoes into 1.5-inch pieces before boiling so they cook evenly and can be properly smashed. Adjust boiling time accordingly.
- Why do my smashed potatoes get soggy instead of crispy?
- Soggy potatoes often result from overcrowding the baking sheet, which steams them instead of roasting. Ensure proper spacing and use a hot, unlined baking sheet.
- How can I make them even crispier?
- Try preheating your baking sheet in the oven before adding the potatoes. You can also lightly dust them with a tiny bit of cornstarch mixed into the seasoning for extra crunch.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- You can boil and smash the potatoes a day ahead, storing them in the fridge. Before roasting, bring them to room temperature and proceed with oiling and seasoning.
- Are these suitable for dietary restrictions (e.g., vegan)?
- Yes, these crispy smashed potatoes are naturally vegan if you omit the optional Parmesan cheese. The main ingredients are plant-based.
Conclusion
These crispy smashed potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re a revelation in texture and flavor. With their wonderfully fluffy interior and irresistible crispy skin, they elevate any meal with minimal effort. This easy, beginner-friendly recipe proves that making delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. Give this elevated potato dish a try tonight, and prepare to impress your family and friends with perfectly roasted spuds that will become a regular request in your home!