Smashed Potatoes

These smashed potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional potatoes, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tender baby potatoes, savory garlic and herb butter, and a crispy finish makes these smashed potatoes stand out. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they are the side dish everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.
• Flavor-Packed: The garlic and herb butter adds an irresistible taste that elevates the humble potato.
• Crispy Texture: Roasting after smashing creates a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
• Versatile Side Dish: These smashed potatoes pair well with various mains, from roasted meats to vegetarian options.
• Perfect for Sharing: With multiple servings, they are ideal for gatherings and family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking these delicious smashed potatoes, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pot
• Sheet pan
• Cooking spray
• Potato masher or glass
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Pot: A sturdy pot is crucial for boiling the baby potatoes until tender without overcooking them.
• Sheet pan: A large sheet pan ensures even roasting of the smashed potatoes, promoting a golden, crispy texture.
• Potato masher or glass: Using these tools allows you to smash the potatoes evenly for optimal crispiness during baking.

Ingredients

These smashed potatoes are baby potatoes that are boiled until tender, then smashed flat, topped with garlic and herb butter, and roasted until crispy and browned. A unique and unexpected potato preparation that always gets rave reviews!

For the Potatoes

• 1 pound baby potatoes (such as red potatoes or Yukon Gold)
• Salt (to taste)

For the Garlic Herb Butter

• 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping

• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Cooking spray

How to Make Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook for 18-22 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This high temperature is key to achieving crispy smashed potatoes.

Step 3: Prepare the Sheet Pan

Coat your sheet pan with cooking spray. Once the potatoes have finished boiling, drain them well and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared pan.

Step 4: Smash the Potatoes

Using either the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, carefully flatten each potato until it’s about ½ inch thick. Be gentle to keep them intact.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Step 6: Add Flavor

Drizzle your garlic herb butter mixture over each smashed potato generously. Then sprinkle finely grated parmesan cheese over all of them for added flavor.

Step 7: Roast Until Crispy

Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top. Once done, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over them before serving warm.

Enjoy your deliciously crispy smashed potatoes!

How to Serve Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes are a delightful side dish that can be paired with various meals. Their crispy texture and rich flavor make them a versatile choice for any occasion.

With Grilled Meats

• Steak: The savory flavors of grilled steak complement the buttery taste of smashed potatoes perfectly.
• Chicken: Pair with grilled or roasted chicken for a comforting dinner option.
• Pork Chops: The crispy edges of the smashed potatoes enhance the juiciness of pork chops.

As Part of a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Serve smashed potatoes over a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with vinaigrette for a fresh twist.
• Caesar Salad: Add them as a topping for Caesar salad to create a heartier meal.

With Dips

• Garlic Aioli: Use smashed potatoes as dippers for garlic aioli, adding an extra layer of flavor.
• Herbed Yogurt Dip: A cool herbed yogurt dip pairs well, balancing the richness of the potatoes.

How to Perfect Smashed Potatoes

To achieve the best smashed potatoes, consider these handy tips. They will elevate your dish and ensure perfect results every time!

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Baby potatoes like red or Yukon Gold work best due to their creamy texture when cooked.
• Don’t Overcook: Boil until just tender; overcooking can make them too mushy and difficult to smash.
• Use Hot Butter: Drizzling hot melted butter over the smashed potatoes ensures they soak in flavor.
• Space Them Out: Give each potato enough room on the baking sheet to become crispy without steaming each other.
• Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to mix different herbs or spices into your butter for unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes are excellent alongside many dishes. Here are some great options that pair beautifully:

1. Grilled Salmon: The richness of salmon complements the buttery taste of smashed potatoes perfectly.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A colorful variety of roasted vegetables adds nutrition and vibrant colors to your plate.
3. Beef Stew: Serve alongside hearty beef stew for a filling and comforting meal combination.
4. Baked Chicken Thighs: Juicy baked chicken thighs provide a delicious contrast to crispy smashed potatoes.
5. Stuffed Peppers: The flavors from stuffed peppers balance out well with garlic-herb smashed potatoes.
6. Creamed Spinach: A creamy side dish like creamed spinach adds richness that pairs nicely with crunchy potatoes.
7. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A light vegetable stir-fry offers a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the smashed potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Smashed potatoes are a delightful side dish, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the boiling step: If you don’t boil the potatoes long enough, they won’t become tender and will be hard to smash. Make sure you cook them until fork-tender.
• Over-salting the water: Using too much salt in the boiling water can lead to overly salty smashed potatoes. Use just enough to enhance the flavor without overwhelming it.
• Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat your oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 425 degrees F for best results.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t blend well with garlic and herbs. Melt it first to ensure even distribution over the potatoes.
• Neglecting to spray the pan: If you don’t coat your sheet pan with cooking spray, the potatoes may stick. Always spray the pan for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Smashed Potatoes

• Cool completely before freezing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Smashed potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Smashed Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Place potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a little butter or oil, and cook until heated through, stirring gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about smashed potatoes:

Can I use different types of potatoes for smashed potatoes?

Yes, you can use other varieties like white or yellow potatoes. Each type will give a slightly different flavor and texture.

What should I serve with smashed potatoes?

Smashed potatoes pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a hearty meal such as meatloaf.

Are smashed potatoes healthy?

While they do contain butter and cheese, you can make them healthier by reducing these ingredients or using alternatives like olive oil.

How do I make vegan smashed potatoes?

For vegan smashed potatoes, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

These smashed potatoes are truly versatile and will impress at any meal. With their crispy edges and tender centers, they’re perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize them with your favorite herbs or spices!