Smashed potatoes are a fun twist on regular mashed potatoes! They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect side dish for any meal.
Honestly, who can resist those little crunchy bits? I like to sprinkle some cheese or herbs on top, because why not make them even better? 😄
These smashed potatoes are super easy to whip up. Just boil, smash, and bake! They always impress, and I love serving them with grilled chicken or steak. So yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Baby or Yukon Gold potatoes are best for this recipe. They provide a creamy texture when cooked, but if you don’t have them, try using red potatoes or even peeled russet potatoes.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps the potatoes get crispy. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil or melted butter work well too!
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme gives a lovely aroma. If you can’t find it, use dried thyme in smaller amounts. I usually go with half the amount when using dried herbs since they’re more potent.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is the cherry on top for flavor! You can swap it for pecorino cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Both add a nice cheesy touch!
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Roasted?
Getting those crispy edges is all about the smashing technique and roast time. Here’s how to nail it:
- **Simmering**: Make sure the potatoes are fork-tender before smashing. This ensures they cook evenly and have a nice texture.
- **Smashing**: Don’t press too hard when you smash! You want them flattened but still whole to hold toppings and keep moisture.
- **Oven Temperature**: Keep your oven at 425°F for crispy results. This high heat helps create those golden brown edges.
- **Coating**: Drizzle olive oil generously and coat well! This is crucial for achieving crispiness.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly roasted smashed potatoes every time!
How to Make Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus around 50-60 minutes for cooking and roasting. It’s a simple process of boiling, smashing, and roasting the potatoes to perfection, making them crispy and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is important to get your potatoes nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the potatoes well to remove any dirt. Place them in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
3. Boil the Potatoes:
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender (you can easily poke a fork through them).
4. Drain and Cool:
Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes so they’re easier to handle without burning your fingers!
5. Smash the Potatoes:
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the potatoes spaced apart. Using the bottom of a cup or a potato masher, gently smash each potato until they are flattened but still hold their shape.
6. Season the Potatoes:
Drizzle the olive oil over the smashed potatoes, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme to add some flavor.
7. Roast Them to Perfection:
Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!
8. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you’d like to make your smashed potatoes extra special, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top in the last 5 minutes of roasting to create a cheesy crust.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, garnished with additional thyme if you want. Enjoy your crispy, delicious smashed potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their creamy texture, you can use other varieties like russet or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may require slight adjustments in boiling time, so be sure to test for fork-tenderness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and smash the potatoes ahead of time, then store them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to roast, simply drizzle with olive oil and seasonings, and bake as directed. They may need a couple of extra minutes in the oven if they are coming straight from the fridge.
How to Store Leftover Smashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to keep them crispy, or use the microwave for quicker results, though they may lose some crispiness.
Can I Add Other Toppings to Smashed Potatoes?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. Some popular options include chopped bacon, sour cream, chives, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Just add them during the last few minutes of roasting to keep everything warm and flavorful!
