Smashed Potatoes

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Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these smashed potatoes are a must-try! Made with simple ingredients, they bring a delightful twist to your usual side dish. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in. Save this easy recipe for your next meal and impress your guests with delicious flavors!

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Smashed potatoes are a fun twist on regular mashed potatoes! They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect side dish.

Just boil the potatoes, smash them down, and bake until golden. I love to sprinkle some herbs or cheese on top for extra yumminess. Who can resist a crunchy potato? 😋

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Baby Potatoes: These are great for this dish because they’re tender and have a creamy texture. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can use any small potatoes like Yukon gold or red potatoes. Just make sure they fit comfortably in your hand for smashing!

Olive Oil: A classic choice that adds a wonderful flavor. You could use another oil like avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point and is also healthy. If you’re watching calories, try using less oil or a cooking spray.

Garlic & Onion Powder: These are essential for spice and flavor. If you prefer fresh, you can use minced garlic and chopped onions, but keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust cooking times slightly to avoid burning them. I find toasted garlic adds a nice depth!

Thyme: Fresh thyme is lovely for garnish, but dried thyme works perfectly in the baking step. If you’re out of thyme, rosemary or Italian seasoning can also add a delicious taste.

Parmesan Cheese: If you want to skip the cheese, these potatoes are still fantastic! However, if you’re after a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes?

The key to those crispy edges is all in the smashing and baking! Here’s how to ensure they turn out right:

  • Boil the potatoes until fork-tender; a little bit of firmness helps them hold shape when smashed.
  • When smashing, aim for a flat but not completely squished potato—this lets more edges get crispy!
  • Drizzle your olive oil generously around and on top of the potatoes. This is what’ll make them golden and crispy.
  • Keep an eye on the baking—oven times can vary, so look for that beautiful golden color and crispy edges, which usually takes 20-25 minutes.

These steps will help you get that perfect texture while keeping the insides soft and fluffy!

How to Make Smashed Potatoes?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs baby potatoes (or any small potatoes)

For the Seasoning:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme for garnish)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

For Extra Flavor (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take about 40-50 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes preparing and boiling the potatoes, followed by another 20-25 minutes baking them until they’re deliciously crispy. It’s a simple and quick side dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat is essential for getting those crispy edges on your potatoes!

2. Boil the Potatoes:

Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Place them in a pot filled with salted water and bring it to a boil. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender—meaning you can easily poke them with a fork.

3. Prepare for Baking:

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup so much easier!

4. Smash the Potatoes:

Arrange the cooked potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they have some space between them. Now for the fun part! Using a potato masher or the bottom of a heavy cup, gently smash each potato until it’s flattened but not completely mushy. You want them to have some texture!

5. Season the Potatoes:

Drizzle the olive oil over the smashed potatoes. Then sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you love Parmesan cheese, now’s the time to add it on top for extra flavor!

6. Bake Until Crispy:

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the potatoes are crispy and golden brown. Yum!

7. Garnish and Serve:

Once done, take them out of the oven and sprinkle some fresh thyme on top for a lovely touch. Serve the smashed potatoes hot, either as a side dish or a tasty appetizer. Enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!

Enjoy your delicious smashed potatoes!

Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?

Absolutely! While baby potatoes work great for this recipe, you can use other small potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time if they are larger, ensuring they become fork-tender.

How to Store Leftover Smashed Potatoes

To store leftovers, let the potatoes cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for the best crispiness. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may lose some crunch.

Can I Make These Potatoes Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can boil the potatoes a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just mash, season, and bake them as directed. This makes for a quick and easy side dish during busy meal times!

What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?

If you prefer to skip the Parmesan or need a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or simply omit it and season with additional herbs for added taste! You can also use a vegan cheese alternative if preferred.

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