Perfectly Golden Smashed Potatoes

Get ready to elevate your side dish game with these utterly irresistible Crispy Smashed Potatoes! My family can’t get enough of them, and I’m confident yours will feel the same. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to prepare, making them a perfect addition to any meal.

From the very first bite, these Crispy Potatoes were an instant triumph in my kitchen. This remarkable Smashed Potato Recipe is not just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience. Whether you’re serving up juicy burgers, perfectly grilled steaks, tender chicken, or any meal that traditionally calls for potatoes, these oven-roasted beauties will steal the show. Their captivating texture and robust flavor make them an ideal companion to almost any main course, promising to transform an ordinary dinner into something truly special.

A bowl of golden-brown crispy smashed potatoes, garnished with fresh herbs, resting on a rustic red and white checked napkin.

Contents

Why These Crispy Smashed Potatoes Will Become Your Go-To Side

As a household that values hearty meals, potatoes are a staple. I first stumbled upon the method for making these incredible small potatoes about four years ago, noticing various versions gaining popularity online. After some experimentation, I adapted a recipe that has since become a cherished family tradition.

Unmatched Family Favorite: This particular recipe for oven-smashed potatoes, originally adapted from a Fine Cooking recipe that I’ve been refining since 2006, holds a special place in our hearts. Whenever I suggest potato options for dinner, the mention of “crispy smashed potatoes” elicits a unanimous, enthusiastic “Make those!” My eldest son, without fail, requests them for his birthday dinner every single year – a testament to their enduring appeal.
Effortless Preparation: One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its flexibility. The small potatoes can be boiled well ahead of time, significantly streamlining the preparation process for getting them ready for the oven. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal.
Incredibly Versatile: These smashed potatoes are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly adaptable. While they shine on their own, they also open the door to culinary creativity. If you’re looking to shake up your dinner menu even further, tasty Za’atar Roasted Potatoes offer another fantastic way to enjoy potatoes with a unique flavor profile. The possibilities for pairing and customizing these crispy gems are endless, ensuring they’ll never get boring.
Perfect Texture Contrast: What sets these potatoes apart is their sublime texture. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the perfectly roasted exterior, giving way to a wonderfully soft and creamy interior. This delightful contrast is what keeps everyone coming back for more.
Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients – potatoes, butter, olive oil, and salt – you can create a truly spectacular dish. The simplicity allows the natural flavor of the potatoes to shine through, while the minimal additions enhance their inherent deliciousness.

Golden-brown crispy smashed potatoes spread out on a foil-lined baking sheet, fresh out of the oven.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes: Your Simple Guide to Perfection

Creating these irresistible smashed oven potatoes is surprisingly straightforward, almost a piece of cake! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the option to prepare the potatoes in advance, making the final roasting process an absolute breeze. Follow these easy steps to achieve potato perfection:

Boil to Tender Perfection: Begin by boiling a bag of small new potatoes until they are just tender when pierced with a fork. It’s crucial not to overcook them at this stage, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Once tender, drain them thoroughly and allow them to cool slightly. This cooling step helps them firm up and prevents them from becoming too mushy when smashed.
Prepare Your Baking Sheet: While the potatoes are cooling, preheat your oven to a high temperature, typically around 450°F (230°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with non-stick foil for easy cleanup and to ensure the potatoes don’t stick. Melt a generous amount of butter directly on the prepared baking sheet in the warming oven or microwave, then swish it around to ensure the entire surface is coated. This butter layer is key to achieving that initial crispiness and rich flavor.
The Art of the Smash: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, carefully place them onto the buttered baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Now comes the fun part: gently smash each potato with a meat mallet, the bottom of a sturdy glass, or even a cast iron skillet. Aim for a thickness of about ½-inch. The goal is to create as much surface area as possible, which is essential for maximum crispiness, while keeping the potato intact.
Season and Drizzle: Generously sprinkle the smashed potatoes with kosher salt. A few grinds of freshly cracked black pepper are also a delightful addition. Finally, drizzle them liberally with good quality olive oil. For an extra layer of aroma and flavor, consider scattering some fresh thyme leaves, pulled off their stems, over the potatoes before baking.
Roast to Golden Crispiness: Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bottoms are beautifully golden and crispy. Carefully flip each potato with a spatula, then return them to the oven to roast for another 20-25 minutes, or until both sides are deeply golden brown and exquisitely crispy.
Serve Hot and Enjoy: Once they reach peak crispiness, remove the potatoes from the oven and serve them immediately. Your family, much like mine, will undoubtedly be grateful for this easy and incredibly delicious smashed potatoes recipe. The combination of crispy skin and creamy interior is simply divine!

Expert Tips for Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Achieving the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior is an art, but with these expert tips, you’ll master it in no time:

Choose the Right Potatoes: Any small, waxy potato variety will work wonderfully. Red, yellow, purple, or a medley of small potatoes are all excellent choices. Their skins tend to crisp up beautifully, and their flesh holds its shape well when smashed. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they tend to fall apart.
Prep Ahead for Convenience: One of the biggest time-savers is boiling the potatoes ahead of time. You can boil them the day before, store them in the refrigerator, and then smash, season, and roast them closer to dinner time. This makes entertaining or busy weeknights much more manageable. Just ensure they come to room temperature slightly before smashing for easier handling.
Seasoning is Key: While I prefer to keep the seasonings simple with butter, olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, don’t hesitate to experiment! Herbs like fresh rosemary, thyme, or chopped parsley can add a fantastic aromatic touch. For a deeper flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of onion powder, garlic powder, or even a pinch of smoked paprika. Always season generously, as potatoes can absorb a lot of flavor.
Embrace Duck Fat (Optional, but Delicious): If you’re looking to take your crispy potatoes to an entirely new level of richness and crispiness, consider using duck fat instead of olive oil on your baking sheet. Duck fat provides an unparalleled crisp texture and a wonderfully savory flavor. It’s a gourmet touch that truly elevates the dish.
The Best Smashing Tools: A meat mallet is my go-to for smashing potatoes, offering excellent control and consistent results. If you don’t have one, the bottom of a sturdy cup, a heavy glass, or even the base of a cast-iron skillet can work just as effectively. The key is to apply even pressure to create a flat, relatively thin disc.
Non-Stick is Your Friend: Using non-stick foil to line your baking sheet is a game-changer. It prevents the potatoes from adhering to the pan, ensuring they flip easily halfway through the roasting time. This guarantees even browning and crispiness on both sides without any frustrating sticking or tearing. If you don’t have non-stick foil, regular foil sprayed generously with cooking spray will also work.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: For truly crispy potatoes, it’s essential to give them space. If your baking sheet is overcrowded, the potatoes will steam rather than roast, resulting in a less crispy texture. If you’re making a large batch, use two baking sheets to ensure ample space for air circulation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Smashed Potatoes

How Do You Know When Your Potatoes Are Done Boiling?

When boiling new potatoes, the best way to check for doneness is to use a fork or a sharp knife to pierce a few of the potatoes. If the utensil goes in easily and smoothly, with very little resistance, then the potatoes are done. They should be tender but still hold their shape. Typically, this process takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Avoid overcooking them, as they will be roasted later, and mushy potatoes are harder to smash and won’t crisp as well.

Any Tips for Boiling Potatoes to Enhance Flavor?

Absolutely, the biggest and most crucial tip for boiling potatoes is to generously salt the water. Think of it like cooking pasta – the water should taste like seawater. Since salt is a powerful flavor enhancer, this allows the potatoes to absorb some of the seasoning from the inside out, making them delicious even before they’re roasted. It’s best to wait until the water is actively boiling before adding the salt; while salted water does boil at a slightly lower temperature, adding it to cold water can sometimes cause discoloration in some pots. Ensure you add enough salt to truly season the cooking water for optimal flavor absorption.

Can Oven Smashed Potatoes Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, these crispy smashed potatoes are a fantastic make-ahead option! You can boil the potatoes the day before, allow them to cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply proceed with smashing, seasoning, and roasting as directed in the recipe. If you’ve already roasted them and have leftovers, you can easily reheat them in the oven (around 375°F or 190°C) for 10-15 minutes to re-crisp them before serving. This makes them an ideal choice for meal prepping or entertaining.

A white serving bowl overflowing with golden-brown, crispy smashed potatoes, ready to be enjoyed.

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Smashed Potatoes

These versatile Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a perfect partner for a wide array of dishes. Their crispy texture and savory flavor complement almost any main course, making them a fantastic alternative to traditional mashed or roasted potatoes. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

Classic Pairings: They are exceptional with grilled meats such as steak, pork chops, or lamb. The crispiness provides a wonderful contrast to the tender protein.
Poultry Perfection: Serve alongside a roasted chicken, pan-seared chicken breasts, or even a simple turkey dinner. The potatoes soak up any delicious pan drippings.
Burger and Sandwich Buddy: Forget the fries! These smashed potatoes make an elevated and incredibly satisfying side for your favorite burgers, sloppy joes, or hearty sandwiches.
Brunch Favorite: Don’t limit them to dinner! These potatoes are fantastic with eggs, bacon, and sausages for a gourmet brunch experience.
Vegetarian Delight: Pair them with a hearty veggie burger, a vibrant seasonal salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meat-free meal.
Sauce It Up: A dollop of sour cream and chives, a drizzle of aioli, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add an extra layer of flavor and indulgence.

Explore More Delicious Potato Recipes and Side Dishes

If you’re a potato lover like us, or simply enjoy a fantastic side dish, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other delightful recipes. Expand your culinary repertoire with these proven family favorites:

Roasted Red Potatoes from Copykat Recipes – A simple yet flavorful classic that always satisfies.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole – All the comfort of a twice-baked potato in a convenient casserole form.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Indulgent and smooth, perfect for special occasions or any night you crave ultimate comfort.
Double Baked Potatoes – A rich and satisfying side that can almost be a meal on its own.
For even more inspiration, check out my full collection of Best Side Dish Recipes – You’re sure to find something new to love!

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The Recipe:

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
1 hour

Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes

Yield
6 servings

A delicious and easy way to prepare new potatoes, resulting in a wonderfully crispy exterior and a creamy interior. My family absolutely adores this recipe!

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds small new potatoes
2 teaspoons kosher salt (for boiling and seasoning)
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup olive oil to drizzle over the smashed potatoes
Freshly ground black pepper, optional

Instructions

Boil potatoes in generously salted water until fork tender. Drain well and allow to cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 450ºF (230ºC). Cover a large, rimmed baking sheet with non-stick foil.
Melt a few pats of butter directly in the pan while the oven preheats, or microwave. Swish it around so the butter thoroughly covers the foil.
Place cooled, boiled potatoes on the buttered baking sheet. Smash each potato with the flat side of a meat tenderizer, the bottom of a glass, or a large knife to about ½-inch thick.
Evenly space the smashed potatoes on the baking sheet to ensure crispiness.
Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, then carefully flip each potato with a spatula. Continue to roast until both sides are browned and crispy, about 20-25 minutes longer. Serve hot.

Notes

You may add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or finely chopped parsley near the end of the roasting time for an aromatic finish, if desired. This recipe is adapted from a classic Fine Cooking technique, optimized for maximum crispiness and flavor.

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