Easy Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Easy Smashed Potatoes. Perfectly crispy on the outside, yet irresistibly fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a hearty snack, these smashed potatoes are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Whether as a side dish or snack, these potatoes are sure to please. Let’s enjoy cooking simple yet delicious meals together!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 2 Pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes (About 2 inches in Diameter): Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture and buttery flavor. Look for potatoes that are uniform in size for even cooking.
- 5 Tbsp Butter or Olive/Avocado Oil (choose your favorite): Butter adds richness, while olive or avocado oil offers a healthier alternative.
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds savory flavor without the risk of burned bits of fresh garlic, making it convenient to season potatoes.
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder: Onion powder enhances the savory profile of the dish, providing depth of flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Adjust the amount based on your sodium intake needs.
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese (OPTIONAL, shredded): Adding shredded cheddar cheese provides a deliciously gooey and cheesy topping for the smashed potatoes. This ingredient is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free or lighter version of the dish.
HOW TO prepare crispy oven-baked potatoes?
Time needed: 1 hour
- Boil the Potatoes:
To begin place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. The water should be at least one inch above the potatoes. Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat and season the water heavily with salt. Once the water is boiling reduce the heat to medium-low and boil until the potatoes are tender. A knife should be able to pierce through the potato easily.
- Drain the Potatoes:
Start to preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Drain the potatoes into a colander and let them cool for five to ten minutes. Prepare a large shallow-rimmed baking sheet (cookie sheet) with parchment paper. Transfer the potatoes to the baking sheet. - Smash the Potatoes:
Smash the potatoes to about 3/4 inch thickness with the bottom of a drinking glass. Drizzle potatoes with butter/olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. - Bake:
Bake in the oven for 40 minutes. Do not turn the potatoes while they are baking. They will be crispy and delicious. - Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle them with fresh herbs and serve with your favorite protein. Add toppings like sour cream and bacon bits.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
It’s optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and flavor, but you can peel them if you prefer.
It’s best to season them after smashing, so the seasoning sticks better to the surface.
Boil until they’re fork-tender, usually around 15-20 minutes. Try to use potatoes that are similar in size, so they cook evenly. Try not to over-boil the potatoes you don’t want them to fall apart when you smash them.
The potatoes will crisp up nicely in the oven, especially the edges that come into contact with the baking sheet. Make sure you use a large baking sheet. There needs to be enough space between the smashed potatoes so the hot air can fully circulate around them and crisp them up.
POTATO SMASHING RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
- Potato Varieties: Try Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or fingerlings for different textures and flavors.
- Seasoning Options: Use your favorite fresh herbs such as dill, chives, cilantro, parsley, basil, thyme, or rosemary.
- Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella within the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Herb Butter: Mix melted butter with garlic and fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill.
- Bacon and Sour Cream: Top with crispy bacon, green onions, and sour cream.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Vegan Options: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cheese, and coconut oil.
- Sweet Potato Smash: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes, and add cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup for sweetness.
wHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH CRUNCHY SEASONED POTATOES?
Crispy seasoned smashed potatoes are so versatile! They’re perfect with hearty mains like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or fish. They also go great with veggie dishes like roasted veggies or veggie burgers. Add a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. These potatoes make any dish better with their crispy outside and fluffy inside!
HOW DO I STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS?
These potatoes can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure the potatoes are completely cooled to room temperature before storing them, or they don’t become soggy. I recommend reheating the smashed potatoes in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer to keep them crispy. You can also use the microwave to heat them up, but they won’t be as crispy.
Can crispy potatoes be frozen for later consumption?
Yes, you can freeze these potatoes for later. Let them cool, spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag or container, remove excess air, and label them. They’ll last about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, place them in the oven or air fryer frozen until they are heated and crispy again.
LOOKING FOR MORE POTATO RECIPES? TRY ONE OF THESE!
Creamy Red Potato Salad: It’s the perfect blend of tender red potatoes, zesty dill, and a creamy dressing. Backyard barbecues and summer time picnics are the perfect events to prepare this delicious summer salad.
Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole: Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Twice Baked Loaded Mashed Potatoes. Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions, baked until golden perfection for a satisfying side dish that’s sure to please.
Chantilly Potatoes: They are light, fluffy, and full of cheesy goodness. Everyone will love these creamy mashed potatoes. Chantilly potatoes turn your traditional mashed potatoes to the next level. They are a French potato dish that is easy to make.
Easy Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Equipment
- Large Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes About 2 inches in Diameter
- 5 Tbsp Butter Olive/Avocado Oil (choose your favorite)
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese OPTIONAL: (shredded)
Instructions
- To begin place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. The water should be at least one inch above the potatoes.
- Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat and season the water heavily with salt. Once the water is boiling reduce the heat to medium-low and boil until the potatoes are tender. A knife should be able to easily pierce through the potato.
- Start to preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Drain the potatoes into a colander and let them cool for five to ten minutes.
- Prepare a large shallow-rimmed baking sheet (baking sheet) with parchment paper. Transfer the potatoes to the baking sheet.
- Smash the potatoes to about ½ inch thickness with the bottom of a drinking glass.
- Brush the potatoes with butter/olive oil. Sprinkle the tops with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bake in the oven for 40 minutes.
- Optional Step: Within the last 10-15 minutes of baking add the shredded cheddar cheese. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue to bake until the potatoes are crispy enough.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and Enjoy!! Serve with your favorite protein and toppings like sour cream and bacon bits. Or your favorite dipping sauces like ranch and ketchup.