Oh my goodness, let me tell you about smashed potatoes! They’re the ultimate comfort food, a delightful blend of crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Seriously, what’s not to love? I can’t help but get excited just thinking about them! Whenever I serve these up as a side dish, my family can’t resist diving in. They’re perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or just when you want to treat yourself to something special. Trust me, once you try these smashed potatoes, you’ll be dreaming about them long after the last bite!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delightful smashed potatoes. Gather these simple ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
- 2 pounds of baby potatoes
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
How to Prepare Smashed Potatoes
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making those glorious smashed potatoes! The process is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be in potato heaven in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to impress anyone at your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). You want it nice and hot to get that perfect crispiness!
- Next, grab those baby potatoes and toss them into a pot of boiling water. You’ll want to boil them until they’re tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Just poke one with a fork to check for doneness; if it slides in easily, you’re good to go!
- Once they’re tender, drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. Be careful—those little guys are hot!
- Now, it’s time to get smashing! Place the cooled potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (it makes cleanup easier!). Use a fork to gently smash each potato down. You want them to flatten out but not completely fall apart—think of it as giving them a little love tap!
- Drizzle the olive oil over the smashed potatoes, then sprinkle on the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. You can be generous here; it’s all about flavor!
- Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake those beauties for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should turn golden brown and get all crispy around the edges. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
- Once they’re out of the oven, give them a final sprinkle of fresh herbs for that burst of color and flavor. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
And just like that, you’ve got a plate full of delicious smashed potatoes! They’re crispy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Enjoy every single bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—these smashed potatoes come together in about 45 minutes!
- Easy cooking method that even beginner cooks can master.
- Deliciously crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside—pure potato perfection!
- Versatile enough to pair with any main dish you’re serving.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices for a personal touch.
- Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week!
- Guaranteed to impress your family and friends at any gathering.
Nutritional Information
Now, I know you might be curious about the nutritional side of these amazing smashed potatoes! Just a heads up, the nutrition information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s not set in stone. But here’s a general breakdown per serving to give you an idea:
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
So, you can feel good about indulging in these crispy, creamy delights! Just remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying food in moderation. Happy cooking!
Tips for Success
Now, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your smashed potatoes turn out absolutely perfect every time! These little tricks can elevate your dish and make you the star of the dinner table.
- Adjust Baking Time: If you love that extra crunch, don’t be shy! Feel free to leave the potatoes in the oven a bit longer. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning—nobody wants charred potatoes!
- Experiment with Herbs: While I love a sprinkle of fresh herbs, don’t be afraid to get creative! Try rosemary, thyme, or even a dash of paprika for a smoky flavor. Each herb brings a unique twist to the dish.
- Use Flavored Oils: For an extra layer of flavor, consider using garlic-infused olive oil or chili oil instead of regular olive oil. It’s a simple change that adds a delightful kick!
- Perfect the Smash: You don’t want to obliterate the potatoes; just give them a gentle smash to keep some texture. The more surface area exposed, the crispier they’ll get, but we still want that creamy center!
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: These smashed potatoes are fantastic on their own, but pair them with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy ketchup for an extra treat. It takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness!
- Leftovers Make Great Hash: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), chop them up and toss them in a skillet for a quick breakfast hash. Add some eggs, and you’ve got a fabulous start to your day!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of smashed potatoes! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen!
Variations
If you’re like me and love to switch things up in the kitchen, you’re in for a treat! These smashed potatoes are super versatile, and you can easily tailor them to fit your mood or the season. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Herb-Infused: Swap out the fresh herbs for a mix of dried herbs like Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence. The dried herbs will add a lovely flavor boost!
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper over the potatoes before baking. It’ll add a fun zing that’ll wake up your taste buds!
- Cheesy Delight: For the cheese lovers out there, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top of the potatoes during the last few minutes of baking. The melted cheese adds a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to resist!
- Loaded Style: Make them “loaded” by topping your smashed potatoes with crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions. It’s like a baked potato but in a fun, smashed form!
- Sweet and Savory: Try drizzling a bit of balsamic glaze over the finished potatoes for a sweet and tangy finish. It’s a fantastic combination with the crispy texture.
- Garlic Lovers: If you can’t get enough garlic, roast a whole head of garlic alongside the potatoes. Squeeze the sweet, caramelized cloves over the smashed potatoes before serving for an extra pop of flavor!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The possibilities are endless, and every variation will bring something unique to your table. Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite flavor combinations!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your gorgeous smashed potatoes ready, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them! Trust me, these delightful little nuggets of goodness can elevate any meal, and I’ve got some fantastic ideas to make your dinner spread shine even brighter!
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy, marinated grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of smashed potatoes. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a satisfying dinner.
- Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of roasted veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers adds a lovely crunch and freshness to your plate. Plus, they’re super easy to throw in the oven alongside your potatoes!
- Steak: Ah, the classic pairing! A perfectly cooked steak and smashed potatoes make for a decadent meal. The creaminess of the potatoes complements the richness of the meat beautifully.
- Fish Tacos: If you’re in the mood for something lighter, serve your smashed potatoes with some flavorful fish tacos. The crispy potatoes add a fun twist and a filling side to balance the dish.
- Salads: A fresh, zesty salad can brighten up your meal. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which contrasts nicely with the hearty potatoes.
- Gravy or Sauce: Don’t forget about a delicious gravy or sauce! A rich mushroom gravy or a tangy chimichurri drizzled over the smashed potatoes can take your dish to a whole new level of flavor.
These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to mix and match based on what you love. The beauty of smashed potatoes is their versatility, making them the perfect side for nearly any main dish. Enjoy your delicious meal, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with any leftover smashed potatoes (which, let’s be honest, isn’t very common in my house!), storing them properly is key to keeping that crispy texture and creamy goodness. Here’s how I do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the smashed potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation that can make them soggy. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze them quickly. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Now, when it comes to reheating, you want to bring back that crispy exterior while keeping the inside creamy. Here’s my favorite method:
- Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the leftover smashed potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a drizzle of olive oil to help them crisp up again. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the edges are crispy. Oh, the smell will bring everyone to the kitchen!
- Air Fryer Option: If you have an air fryer, it’s a game changer! Just pop them in at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This method gives you that crispy texture without needing to heat up the whole oven!
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your smashed potatoes just like they were fresh out of the oven. Happy munching!
Print
Smashed Potatoes: 7 Ways to Indulge in Comfort Food
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and creamy smashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of baby potatoes
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Boil the baby potatoes until tender.
- Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Place potatoes on a baking sheet.
- Smash each potato with a fork.
- Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle garlic, salt, and pepper on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Adjust baking time for desired crispiness.
- Try different herbs for variety.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, side dish
