Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite side dish: smashed potatoes! Seriously, these little gems are not just easy to make, but they’re also so delicious that they steal the show at any meal. I love how simple they are—just boil, smash, and bake! It’s a no-fuss recipe that brings out all the comforting flavors of potatoes, especially when drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with garlic. Trust me, once you try these smashed potatoes, they’ll become your go-to side dish, too! They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and you can customize them with your favorite herbs or toppings. What’s not to love? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best smashed potatoes! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of small potatoes (I love using baby Yukon Golds for their buttery flavor!)
- 1/4 cup of olive oil (extra virgin is my favorite for that rich taste)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- Salt, to taste (don’t be shy, it really enhances the flavor)
- Pepper, to taste (freshly cracked is the way to go!)
- Fresh herbs, for garnish (I usually grab some parsley or chives from my garden)
These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful side dish that’s sure to impress! Feel free to play around with the herbs or even add a sprinkle of cheese for an extra kick. Enjoy!
How to Prepare Smashed Potatoes
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making those scrumptious smashed potatoes! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a side dish that’s crispy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Ready? Let’s do this!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). The high heat is what gives the potatoes that delightful crispiness!
- While the oven is heating up, grab your small potatoes and place them in a large pot. Fill the pot with enough salted water to cover the potatoes by about an inch. Bring it to a boil and let those potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You want them soft but not falling apart!
- Once they’re ready, carefully drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. You don’t want to burn your fingers when smashing them!
- Now for the fun part! Place the cooled potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a fork, gently smash each potato down until they’re about half an inch thick. Don’t worry about making them perfect—perfectly imperfect is what we’re going for!
- Drizzle your olive oil over the smashed potatoes, then sprinkle the minced garlic, salt, and pepper all over them. Seriously, the aroma of garlic roasting is heavenly!
- Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for golden, crispy edges. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
- Once they come out, garnish with fresh herbs, and voila! Your smashed potatoes are ready to be devoured!
Enjoy making these delicious little bites; they’re sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious side that impresses everyone!
- Crispy and fluffy: The perfect combination of a crunchy exterior and a soft, tender inside makes every bite a delight.
- Flavor-packed: The garlic and olive oil bring a burst of flavor that elevates these potatoes from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste—add cheese, different herbs, or your favorite spices!
- Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday feast, or a casual get-together, smashed potatoes fit right in.
- Perfect for meal prep: They hold up well in the fridge, so you can make them ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
Tips for Success
Want to take your smashed potatoes to the next level? Here are my top tips for success that’ll make these spuds shine:
- Choose the right potatoes: I recommend using small, waxy potatoes like baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes. They hold their shape well and get that creamy texture we love.
- Don’t skimp on the boiling: Make sure to boil the potatoes until they’re fork-tender. If they’re undercooked, they won’t smash easily!
- Let them cool: Give your potatoes a few minutes to cool after boiling. This step makes them easier to handle and helps prevent burns.
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite herbs, spices, or even cheeses before baking. A sprinkle of Parmesan or a dash of paprika can add a delightful twist!
- Keep an eye on the oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so check your smashed potatoes a few minutes before the timer goes off. You want them golden and crispy, not burnt!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a smashed potato pro in no time! Enjoy the crispy goodness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my delightful smashed potatoes. Remember, these values are based on typical ingredients used, so they might vary slightly depending on what you choose:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 4g
These smashed potatoes are not only delicious but also reasonably healthy when enjoyed in moderation! They make the perfect side dish for a balanced meal. Enjoy every crispy bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about smashed potatoes? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my tips and tricks for making these delicious spuds:
Can I use larger potatoes for smashed potatoes?
Absolutely! While I love using small potatoes for their creaminess, you can use larger ones too. Just make sure to cut them into smaller chunks before boiling to ensure they cook evenly. They’ll still be delicious, don’t worry!
What’s the best way to store leftover smashed potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the oven to reheat. They’ll regain their crispy edges and delicious flavor!
Can I make smashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time, then cover them and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just drizzle with olive oil and bake them straight from the fridge. A great time-saver!
How do I keep my smashed potatoes from getting soggy?
To keep them crispy, make sure to drain the potatoes well after boiling and let them cool slightly before smashing. Also, ensure you’re using enough olive oil when baking! This helps achieve that perfect crunch!
Can I add other toppings or flavors to my smashed potatoes?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! You can mix in cheese, bacon bits, or even drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving. The possibilities are truly endless, and it’s a great way to personalize your smashed potatoes!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to serving smashed potatoes! They pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes. I love serving them alongside juicy grilled chicken or a perfectly seared steak—seriously, they make the meal! For a lighter option, try them with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. If you’re feeling fancy, a rich mushroom gravy poured over the top elevates them to a whole new level. And don’t forget about a side of fresh sour cream or a zesty chimichurri for dipping! Whatever you choose, these smashed potatoes are sure to complement your meal perfectly!
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Smashed Potatoes: 7 Irresistible Tips for Ultimate Flavor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Smashed potatoes are a simple side dish made from boiled and then smashed potatoes, seasoned to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of small potatoes
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Drain and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and gently smash each one with a fork.
- Drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle garlic, salt, and pepper over the potatoes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Use any small potatoes for this recipe.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Try adding cheese for extra flavor.
- 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: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: smashed potatoes, side dish, easy recipe
