Potatoes are one of those magical ingredients that everyone loves, right? They’re comforting, versatile, and downright delicious! Now, when it comes to the ultimate potato dish, I can’t help but rave about my *oven baked crispy smashed potatoes*. These little gems are the perfect side for *any* meal, and trust me, they always steal the show! I remember the last family gathering I hosted; I served these crispy delights alongside grilled chicken, and they were gone within minutes. Everyone was asking for the recipe, and I couldn’t help but smile, knowing I had just shared a little piece of potato perfection. You’re going to love making and sharing these!
Ingredients for Oven Baked Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, whole and unpeeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, for that delightful crunch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, because we all love that garlicky goodness
- 1 teaspoon salt, to enhance all those delicious flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, for a little kick
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika, adding a touch of smokiness
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for that vibrant garnish
How to Prepare Oven Baked Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Getting these oven baked crispy smashed potatoes just right is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a plate of golden, crunchy deliciousness ready to wow your family or friends. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot when your potatoes are ready.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and toss in those baby potatoes. Let them boil until they’re tender, which should take about 15 minutes. You can poke one with a fork to check—if it goes in easily, you’re golden!
- Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. You want them warm but not too hot to handle.
- Now, here comes the fun part! Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and, using the bottom of a glass or a sturdy spatula, gently smash each potato until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little rustic charm is part of their appeal!
- Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil, ensuring each one gets a nice coating for that crispy finish.
- Next, sprinkle on the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Feel free to adjust these seasonings to your taste. I like to give them a good shake for an even distribution.
- Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown. You might want to check on them halfway through just to make sure they’re getting that perfect crunch!
- Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Trust me, the aroma will have everyone rushing to the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious potatoes in no time!
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil creates a mouthwatering flavor that’ll have you coming back for more.
- Perfectly Crispy: The smashing technique ensures that every bite is crunchy on the outside while remaining fluffy on the inside.
- Versatile Side Dish: These potatoes go well with just about anything—grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even as a snack on their own!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the seasonings or add your favorite herbs for a personal touch. The possibilities are endless!
- Great for Sharing: They’re ideal for gatherings and dinner parties, and trust me, everyone will want to dig in!
Tips for Success
Want to take your oven baked crispy smashed potatoes to the next level? Here are some of my top tips that’ll help you achieve potato perfection every time!
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Stick with small or medium-sized baby potatoes for the best results. They cook evenly and have the perfect texture for smashing!
- Don’t Skip the Boil: Boiling the potatoes until tender is crucial. If they’re undercooked, they won’t smash well, and if they’re overcooked, they’ll fall apart. Aim for that sweet spot!
- Get Creative with Seasonings: While garlic powder and paprika are my go-tos, feel free to mix it up! Add some grated Parmesan, fresh rosemary, or even a sprinkle of cayenne for some heat. The flavor combinations are endless!
- Watch the Oven: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your potatoes as they bake. If they’re not crisping up as quickly as you’d like, you can broil them for a minute or two at the end for that extra crunch. Just be careful, they can go from golden to burnt in a flash!
- Serve Immediately: For the ultimate crispy experience, serve these potatoes right out of the oven. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), reheat them in the oven to regain that delightful crunch.
- Pair Them Right: These smashed potatoes are the perfect side for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh salad. They also make a great snack—just grab a few, dip them in your favorite sauce, and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for a serving of my irresistible oven baked crispy smashed potatoes. Keep in mind, this info is based on typical values, so actual results may vary a bit depending on your specific ingredients and portions.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These little beauties are not only delicious but also a satisfying addition to your meal without feeling too heavy. Perfect balance, right?
FAQ Section
Can I use larger potatoes?
Absolutely! You can use larger potatoes, but I recommend cutting them into smaller chunks to ensure they cook evenly. Just remember to boil them longer until they’re tender enough to smash! The key is to keep an eye on them during the boiling process to avoid any undercooked surprises.
How can I make these potatoes spicier?
If you’re looking to kick up the heat, there are plenty of tasty options! You can sprinkle some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. Another fun idea is to toss in some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha after baking. Trust me, those little spicy surprises will add a whole new layer of flavor!
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can definitely prepare the potatoes ahead of time! Just boil and smash them, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to bake, drizzle with olive oil and seasonings, then pop them in the oven. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven to maintain that crispy texture. Microwaving won’t do them justice, so give them the love they deserve in the oven!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers of these fabulous oven baked crispy smashed potatoes (which, let’s be honest, is pretty rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them so they keep their delightful crunch.
First, let your potatoes cool completely after baking. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly to keep them fresh!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I highly recommend using the oven to bring back that crispy goodness. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the leftover smashed potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer, and pop them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they heat through and regain that golden crispiness. Trust me, this will make all the difference!
So, next time you have some of these tasty potatoes sitting in your fridge, don’t forget this reheating method—it’ll have you enjoying them like they were just made!
Print
Oven Baked Crispy Smashed Potatoes for Irresistible Flavor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Oven baked crispy smashed potatoes are a delicious and crunchy side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Boil the baby potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and smash each one with the bottom of a glass.
- Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use small or medium-sized potatoes for best results.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 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: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: oven baked crispy smashed potatoes
