Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Imagine a dish where the outside is golden and crisp, while the inside is fluffy and tender. That’s exactly what you get with these crispy smashed potatoes. This recipe takes the humble potato to a whole new level, turning it into a show-stopping side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a gathering, these crispy smashed potatoes are sure to impress.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe involves boiling small and medium-sized potatoes until they’re tender, smashing them to create a craggy texture, and then baking them to crispy perfection. The process is simple but yields a dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. The combination of butter and olive oil, along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes, while the optional parsley adds a touch of freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and versatility. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, fluffy interior creates a delightful eating experience. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any potatoes you have on hand, making it a practical addition to your recipe repertoire.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe. You can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative if you prefer. Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil or any other cooking oil you have on hand. If you want to add a bit of a kick, sprinkle some chili flakes or smoked paprika along with the salt and pepper. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also be used instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides a comprehensive guide on how to prepare these delicious crispy smashed potatoes. Follow each step carefully to achieve the best results.
Boiling the Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the potatoes. Once the water is boiling, add the potatoes. For small potatoes, cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. Medium-sized potatoes will take around 30 minutes. The goal is to cook the potatoes until they’re tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. It’s perfectly fine if the skins split during cooking.
Preheating the Oven
While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan-forced). Preheating the oven ensures that it reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the potatoes, allowing them to crisp up nicely.
Drying the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander. Allow them to sit and steam dry for about 5 minutes. This step helps remove excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
Smashing the Potatoes
Arrange the potatoes on a baking tray. Use a large fork or a potato masher to gently press down on each potato, smashing it slightly but keeping it mostly intact. The goal is to create more surface area for crisping. Thinner potatoes will be crispier, while thicker ones will have a fluffier interior. Both textures are delightful, so feel free to experiment.
Final Drying for Extra Crispiness
Leave the smashed potatoes on the tray for another 5 minutes to steam dry. This additional drying step enhances their crispiness by removing any remaining moisture.
Drizzling with Butter and Olive Oil
Generously drizzle the melted butter over the potatoes, ensuring each one is well-coated. Follow this with a drizzle of olive oil. Season the potatoes with the sprinkling salt and black pepper. The combination of butter and olive oil adds richness and helps the potatoes crisp up in the oven.
Baking to Perfection
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes for small potatoes and up to 55 minutes for medium ones. The goal is to achieve a deep golden color and an irresistibly crispy texture. Avoid flipping the potatoes during baking to maintain their shape and maximize the crispy surface.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Choosing the Right Potatoes: Opt for small to medium-sized potatoes like baby potatoes or Yukon Golds. These varieties hold their shape well and crisp up nicely.
- Tips for Achieving Maximum Crispiness: Ensure the potatoes are fully dried before baking. Smashed potatoes with more craggy surfaces will have better crunch. Don’t overcrowd the baking tray.
- Avoiding Common Mistakes: Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked before smashing. Undercooked potatoes won’t smash well. Also, don’t skimp on the butter and olive oil, as they contribute to the crispiness.
- Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?: Yes, you can use any variety of potatoes, but the texture and cooking times may vary.
- How Do I Store Leftovers?: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?: Yes, you can boil and smash the potatoes in advance, then bake them just before serving.
- What Are Some Alternative Seasonings?: Experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for different flavors.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These crispy smashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes.
Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal
Serve these potatoes alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete and satisfying meal. The crispiness of the potatoes complements the tenderness of the protein perfectly.
Suggested Main Dishes
Pair the potatoes with a hearty roast, a juicy burger, or even a simple salad. They’re a great addition to any barbecue or picnic spread.
Complementary Side Dishes
Consider serving these potatoes with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. The contrast in textures and flavors will enhance your dining experience.
Garnishing and Presentation
Presentation is key when serving these crispy smashed potatoes. Here are some tips to make them look as good as they taste.
Adding a Pop of Color with Parsley
A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish. It’s an optional garnish, but it elevates the presentation.
Creative Serving Ideas
Arrange the potatoes on a rustic serving platter for a casual gathering or on a fancy dish for a more formal occasion. You can also serve them in individual portions for a fun twist.
Tips for Impressing Guests
For an extra touch, drizzle a bit more melted butter over the potatoes just before serving. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as aioli, ranch, or a spicy ketchup, to cater to different tastes.
These crispy smashed potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal. Their perfect blend of crispy exterior and fluffy interior makes them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and share your experiences and variations with others. Happy cooking!
Ingredients:
30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp olive oil
3/4 tsp salt (for sprinkling)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp salt (for boiling)
700g / 1.4 lb small potatoes (12 – 14) (Note 1)
1 – 1.2kg / 2 – 2.4lb medium potatoes (6 – 8)
Finely chopped parsley, optional garnish
Instructions:
- Cook potatoes: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil and adding 1 tbsp of salt. Add the potatoes and cook until tender—small potatoes will take about 20 to 25 minutes, while medium ones will require around 30 minutes. It’s perfectly fine if the skins burst during cooking. Alternatively, you can steam or microwave the potatoes if preferred.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan-forced).
- Steam dry: Once cooked, drain the potatoes and allow them to sit in the colander for approximately 5 minutes to dry off.
- Smash: Arrange the potatoes on a baking tray, then use a large fork or potato masher to gently press them down, keeping them mostly intact. Thinner potatoes will be crispier, while thicker ones will have a fluffier interior—both textures are delightful. The more uneven the surface, the crunchier the outcome!
- Steam dry again: Leave the smashed potatoes on the tray for another 5 minutes to steam dry, enhancing their crispiness.
- Drizzle: Generously drizzle the melted butter over the potatoes, followed by the olive oil. Season with the sprinkling salt and black pepper.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes for small potatoes and up to 55 minutes for medium ones, or until they reach a deep golden color and become irresistibly crispy. Avoid flipping them during baking.
- Serve the potatoes hot, optionally garnished with finely chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color. Enjoy!
Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt for sprinkling
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp salt for boiling
- 700 g / 1.4 lb small potatoes 12 – 14 (Note 1)
- 1 – 1.2 kg / 2 – 2.4lb medium potatoes 6 – 8
- Finely chopped parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Cook potatoes: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil and adding 1 tbsp of salt. Add the potatoes and cook until tender—small potatoes will take about 20 to 25 minutes, while medium ones will require around 30 minutes. It’s perfectly fine if the skins burst during cooking. Alternatively, you can steam or microwave the potatoes if preferred.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan-forced).
- Steam dry: Once cooked, drain the potatoes and allow them to sit in the colander for approximately 5 minutes to dry off.
- Smash: Arrange the potatoes on a baking tray, then use a large fork or potato masher to gently press them down, keeping them mostly intact. Thinner potatoes will be crispier, while thicker ones will have a fluffier interior—both textures are delightful. The more uneven the surface, the crunchier the outcome!
- Steam dry again: Leave the smashed potatoes on the tray for another 5 minutes to steam dry, enhancing their crispiness.
- Drizzle: Generously drizzle the melted butter over the potatoes, followed by the olive oil. Season with the sprinkling salt and black pepper.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes for small potatoes and up to 55 minutes for medium ones, or until they reach a deep golden color and become irresistibly crispy. Avoid flipping them during baking.
- Serve the potatoes hot, optionally garnished with finely chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color. Enjoy!
Notes
- Various types of potatoes work wonderfully for this recipe, including baby potatoes. High-starch potatoes will result in a fluffier interior, while waxy potatoes have a slightly less fluffy but creamier texture. Both are equally delightful! This dish can be made with small or medium potatoes. Small ones, about the size of a golf ball or smaller, will come out crispier and can be picked up as finger food. Larger ones, while having the same crispiness on the surface, offer more fluffy potato inside since they don’t get smashed as thinly. Both variations are delicious!
- For flavorings, adding garlic or dried herbs directly into the butter can cause them to burn and turn bitter. To infuse garlic flavor, smash two cloves with the side of a knife and place them in a small saucepan with the butter. Melt the butter and let it infuse with the garlic, then discard the cloves and proceed with the recipe. For herb flavor, add a generous amount of dried or fresh herbs to the pot of boiling water so the potatoes absorb the herb flavor. Discard the herbs and continue with the recipe as directed.
