Crispy Smashed Potatoes
These Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish that will impress your family and friends! With their golden brown exterior and fluffy interior, these potatoes are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these smashed potatoes are perfect for any occasion. The addition of simple seasonings enhances their flavor, making them an irresistible treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can create a delicious side dish that everyone will love.
- Versatile Flavor: Customize the seasonings or toppings according to your taste preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or weeknight dinners—everyone will want seconds!
- Healthy Option: Made with wholesome ingredients, these potatoes can fit into various diet plans.
- Beautiful Presentation: Their unique smashed appearance makes them visually appealing on any plate.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Crispy Smashed Potatoes, having the right tools is essential. They help ensure even cooking and crispy results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Potato masher or fork
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes evenly until tender.
- Baking sheet: Provides ample space for the smashed potatoes to roast without crowding.
- Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Ingredients
These Crispy Smashed Potatoes are golden brown, crunchy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside! Made with baby potatoes, olive oil, and simple seasonings, they’re the perfect side dish for any meal. Serve them with sour cream, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce!
For the Potatoes
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
- 2 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For Seasoning
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Fill a large pot with water and add 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the baby potatoes to the boiling water and cook for about 15-20 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
- While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
- Drain the boiled potatoes in a colander.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use a potato masher or fork to gently smash each potato until flattened but not falling apart.
Step 4: Season and Roast
- Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the smashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper evenly across them.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over your crispy smashed potatoes before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauces!
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with many meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Sour Cream: A classic option that adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Garlic Aioli: This rich sauce complements the potatoes’ crunch perfectly.
- Spicy Mustard: For those who love a kick, spicy mustard adds zest.
As a Salad Base
- Mixed Greens: Serve the potatoes atop a bed of fresh mixed greens for added texture.
- Caesar Salad: Pair with Caesar dressing and croutons for a hearty twist.
Alongside Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken enhances the crispy texture of the potatoes.
- Steak: The richness of steak contrasts beautifully with the potato’s crunch.

How to Perfect Crispy Smashed Potatoes
To achieve the ultimate Crispy Smashed Potatoes, follow these helpful tips for the best results.
- Select fresh potatoes: Choose firm baby potatoes for the perfect texture and flavor.
- Boil thoroughly: Ensure potatoes are fork-tender before smashing them for ideal softness.
- Use high heat: Bake at a high temperature to achieve that coveted crispy exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each potato enough space to crisp up without steaming.
Best Side Dishes for Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Crispy Smashed Potatoes make an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some fantastic side dishes that pair well with them.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection add color and nutrients.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm potatoes.
- Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears offer a light and flavorful complement.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn balances out the savory flavors of smashed potatoes.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy cheese pasta adds comfort alongside crispy textures.
- Stuffed Peppers: Hearty stuffed peppers bring robust flavors that match well with potatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crispy Smashed Potatoes, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your potatoes turn out perfectly.
- Ignoring potato size: Using potatoes of uneven sizes can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to baby potatoes for consistent results.
- Not boiling long enough: If you don’t boil the potatoes until fork-tender, they won’t smash well. Make sure they are soft enough for easy smashing.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many potatoes on one sheet can prevent them from getting crispy. Leave space between each potato for proper air circulation.
- Skipping the oil: Olive oil or melted butter is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy texture. Don’t forget to coat them generously before baking.
- Forgetting seasonings: Bland potatoes are no fun! Always season well with salt and spices to enhance their flavor before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Allow them to cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture build-up.
Freezing Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Layer parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Reheating Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes; this method may not maintain crispiness.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, using a little oil for about 5 minutes until crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Crispy Smashed Potatoes that might help you in your cooking journey.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, while baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best, you can use other varieties like fingerling or russets. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Why are my smashed potatoes not crispy?
If your smashed potatoes aren’t crispy, it might be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet or insufficient oil. Give them space and a good coating of oil!
How can I spice up my Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
You can add different herbs like rosemary or thyme, or try different spices such as chili powder or onion powder for varying flavors.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time, then store them in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish that complements any meal. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various toppings and seasonings based on your preferences. Try making them today and enjoy the comforting crunch!
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a must-try side dish that combines a golden, crunchy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. This delightful recipe is not only easy to prepare but also impressively versatile, making it suitable for everything from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Tossed in olive oil and seasoned with garlic and paprika, these potatoes burst with flavor and are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. Serve them alongside grilled meats or fresh salads for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Drain and smash the boiled potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with seasonings.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg







