If you’re looking for a potato side dish that’s both easy and impressive, this crispy smashed potatoes recipe is a must-try. Baby potatoes are boiled until tender, smashed flat, and roasted in the oven until their edges turn golden and crunchy. With the addition of garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, they’re packed with flavor while staying simple enough for weeknight meals.
Unlike mashed potatoes or traditional roasted potatoes, smashed potatoes have a unique texture: soft on the inside with irresistible crispiness on the outside. They pair well with almost any main course, making them a versatile option for family dinners, holidays, or casual gatherings. This recipe uses minimal ingredients and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills, making it one of the easiest potato dishes you can prepare at home.
Why You’ll Love These Smashed Potatoes
- Crispy and flavorful: The combination of olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan ensures every bite is rich in flavor with a satisfying crunch.
- Simple ingredients: You only need pantry staples like baby potatoes, olive oil, and garlic to create a dish that tastes restaurant-worthy.
- Customizable: You can add herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley for extra freshness, or sprinkle on chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Perfect side dish: They work well with meats, seafood, and vegetarian mains, or even as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Crowd-pleasing: Whether served for family dinners or at gatherings, these crispy smashed potatoes are always a hit at the table.
- Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and little active cooking time, they’re an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Ingredients Needed
To prepare this crispy smashed potatoes recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple, fresh, and pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a role in bringing flavor and texture to the dish:
- 1 lb baby potatoes – Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best because of their size and creamy texture. They cook evenly and are easy to smash without falling apart.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Provides richness and helps the potatoes develop golden, crispy edges while roasting. Extra-virgin olive oil is ideal, but any good-quality olive oil works.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds an aromatic flavor that blends perfectly with the crispy potatoes. Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Enhances flavor with a salty, nutty touch and creates an extra layer of crispiness when baked.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Balances and brings out the natural flavors of the potatoes and seasonings.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) – A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and color to the final dish.
These ingredients are simple but come together beautifully to create smashed potatoes that are flavorful, crispy, and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfectly golden and crispy smashed potatoes:
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
- Add about 1 teaspoon of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle boil.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to pierce them easily without resistance.
- Drain the potatoes well and let them cool slightly on a tray or colander for a few minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
- Arrange the boiled potatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Using the bottom of a sturdy glass, mug, or a potato masher, press down gently on each potato until it flattens to about 1/2-inch thick. The thinner they are, the crispier they will get in the oven.
Step 4: Season the Potatoes
- Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil, making sure each one is coated.
- Sprinkle minced garlic evenly across the potatoes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring each potato gets a light layer.
Step 5: Roast Until Crispy
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Roast the potatoes for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- For extra crispiness, you can switch to the broil setting during the last 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Serve the crispy smashed potatoes warm as a side dish or appetizer.
Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Extra crispy tip: Brush a little more olive oil on the baking sheet before placing the potatoes for even more crunch.
- Best potatoes to use: Baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes provide the right size and texture.
- Make ahead: You can boil the potatoes in advance, refrigerate them, and smash/bake when ready to serve.
Easy Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Description
These crispy smashed potatoes are oven-baked to golden perfection with garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. An easy side dish that’s crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add 1 teaspoon salt.
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Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Arrange boiled potatoes on the sheet. Gently smash each potato to about 1/2-inch thickness using a glass or masher.
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Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan.
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Roast for 20–25 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. For extra crunch, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
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Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
