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Crispy Smashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Crunchy Spuds


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

Crispy smashed potatoes are a delicious side dish featuring creamy baby potatoes with a crunchy exterior, seasoned with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, they make a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a fun appetizer.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds of baby potatoes (or small Yukon Gold potatoes)
  • 4 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme), for garnish
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, for extra flavor

Instructions

  1. Rinse the baby potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt, using a vegetable brush if necessary.
  2. In a large pot, add the cleaned potatoes and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. Carefully drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
  4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  5. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with olive oil.
  6. Place the cooled potatoes on the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently flatten each potato to about ½ inch thickness.
  7. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the smashed potatoes.
  8. Ensure each potato is evenly coated with the oil and seasoning mixture.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
  10. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  11. Once golden brown and crispy, take the potatoes out of the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes.
  12. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the potatoes. Add more cheese if you didn’t earlier.
  13. Transfer to a serving platter or enjoy directly from the baking sheet. Serve with sour cream or a zesty dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Choose the Right Potatoes: Baby potatoes or small Yukon Golds are ideal for this recipe.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Ensure enough space between potatoes to allow for proper crisping.
  • Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix to your taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes