Name: Ultimate Crispy Smashed Potatoes for a Cozy Dinner Night
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes (Red potatoes can serve as an alternative.); 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Any high-quality olive oil will work.); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can be used but monitor closely.); 2 tablespoon Fresh Chives (Alternatives include green onions or parsley.); 1 teaspoon Sea Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground is best.)

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As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of garlic and olive oil were beckoning from the oven, transforming ordinary Yukon Gold potatoes into something magical. These 5-Ingredient Crispy Smashed Potatoes are an absolute game-changer for anyone tired of the usual side dishes. With their delightful crunch on the outside and fluffy tenderness within, they’re sure to have your family scrambling for seconds. Not only is this recipe super simple and quick to whip up, but it’s also vegan-friendly and gluten-free, making it a perfect fit for any dietary needs. Imagine how this crowd-pleaser will elevate your next family gathering or cozy weeknight dinner! So, are you ready to experience the ultimate comfort food twist? Let’s get smashing!

Why are these potatoes a must-try?

Simplicity and Ease: This recipe uses just five ingredients, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Crispy on the outside and fluffy within, these smashed potatoes are guaranteed to impress family and friends at any gathering.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: Perfect for a variety of dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy it without worry.
Versatile Pairings: These potatoes are a fantastic complement to grilled chicken or roasted vegetables, and can even elevate holiday meals alongside turkey.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare ahead of time and impress guests with minimal effort—just pop them in the oven when you’re ready!
Get ready to swap your usual sides for these unforgettable smashed potatoes!

Smashed Potatoes Ingredients

• Your culinary adventure begins here with these essential ingredients!

For the Potatoes

Yukon Gold Potatoes – These puppies provide a creamy texture that’s perfect for smashing; red potatoes can serve as an alternative for a subtle flavor twist.

For the Seasoning

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds decadence and helps achieve that irresistible crispy texture; any high-quality olive oil will work in a pinch.
Garlic Powder – Offers an even flavor throughout and prevents burning; fresh garlic can be used, but monitor cooking time closely.
Fresh Chives – Brings a mild onion flavor with a splash of color; alternatively, green onions or parsley can elevate the taste.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing the natural taste of the potatoes; freshly ground pepper is the secret to a notably flavorful dish.

This ingredient breakdown will not only simplify your cooking process but also keep your culinary explorations exciting with these fabulous smashed potatoes!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting, grab a baking sheet and coat it with a generous layer of extra virgin olive oil. This will help the potatoes achieve that irresistible crispy texture we all love. Ensure the baking sheet is set aside, ready for the boiled potatoes.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Place your Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot, cover them with salted water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Let the potatoes cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and easily pierced. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander to remove excess water, allowing them to cool for a minute before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Prepare the Seasoning Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, chopped fresh chives, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together to create a flavorful seasoning mix that will elevate your smashed potatoes. This blend of seasoning is essential for infusing every bite with great taste.

Step 4: Smash the Potatoes
Carefully transfer the boiled potatoes to the prepared baking sheet, spaced a few inches apart. Using a potato masher, gently smash each potato just once until you achieve a flattened shape, taking care not to over-mash. A little rough texture is perfect; it allows for maximum crispiness during baking!

Step 5: Season the Potatoes
Drizzle the seasoning mixture evenly over the top of each smashed potato. Make sure every potato is well-coated for an explosion of flavor! After drizzling, sprinkle a bit of extra sea salt on top to enhance the taste, paving the way for those delicious crispy edges to shine through.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an ear out for the sizzling sound as they cook, a sure sign that these smashed potatoes are on their way to being incredibly delicious.

What to Serve with 5-Ingredient Crispy Smashed Potatoes

These delightful smashed potatoes are not just a dish on their own; they have the power to elevate any meal with a warmth full of flavor and textures.

Grilled Steak: The rich meaty flavors of grilled steak contrast beautifully with the crispy, fluffy potatoes, creating a satisfying dining experience.
Roasted Broccoli: The charred edges and tender stems of roasted broccoli add a fresh, vibrant component that balances the heaviness of the smashed potatoes.
Herbed Quinoa Salad: This light, nutty salad brings a burst of freshness with herbs and lemon, perfectly complementing the savory nature of your potatoes.
Lemon Garlic Asparagus: The zesty brightness of lemon and the crisp-tender asparagus offer a refreshing palate cleanse against the rich smashed potatoes.
Creamy Spinach Dip: A luscious, creamy dip with refreshing spinach pairs nicely, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Red Wine: A glass of smooth red wine accentuates the hearty flavors of the smashed potatoes while giving your meal a touch of sophistication.
Apple Pie: To finish your meal on a sweet note, a slice of warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a comforting contrast to your savory dish.
Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery goodness of garlic bread provides additional texture and flavor, making every bite an indulgent delight for your senses.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on skewers add a burst of freshness—a perfect balance to the crispy, rich flavors of smashed potatoes.

Storage Tips for Smashed Potatoes

Fridge: Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze smashed potatoes by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat the smashed potatoes in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, drizzling a bit of olive oil to revive that crispy texture.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare and season the smashed potatoes ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before baking.

Smashed Potatoes Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and put your own twist on these delightful smashed potatoes!

Herb-Infused: Swap out fresh chives for rosemary or thyme to infuse your smashed potatoes with aromatic flavors. Fresh herbs elevate the taste, creating a fragrant, mouth-watering experience.
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated cheese, like cheddar or parmesan, over the smashed potatoes before baking for a deliciously cheesy crust. Melting cheese adds an indulgent touch that’s sure to please any cheese lover!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to your seasoning mix to give the smashed potatoes an exciting heat. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a dish that warms your heart.
Garlic Lovers: Use roasted garlic in place of garlic powder for a richer, sweeter flavor. Roasting garlic transforms its profile, providing a glorious contrast to the crispy potatoes.
Vegan Creaminess: For creamier smashed potatoes, drizzle some vegan sour cream or a plant-based yogurt over the top before serving. It adds a tangy creaminess that juxtaposes perfectly with the crispy exterior.
Zesty Citrus: Brighten up the flavors by adding a splash of lemon juice or zest before serving. This simple addition can dramatically enhance the overall taste experience.
Savory Sweetness: Mix in caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms before smashing for an earthy sweetness. This will create a robust flavor profile that pairs beautifully with so many main dishes.

These variations are just a starting point! Embrace your creativity and make these smashed potatoes your own. They’re perfect alongside Baked Smashed Potatoes or Cheesy Taco Potatoes, adding an exciting twist to any meal. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Make Ahead Options

These smashed potatoes are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time during meal prep! You can boil and season the potatoes up to 8 hours in advance. Simply prepare the Yukon Gold potatoes as instructed and place them in the baking sheet without baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, remove them from the fridge, drizzle with your seasoning mixture, and pop them in a preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, following the normal baking instructions. This way, you’ll ensure your smashed potatoes are just as crispy and delicious as if you made them fresh!

Expert Tips for Smashed Potatoes

Uniform Size: Ensure all potatoes are of similar size for even cooking. This prevents some from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.

Gentle Smashing: Avoid over-mashing; you want a chunky texture. This helps the smashed potatoes get that delicious crispy exterior when baked.

Check the Oven: Keep an eye on them while baking. Oven temperatures can vary, so watch for that golden-brown color to avoid burning.

Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for unique flavor profiles.

Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Smashed Potatoes Recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes are best for smashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to choice for this recipe due to their creamy texture and thin skin, which makes them perfect for smashing. If, however, you’re looking to switch things up, red potatoes can provide a slightly different flavor while still giving you that delightful softness.

How do I store leftover smashed potatoes?
Very! Store any leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure they cool completely before sealing, as this helps prevent moisture from creating a soggy situation. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes to bring back their lovely crispiness.

Can I freeze smashed potatoes?
Of course! Freezing smashed potatoes is a great option if you want to make them ahead of time. Start by letting the smashed potatoes cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, you can bake them straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What should I do if my smashed potatoes aren’t crispy?
Don’t worry! If your potatoes lack that desired crispiness, there are a couple of tricks you can try. First, ensure they were well-spaced on the baking sheet; crowding can trap steam and hinder crispiness. You might also want to increase your oven temperature slightly and bake them a bit longer while keeping a close eye, as every oven can behave differently. Drizzling extra olive oil on top before the final bake can also help enhance that crunch!

Any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! This smashed potatoes recipe is vegan-friendly and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary needs. However, if you have allergies—especially to components like garlic or olive oil—consider substitutions like using garlic powder alternatives or different oils. Always double-check ingredient labels if you’re cooking for someone with allergies to ensure safety.

Can I make the smashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, indeed! You can prepare and season the smashed potatoes and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before baking. This make-ahead tip is perfect for saving time on those busy weeknights or when entertaining guests; just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to go.