Looking for a side dish that’s crispy, buttery, and bursting with flavor? These easy smashed potatoes are your new go-to recipe! With a perfectly golden exterior and a fluffy, tender interior, they’re the ultimate comfort food. Brushed with garlic-infused butter and topped with fresh chives, these little bites of perfection are as versatile as they are delicious. Whether you’re prepping them for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or just a satisfying snack, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s turn humble potatoes into a show-stopping dish!
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Why Smashed Potatoes are Amazing for Party Appetizers or Weekly Meal Prep
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: The crispy edges and buttery flavor make these potatoes a universally loved snack or side dish. Perfect for impressing guests!
- Customizable: Add toppings like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of paprika to elevate the flavor to suit any occasion.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Smashed potatoes reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer, maintaining their crisp texture for a quick weekday snack.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple, affordable ingredients, these smashed potatoes are an economical option for any gathering or meal.
- Versatile Pairing: Whether served alongside a main dish or paired with dips like sour cream, ranch, or aioli, they fit any menu.
- Easy to Scale: The recipe can be doubled or tripled effortlessly, making it suitable for both intimate dinners and large parties.
Basic Ingredients You’ll Need
- Yellow Potatoes: Yellow potatoes, like Yukon Gold, are ideal for smashed potatoes because of their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. Their thin skin softens during boiling, adding a pleasant chewiness and rustic appeal without needing to peel them.
- Butter: Melted butter coats the potatoes, soaking into the crevices created by smashing. This helps lock in moisture while promoting crisp, golden edges during baking. Butter’s rich, savory flavor enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making them irresistibly indulgent.
- Chopped Chives: Chives bring a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the butter and potatoes. Their bright green color also adds a pop of vibrancy, making the dish visually appealing and aromatic.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a subtle, earthy depth without overpowering the dish. It blends seamlessly with the butter, creating a savory undertone that enhances the potatoes without the sharper bite of fresh garlic.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes: Rinse the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Place them in a large soup pot and fill it with water, ensuring the potatoes are completely submerged. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat slightly and cook the potatoes for 15–20 minutes. Test doneness by piercing a potato with a fork—it should slide in easily without resistance.
- Cool and Prepare for Smashing: Carefully drain the hot water and let the potatoes sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. This makes them easier to handle. While they cool, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Smash the Potatoes: Arrange the boiled potatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Take a sturdy cup or glass, oil the bottom lightly to avoid sticking, and press down on each potato to flatten it to about ½ inch thick. The edges might crack, but that’s what makes them crispy!
- Season and Brush: In a small bowl, melt the butter (you can do this in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds). Mix in the chopped chives, garlic powder, and salt until combined. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the smashed potatoes with the butter mixture. Flip each potato over carefully and brush the other side as well.
- Bake Until Golden and Crisp: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes develop golden, crispy edges. Check them halfway through and rotate the pan if needed for even browning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the potatoes cool slightly. Sprinkle them with additional fresh herbs if desired and serve warm with your favorite dips or condiments. They’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Pairing Tips
- Grilled or Roasted Chicken: Juicy, herb-seasoned chicken complements the buttery, crisp potatoes perfectly. Try lemon rosemary chicken or garlic herb roast chicken for a classic pairing.
- Seared Steak: A medium-rare steak with a side of smashed potatoes creates a steakhouse-inspired meal. Top the potatoes with a drizzle of steak sauce or compound butter for added flair.
- Pan-Seared Salmon or White Fish: The crispy texture of the potatoes balances the delicate, flaky texture of fish. Add a squeeze of lemon over both for a bright and fresh flavor combination.
- Garlic Aioli: The creamy texture and garlicky flavor of aioli complement the crisp edges of the potatoes.
- Sour Cream and Chive Dip: A tangy sour cream base with a sprinkle of fresh chives enhances the existing flavors of the recipe.
- Pesto: For a fresh and herby dip, serve the potatoes with a vibrant basil or arugula pesto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can boil and smash the potatoes in advance, then refrigerate them on a baking sheet. When ready to serve, brush them with butter, season, and bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! While yellow potatoes like Yukon Gold are ideal for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, you can also use red potatoes or baby potatoes. Avoid starchy varieties like Russets, as they tend to fall apart when smashed.
Can I freeze smashed potatoes?
Yes, but for best results, freeze them after boiling and smashing but before baking. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, brush with butter and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Easy Smashed Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
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