Crispy Smashed Potatoes
These irresistible potatoes feature a perfectly golden, ultra-crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy center, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
- •2 lbs (900g) baby gold or red potatoes
- •1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- •1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
- •2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- •Optional: flaky sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- 1
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- 2
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a large rimmed baking sheet with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- 3
Drain the potatoes well and let them steam dry in the colander for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- 4
Transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a heavy glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until it is flattened but still holding together.
- 5
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
- 6
Drizzle the herb-garlic oil generously over the smashed potatoes, ensuring the edges are well-coated.
- 7
Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the edges are deep golden brown and exceptionally crispy.
- 8
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and serve immediately.
💡 Chef tips
- For extra crispiness, ensure the potatoes are completely dry before smashing; moisture is the enemy of a good crust.
- You can boil the potatoes up to a day in advance; just keep them refrigerated and smash them right before you are ready to roast.
- If you want a flavor boost, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or nutritional yeast to the oil mixture.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished potatoes should have deeply browned, jagged edges that shatter when bitten, revealing a steaming, buttery-soft interior seasoned with aromatic garlic and herbs.