Crispy Smashed Potatoes
The ultimate comfort food, Crispy Smashed Potatoes are the perfect crunchy yet creamy side dish for any meal. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these potatoes will become a favorite at your dinner table. Serve them tonight for an unforgettable experience!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb baby Yukon Gold potatoes
- Kosher salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp chopped rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°. This is crucial for achieving that golden crust. A properly heated oven will help the potatoes crisp up nicely.
- In a large pot, cover the baby Yukon Gold potatoes with water and sprinkle in a generous pinch of Kosher salt. This step is essential for flavor. Bring the water to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork can easily pierce through.
- Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and let them sit for a bit until they’re cool enough to handle. This waiting period helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to smash.
- On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the cooled potatoes with olive oil and season generously with Kosher salt. Make sure each potato is coated; this is where the flavor begins!
- Now, take the flat bottom of a glass or a mason jar and press down gently on each potato to smash them flat. Aim for a thickness of about half an inch. You want them to stay intact while also creating lots of surface area for crisping.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes until the bottoms are beginning to crisp and turn golden, about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the aroma will be mouthwatering!
- While the potatoes bake, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. This mixture will infuse the potatoes with incredible flavor.
- Remove the butter mixture from heat and set it aside. This step ensures that the herbs release their essential oils without burning.
- After the potatoes have baked, spoon the melted butter mixture over them, brushing to evenly coat. This adds that irresistible buttery flavor and helps with browning.
- Return the potatoes to the oven for another 5 minutes. This final bake will help integrate the flavors and achieve that perfect crisp.
- Serve immediately! Enjoy the Crispy Smashed Potatoes hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra herbs if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.
- Freezing: These potatoes can be frozen after cooking. Lay them flat on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- Pairing: They pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled fish, or a simple salad.
- Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun or Italian herbs for a unique twist.
- Batch Cooking: Feel free to double the recipe for gatherings; they’re always a hit!