Crispy Smashed Baked Potatoes Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a side that steals the show with just a few humble ingredients, look no further than Crispy Smashed Baked Potatoes. These golden, buttery bites are irresistibly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor thanks to garlic, onion, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Whether you’re grilling burgers or serving a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is sensational.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Crispy Smashed Baked Potatoes is all about basics done right. The ingredients bring simplicity and harmony, each one contributing its own special touch to nail the texture, aroma, and overall deliciousness.
- Small potatoes (2.2 lbs / 1 kg): Choose starchy or waxy depending on your texture preference; smaller potatoes tend to get crispier.
- Olive oil (4 tbsp): Provides richness and helps achieve that irresistible crispy crust.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds savory depth and a subtle kick without overpowering the potatoes.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Brings a sweet, gentle warmth that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkled on top for a pop of fresh color and mild herbaceous flavor.
- Sea salt: Essential for seasoning, enhancing natural potato sweetness and crispiness.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Trays
Start by preheating your fan-forced oven to 200°C (or 220°C if you’re using a conventional oven without a fan). Get two half-sheet baking trays ready by coating each generously with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, spreading it evenly to prevent sticking and promote even crisping.
Step 2: Clean and Boil the Potatoes
Make sure your potatoes are clean — grab a kitchen brush if you need to scrub off any dirt on their skins. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water about an inch above, then pop on the lid and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes for around 10 to 15 minutes, poking with a knife to check doneness; the knife should slide through with just a bit of resistance, indicating they’re ready to be smashed.
Step 3: Smash Those Potatoes
Drain the potatoes carefully and transfer them onto your oiled baking trays. Using the back of a fork or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until they’ve flattened but still hold together—this creates more surface area to crisp up in the oven. Let them rest for about 5 minutes before seasoning.
Step 4: Season and Oil for Crispy Perfection
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of sea salt over each smashed potato. Next, drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil over each tray, making sure every potato gets some love. This oil bath is key to achieving that golden, crispy exterior everyone raves about.
Step 5: Bake and Flip
Bake the potatoes for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each one over with a spatula to ensure even browning. Bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until they’re deeply golden and wonderfully crispy. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley right out of the oven, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Baked Potatoes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic and beautiful way to add that vibrant pop of green and hint of herbaceous freshness. For an added wow factor, try topping them with grated Parmesan, a dollop of sour cream, or even a few crumbles of crispy bacon if you’re feeling indulgent!
Side Dishes
Crispy Smashed Baked Potatoes are versatile and pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty salad. They’re especially fantastic alongside juicy burgers, grilled chicken, or salmon for a meal that feels both comforting and elevated.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange your Crispy Smashed Baked Potatoes on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or herby ranch. Or pile them high in a bowl and let everyone dig in family-style—it’s a fun and casual way to enjoy this irresistible side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Crispy Smashed Baked Potatoes (though that’s rare!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for a quick snack or to add to your next meal.
Freezing
You can freeze these potatoes, too! Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container so they don’t stick together. They keep their flavor and texture for about two months in the freezer.
Reheating
To bring back their signature crispiness after refrigeration or freezing, reheat the Crispy Smashed Baked Potatoes in the oven rather than the microwave. Pop them at 200°C for about 10 to 15 minutes until they’re heated through and crunchy again.
FAQs
What type of potatoes work best for Crispy Smashed Baked Potatoes?
Small starchy potatoes are ideal because they tend to create that perfect fluffy interior and crispy crust. However, waxy potatoes can also work if you prefer a smoother, creamier inside.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! The recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use olive oil and skip any optional dairy toppings like cheese or sour cream.
How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?
Make sure to oil your baking trays well, drizzle extra olive oil on the potatoes themselves, and flip them halfway through baking. Using a fan-forced oven helps boost crispiness, too.
Can I use larger potatoes for this recipe?
You can, but keep in mind that larger potatoes will have a fluffier center and might not get quite as crispy as smaller ones. You might want to increase boiling time a bit to ensure they’re fully tender before smashing.
Is it okay to boil the potatoes the day before?
Yes! Boiling them in advance can save time on cooking day—just store boiled potatoes in the fridge overnight and then proceed to smash, season, and bake as normal.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Smashed Baked Potatoes are absolutely one of those side dishes you’ll keep coming back to because they’re just that good. The combination of crispy edges, tender insides, and flavorful seasoning makes every bite satisfyingly delicious. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a go—your taste buds and your dinner guests will thank you!
