Smashed Crispy Potatoes Perfectly Crunchy Recipe

August 20, 2025 by Lauren

Are you ready to elevate your potato game? Smashed Crispy Potatoes offer the perfect crunch in every bite! This easy recipe uses simple ingredients for a tasty side dish that everyone will love. In just a few steps, you’ll learn how to achieve that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the insides fluffy. Let’s dive into the delightful world of Smashed Crispy Potatoes and make your next meal unforgettable!

Ingredients

List of Essential Ingredients

To make smashed crispy potatoes, you need these key ingredients:

– 1.5 lbs baby potatoes

– 1/4 cup olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients create a dish full of flavor and crunch. The baby potatoes are perfect for smashing and give a great texture. The olive oil adds richness, while garlic, paprika, and rosemary pack in the taste.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

You can add other ingredients for more flavor. Here are some ideas:

– Grated cheese for creaminess

– Fresh herbs like thyme or dill

– Chili flakes for a spicy kick

– Lemon zest for a fresh twist

Feel free to mix and match these add-ins. They can elevate your potatoes and make them unique.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of smashed crispy potatoes is about:

– Calories: 220

– Fat: 10g

– Carbohydrates: 30g

– Protein: 4g

– Fiber: 3g

This dish is a great balance of carbs and healthy fats. The fiber from the potatoes helps keep you full. Enjoy these tasty potatoes as a side or snack!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

First, gather your ingredients. You need:

– 1.5 lbs baby potatoes

– 1/4 cup olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Next, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step will help with easy cleanup later.

Now, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the baby potatoes. Cook them for 15-20 minutes. They should be tender but not falling apart. You can test this by poking them with a fork.

After cooking, drain the potatoes. Let them sit for about 5 minutes. This allows them to steam dry, which helps them get crispy later.

Cooking Procedures

Place the drained potatoes on your prepared baking sheet. Grab the bottom of a glass or a potato masher. Gently press down on each potato until it flattens to about 1/2 inch thick.

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Drizzle this tasty oil blend over the smashed potatoes. Make sure they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Now, roast your potatoes in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Turn them once halfway through cooking. This helps them get golden brown and crispy all over.

Achieving the Perfect Crispiness

To get that perfect crunch, keep an eye on the color. They should turn a nice golden brown. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil them for a minute at the end. Just watch closely to avoid burning.

Once they are done, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. This not only adds flavor but also makes your dish look great! Enjoy your smashed crispy potatoes.

Tips & Tricks

Best Potatoes to Use

For smashed crispy potatoes, baby potatoes work best. They have a creamy texture and a thin skin. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes. They are buttery and hold their shape well. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets. They can break apart during cooking.

Ensuring Even Cooking

To ensure even cooking, boil the potatoes whole. This helps them cook through evenly. Once tender, let them steam dry for five minutes. This step removes excess moisture. It results in a crispier finish. Use a gentle touch when smashing. If you press too hard, they may fall apart.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is not preheating the oven. A hot oven helps achieve that perfect crunch. Another mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. Leave space between each potato to allow airflow. Lastly, don’t skip the oil mixture. It adds flavor and helps with crispiness.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can make smashed crispy potatoes even more fun with flavors. Try adding cheese for a rich taste. Grated Parmesan or cheddar melts nicely and adds great depth. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or chives. These herbs make the dish fragrant and colorful. For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!

Cooking Method Alternatives

If you want to save time, you can cook these potatoes in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the smashed potatoes for about 15-20 minutes. Check them halfway and give them a shake for even cooking. You can also use a stovetop method. Just heat oil in a skillet, add the smashed potatoes, and fry them until golden and crispy.

Dietary Modifications

Making smashed crispy potatoes vegan is simple. Just swap olive oil for any plant-based oil. You can also skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese option. This way, everyone can enjoy them. If you want a nutty flavor, try sprinkling nutritional yeast on top. It gives a cheesy taste without dairy, perfect for vegan diets.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store your smashed crispy potatoes, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating Tips

For reheating, the oven is best. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer. Just set it to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze these potatoes, but they may lose some crispiness. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to two months.

FAQs

Can I make Smashed Crispy Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Smashed Crispy Potatoes ahead. Cook them, smash them, and store them in the fridge. To keep them fresh, cover them well. When ready to eat, drizzle with oil and roast them. This makes for a quick and easy side dish.

What can I serve with Smashed Crispy Potatoes?

Smashed Crispy Potatoes pair well with many dishes. You can serve them with grilled chicken, fish, or steak. They also go great with roasted veggies or salads. For a fun twist, try them with a spicy dipping sauce or sour cream.

How do I make them spicier?

To add spice to your Smashed Crispy Potatoes, increase the paprika. You can also add cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Mixing in some spicy sauce, like sriracha, can give a nice kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste for the right heat!

In this blog post, we explored the joy of making Smashed Crispy Potatoes. We covered important ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect results. I shared variations to keep your meals exciting and useful storage info for leftovers.

Remember, a few simple changes can make a big difference in flavor. This dish is fun to make and easy to enjoy. With practice, you’ll master the art of crispy potatoes!

$To make smashed crispy potatoes, you need these key ingredients: - 1.5 lbs baby potatoes - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a dish full of flavor and crunch. The baby potatoes are perfect for smashing and give a great texture. The olive oil adds richness, while garlic, paprika, and rosemary pack in the taste. You can add other ingredients for more flavor. Here are some ideas: - Grated cheese for creaminess - Fresh herbs like thyme or dill - Chili flakes for a spicy kick - Lemon zest for a fresh twist Feel free to mix and match these add-ins. They can elevate your potatoes and make them unique. Each serving of smashed crispy potatoes is about: - Calories: 220 - Fat: 10g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Protein: 4g - Fiber: 3g This dish is a great balance of carbs and healthy fats. The fiber from the potatoes helps keep you full. Enjoy these tasty potatoes as a side or snack! First, gather your ingredients. You need: - 1.5 lbs baby potatoes - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Next, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step will help with easy cleanup later. Now, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the baby potatoes. Cook them for 15-20 minutes. They should be tender but not falling apart. You can test this by poking them with a fork. After cooking, drain the potatoes. Let them sit for about 5 minutes. This allows them to steam dry, which helps them get crispy later. Place the drained potatoes on your prepared baking sheet. Grab the bottom of a glass or a potato masher. Gently press down on each potato until it flattens to about 1/2 inch thick. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Drizzle this tasty oil blend over the smashed potatoes. Make sure they are evenly coated for maximum flavor. Now, roast your potatoes in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Turn them once halfway through cooking. This helps them get golden brown and crispy all over. To get that perfect crunch, keep an eye on the color. They should turn a nice golden brown. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil them for a minute at the end. Just watch closely to avoid burning. Once they are done, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. This not only adds flavor but also makes your dish look great! Enjoy your smashed crispy potatoes. For smashed crispy potatoes, baby potatoes work best. They have a creamy texture and a thin skin. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes. They are buttery and hold their shape well. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets. They can break apart during cooking. To ensure even cooking, boil the potatoes whole. This helps them cook through evenly. Once tender, let them steam dry for five minutes. This step removes excess moisture. It results in a crispier finish. Use a gentle touch when smashing. If you press too hard, they may fall apart. One common mistake is not preheating the oven. A hot oven helps achieve that perfect crunch. Another mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. Leave space between each potato to allow airflow. Lastly, don’t skip the oil mixture. It adds flavor and helps with crispiness. {{image_2}} You can make smashed crispy potatoes even more fun with flavors. Try adding cheese for a rich taste. Grated Parmesan or cheddar melts nicely and adds great depth. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or chives. These herbs make the dish fragrant and colorful. For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative! If you want to save time, you can cook these potatoes in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the smashed potatoes for about 15-20 minutes. Check them halfway and give them a shake for even cooking. You can also use a stovetop method. Just heat oil in a skillet, add the smashed potatoes, and fry them until golden and crispy. Making smashed crispy potatoes vegan is simple. Just swap olive oil for any plant-based oil. You can also skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese option. This way, everyone can enjoy them. If you want a nutty flavor, try sprinkling nutritional yeast on top. It gives a cheesy taste without dairy, perfect for vegan diets. To store your smashed crispy potatoes, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For reheating, the oven is best. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer. Just set it to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. You can freeze these potatoes, but they may lose some crispiness. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to two months. Yes, you can prepare Smashed Crispy Potatoes ahead. Cook them, smash them, and store them in the fridge. To keep them fresh, cover them well. When ready to eat, drizzle with oil and roast them. This makes for a quick and easy side dish. Smashed Crispy Potatoes pair well with many dishes. You can serve them with grilled chicken, fish, or steak. They also go great with roasted veggies or salads. For a fun twist, try them with a spicy dipping sauce or sour cream. To add spice to your Smashed Crispy Potatoes, increase the paprika. You can also add cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Mixing in some spicy sauce, like sriracha, can give a nice kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste for the right heat! In this blog post, we explored the joy of making Smashed Crispy Potatoes. We covered important ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect results. I shared variations to keep your meals exciting and useful storage info for leftovers. Remember, a few simple changes can make a big difference in flavor. This dish is fun to make and easy to enjoy. With practice, you’ll master the art of crispy potatoes!$