Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor from garlic and fresh herbs, Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs are a simple yet elegant side dish perfect for any occasion. These potatoes are not just delicious but also versatile, pairing well with everything from grilled meats to hearty salads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a quick and easy dish.
2. Crispy Perfection: The technique ensures a crunchy texture with soft interiors.
3. Customizable: You can tweak the herbs, spices, or even the cooking method to suit your taste.
4. Visually Stunning: A beautiful addition to your dinner table.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients.
2. Boil: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.
3. Cook: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Drain: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

1. Arrange: Place the cooked potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
2. Smash: Use a flat-bottomed glass, a potato masher, or a spatula to gently press down on each potato until flattened but still intact.

Step 4: Season the Potatoes

1. Olive Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
2. Brush: Generously brush the mixture over the smashed potatoes, ensuring every potato is well-coated.

Step 5: Bake

1. First Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges of the potatoes are golden and crispy.
2. Add Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary over the potatoes. For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle parmesan cheese at this stage.
3. Final Bake: Bake for another 5–10 minutes to infuse the flavors and allow the herbs to crisp slightly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove the potatoes from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, parmesan, or optional toppings like sour cream or bacon.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes like Yukon gold or red potatoes work best due to their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape.
2. Don’t Overcook: Boil the potatoes just until fork-tender. Overcooked potatoes may fall apart during smashing.
3. Season Generously: Potatoes absorb flavors well, so be liberal with your seasoning.
4. Ensure Crispiness: Make sure the potatoes are well-coated in olive oil, and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet for maximum crispiness.

Variations

1. Cheesy Smashed Potatoes: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella during the final baking stage for a cheesy twist.
2. Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for heat lovers.
3. Lemon Herb Flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and zest to the herb mixture for a zesty punch.
4. Bacon Lover’s Delight: Sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon over the potatoes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs pair beautifully with:

• Grilled Chicken or Steak: Their crispy texture complements juicy meats.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced plate.
• Salads: Add them to a fresh green salad or a hearty Caesar salad.
• Soups: Perfect with creamy tomato soup or a robust beef stew.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Texture Contrast: Boiling creates tender insides, while baking delivers a crispy exterior.
2. Flavor Depth: Garlic and herbs add a gourmet touch to simple potatoes.
3. Versatility: Works as a side dish or a stand-alone snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use large potatoes?

Yes, but cut them into smaller chunks to ensure even cooking and easier smashing.

2. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Replace butter with a plant-based alternative or use extra olive oil.

3. Can I air-fry the potatoes?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the smashed potatoes for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Can I add other herbs?

Feel free to experiment with dill, chives, or oregano for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare yet feels indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, preparing a weeknight dinner, or just craving something crispy and flavorful, these potatoes deliver on all fronts. Customize them to suit your taste, and watch them disappear from the table!

Yield: 4-6

Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

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Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor from garlic and fresh herbs, Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs are a simple yet elegant side dish perfect for any occasion. These potatoes are not just delicious but also versatile, pairing well with everything from grilled meats to hearty salads.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes (red, yellow, or mixed)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
• Optional: chopped parsley or chives, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. Boil the Potatoes

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a generous pinch of salt.
2. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.

3. Smash the Potatoes

1. Arrange the cooked potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
2. Use the back of a sturdy glass, a potato masher, or the bottom of a mug to gently press each potato until flattened but still intact.

4. Prepare the Garlic Herb Oil

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Brush or drizzle the mixture generously over the smashed potatoes, ensuring the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed.

5. Roast the Potatoes

1. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
2. Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting.

6. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the potatoes from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.

7. Serving Suggestions

1. Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal.
2. Serve with sour cream or garlic aioli for dipping.
3. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish.

Notes

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Baby potatoes or small Yukon Golds work best for even cooking and smashing.
• Get Them Extra Crispy: For maximum crispiness, ensure the potatoes are completely dry before roasting.
• Double the Garlic Herb Oil: For an extra flavor boost, save some to drizzle over the potatoes just before serving.