Introduction
Transform humble potatoes into a sensational side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! This recipe for Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Herbs is ridiculously easy, unbelievably delicious, and perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Get ready to elevate your potato game!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s the perfect balance of crispy, fluffy, and flavorful. The smashing technique creates a wonderfully uneven surface, maximizing crispy edges while keeping the inside tender. The garlic and herb blend adds a burst of fresh flavor that complements any main course. It’s also incredibly adaptable – perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike!
Key Ingredients
🥔 2 lbs small red potatoes, scrubbed
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🌿 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
🌿 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🧂 ½ teaspoon black pepper
🫙 ⅓ cup olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2️⃣ Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
3️⃣ Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, gently smash each potato with the bottom of a glass or a potato masher. Don’t worry about making them perfectly flat – a rustic look is perfect!
4️⃣ In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5️⃣ Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the smashed potatoes. Then, sprinkle the garlic and herb mixture generously over the potatoes, making sure to coat them evenly.
6️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
Handy Tips
- Use small, uniformly sized potatoes for even cooking.
- Don’t over-smash the potatoes; you still want some thickness for a fluffy interior.
- For extra crispy potatoes, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!
Heat Control
The 400°F (200°C) oven temperature is crucial for achieving crispy potatoes without burning them. Lower temperatures will result in softer potatoes, while higher temperatures can lead to burning before the inside is cooked through.
Crunch Factor
The crunch factor comes from the smashing technique and the olive oil. Smashing creates a larger surface area for crisping, while the olive oil helps to brown and crisp the potatoes perfectly.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Use different herbs like oregano, parsley, or chives to customize the flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and herb mixture.
Storage Tips
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These potatoes make a fantastic addition to a holiday meal or potluck. Package them in a pretty basket lined with parchment paper or a reusable container tied with a ribbon.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Lemon & Herb: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the garlic and herb mixture.
🌟 Spicy Chipotle: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder into the seasoning blend.
🌟 Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese before and after baking.
🌟 Roasted Garlic: Use roasted garlic cloves instead of raw garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Potatoes are soggy: Ensure the potatoes are completely dry before smashing and oiling. Increase oven temperature slightly and broil for the last few minutes.
- Potatoes are burning: Reduce oven temperature and/or move the baking sheet to a lower rack.
- Potatoes are not crispy: Ensure you’re using enough olive oil and that the potatoes are smashed sufficiently to expose more surface area.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other types of potatoes? A: Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, but small red potatoes work best for this recipe due to their size and texture.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time, but it’s best to bake them just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet? A: Using parchment paper is highly recommended. You can also lightly grease the baking sheet with olive oil.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? A: Yes, but use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
Q: Are these potatoes gluten-free? A: Yes, these potatoes are naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Herbs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and share your delicious creations with us! We can’t wait to see your pictures!
Smashing Good Potatoes!
A deliciously crispy and fluffy side dish that will elevate any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of baby potatoes
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 220u00b0C (425u00b0F).
- Wash and scrub the baby potatoes, then place them in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- On a baking sheet, drizzle olive oil, then place the potatoes on the sheet.
- Using a fork or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato until flattened but still intact.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the smashed potatoes.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add grated parmesan cheese on top of the potatoes before roasting.
- Try using different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.