You can never go wrong with potato side dishes, whether it’s Irish colcannon, baked potato wedges, crock pot mashed potatoes, or this simple but satisfying smashed potatoes recipe. When I’m looking for an easy side dish that I know the whole family will love, I turn to crispy smashed potatoes. I love this dish because it’s simple to make, and you can add so many different flavors to customize it to your tastes!
Smashed Potatoes Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need baby potatoes, butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper and fresh herbs such as parsley.
How Do You Make Smashed Potatoes?
The first step in this recipe is to boil baby potatoes in salted water in a large pot until they’re tender. Place the potatoes on a sheet pan, then carefully flatten them. Drizzle a mixture of melted butter, garlic, herbs and parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Roast the potatoes until they’re golden brown and crispy outside and tender inside, then add parsley, serve and enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Side Dish
Any type of baby potato will work in this recipe, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. I typically use the bottom of a drinking glass to flatten my potatoes. You can also use the flat end of a meat mallet, a potato masher or a measuring cup. Try to gently mash the potato so that it flattens, but stays in one piece. These crispy potatoes pair well with main courses such as jalapeno popper chicken, burnt ends, fried chicken, beer brat bites or honey baked ham. These potatoes will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the potatoes, place them in an oven or toaster oven, then bake at 400 degrees F until they’ve regained their crispy texture.
Flavor Variations
While these potatoes are delicious as-is, you can add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.
Cheese: Instead of parmesan, add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, mozzarella or pepper jack during the last 5 minutes of the baking time. Herbs: Swap out the fresh parsley for basil, chives or thyme. Flavorings: Add some savory spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder or Cajun seasoning. Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, omit the parmesan cheese and use olive oil instead of butter.
Make Ahead Directions
You can prepare this dish up to 8 hours in advance. Boil the potatoes, then smash them according to recipe directions. Drizzle the garlic butter over the potatoes, then place them on the sheet pan. Cover the pan, then store it in the refrigerator. When it’s time for dinner, simply place the pan into the oven and you’ll be ready to go.
Take your plain old potatoes and transform them into something special with this recipe. Your family will be sure to thank you!
Smashed Potatoes Video
