Transform your ordinary potatoes into a crispy, flavorful delight with this homemade smashed potatoes recipe. Perfect for any meal, these golden treats are sure to impress.
When gathering ingredients, make sure to have fresh parsley on hand, as it adds a burst of color and flavor. If you don't usually keep olive oil or garlic powder in your pantry, be sure to pick them up at the supermarket.
Ingredients for Homemade Smashed Potatoes Recipe
potatoes: Choose red or yellow varieties for the best texture.
fine sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes.
olive oil: Helps achieve a crispy outer layer.
garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory note.
onion powder: Complements the garlic and adds depth.
black pepper: Freshly ground for a touch of heat.
parsley: Freshly chopped for a bright, herbal finish.
One reader, Hobey Pearce says:
These homemade smashed potatoes are absolutely delicious! The crispy edges and soft centers make for a perfect texture. The garlic and onion powder add just the right amount of flavor. This recipe is easy to follow and yields fantastic results. Highly recommend for a tasty side dish!
Essential Techniques for Making Homemade Smashed Potatoes Recipe
How to scrub potatoes: Explanation on how to clean potatoes thoroughly under running water, removing any dirt and nubby sprouting areas.
How to boil potatoes: Explanation on how to fill a pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
How to preheat oven: Explanation on setting the oven to the correct temperature, in this case, 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and ensuring it reaches that temperature before baking.
How to drizzle oil: Explanation on how to evenly distribute olive oil over a baking sheet using a brush.
How to smash potatoes: Explanation on using a potato masher or serving fork to gently press down on each potato to a height of about ½ inch.
How to bake potatoes: Explanation on placing the smashed potatoes in the oven and baking them until they are golden on the edges, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes.
How to chop fresh herbs: Explanation on how to finely chop fresh parsley to sprinkle over the baked potatoes before serving.
How To Make Homemade Smashed Potatoes
Enjoy a healthier version of your favorite smashed potatoes with this simple recipe. It is gluten-free and vegan perfect for a light yet filling meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbsred or yellow potatoes,small-to-medium size
- 1tbspfine sea salt,plus ¼ teaspoon, divided
- 4tbspolive oil,divided
- ¼tspgarlic powder
- ¼tsponion powder
- freshly ground black pepper,to taste
- 2tbspfresh parsley,chopped, chives and/or green onion
Instructions
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To prepare the potatoes, scrub them clean if dirty and rinse under running water. Remove and discard any nubby sprouting areas. Place the potatoes in a large Dutch oven or soup pot.
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Fill the pot with water until the potatoes are submerged and covered by 1 inch of additional water. Add salt.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and continue cooking until the potatoes are very easily pierced through by a fork. Smaller potatoes are done for around 20 minutes and medium for around 25 minutes.
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While the potatoes cook, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and drizzle 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over a large, rimmed baking sheet. Brush the oil so it’s evenly distributed over the sheet.
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When the potatoes are done, drain them in a large colander and let them cool for about 5 minutes until they can be handled safely.
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Evenly distribute the potatoes over the prepared baking sheet and use a potato masher or a serving fork to gently smash each potato to a height of about ½ inch.
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Drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the smashed potatoes. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt over the potatoes.
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Finally, sprinkle them lightly with freshly ground black pepper.
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Bake until the potatoes are nice and golden on the edges for about 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle them with chopped fresh herbs and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 297.67kcal
- Fat: 13.75g
- Saturated Fat: 1.94g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.87g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.53g
- Carbohydrates: 40.48g
- Fiber: 5.28g
- Sugar: 1.80g
- Protein: 4.76g
- Sodium: 565.75mg
- Calcium: 34.33mg
- Potassium: 979.22mg
- Iron: 2.06mg
- Vitamin A: 8.20µg
- Vitamin C: 47.24mg
Pro Tip for Achieving the Perfect Texture in Smashed Potatoes
When smashing the potatoes, use a gentle hand to avoid breaking them apart completely. Aim for a height of about ½ inch to ensure they hold their shape while baking and develop a crispy exterior.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Smashed Potatoes
Pre-boil in advance: Boil the potatoes the night before and store them in the fridge. This way, you only need to smash and bake them the next day.
Use small potatoes: Smaller potatoes cook faster, saving you time during the boiling process.
Microwave option: If you're in a rush, microwave the potatoes for a few minutes before boiling to speed up the cooking process.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while the potatoes are boiling to save time.
Prep the baking sheet: Prepare the baking sheet with olive oil and seasonings while the potatoes are cooling.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Smashed Potatoes Recipe
red or yellow potatoes - Substitute with russet potatoes: Russet potatoes have a higher starch content, which makes them fluffier when smashed.
fine sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar flavor profile and can be used in the same quantity.
olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the potatoes well.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions offer a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the dish.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and a slightly different heat profile.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh chives: Fresh chives add a mild onion-like flavor and a pop of color.
How to Beautifully Present Smashed Potatoes
Select the finest red or yellow potatoes: Choose uniformly sized potatoes to ensure even cooking and a visually appealing presentation.
Create a luxurious base: Use a high-quality olive oil to coat the baking sheet, ensuring a rich and golden crust on the potatoes.
Perfectly season the water: Add fine sea salt to the boiling water to infuse the potatoes with a subtle, well-rounded flavor.
Achieve the ideal texture: Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender, ensuring they are soft enough to smash but still hold their shape.
Preheat the oven to the optimal temperature: Set the oven to 425 degrees F to achieve a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender interiors.
Distribute the potatoes evenly: Place the potatoes on the baking sheet with enough space between them to allow for even browning.
Smash with precision: Use a potato masher or serving fork to gently smash each potato to a height of about ½ inch, creating a rustic yet refined look.
Drizzle with premium olive oil: Pour the remaining olive oil over the smashed potatoes, ensuring each one is well-coated for maximum flavor and crispiness.
Season with finesse: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of fine sea salt over the potatoes, followed by a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper.
Bake to golden perfection: Cook the potatoes until they are golden and crispy on the edges, approximately 25 to 30 minutes, to achieve a delightful contrast in textures.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Finish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
Serve with elegance: Arrange the smashed potatoes on a pristine white plate, allowing their golden edges and vibrant green garnish to stand out, creating a visually stunning and appetizing dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Smashed Potatoes
Dutch oven: A large, heavy pot used for boiling the potatoes until they are tender.
Soup pot: An alternative to the Dutch oven for boiling the potatoes.
Colander: Used to drain the boiled potatoes.
Large rimmed baking sheet: The surface on which the potatoes will be smashed and baked.
Potato masher: A tool to gently smash the boiled potatoes to a height of about ½ inch.
Serving fork: An alternative to the potato masher for smashing the potatoes.
Basting brush: Used to evenly distribute olive oil over the baking sheet.
Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Oven: Preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit for baking the smashed potatoes until golden.
Fork: Used to check the doneness of the potatoes by piercing them.
Knife: For removing any nubby sprouting areas from the potatoes.
Cutting board: A surface to place the potatoes while cleaning and preparing them.
Mixing bowl: Optional, for mixing the seasonings if desired.
Tongs: For handling the hot potatoes safely after boiling.
Spatula: To help remove the baked potatoes from the baking sheet.
Herb chopper: For finely chopping the fresh parsley to sprinkle over the finished dish.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Let the smashed potatoes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- To reheat, place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the smashed potatoes. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen smashed potatoes, preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the frozen potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
- No need to thaw the potatoes before reheating. In fact, reheating them from frozen helps maintain their crispy texture.
- If you find the reheated potatoes are a bit dry, you can brush them with a little olive oil or butter before serving to add moisture and flavor.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Smashed Potatoes
The best way to reheat leftover smashed potatoes is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they're heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Another great option is to reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smashed potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat them in the microwave. Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high for 1-2 minutes, or until they're heated through. Keep in mind that microwaving them won't give you the same crispy texture as the oven or stovetop methods.
For a tasty twist, try adding some shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, or chopped green onions to the potatoes before reheating them. This will give them an extra burst of flavor and make them feel like a whole new dish.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your smashed potatoes. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the potatoes in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they're heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Interesting Trivia About Smashed Potatoes
A fun fact about this smashed potatoes recipe is that using olive oil instead of butter not only makes it healthier but also adds a rich, fruity flavor that complements the garlic and onion powder perfectly.
Is Making Smashed Potatoes at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade smashed potatoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like potatoes, olive oil, and basic seasonings are affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. For a household of 4 people, the approximate cost is around $5-$7 USD. Given the simplicity and deliciousness of the dish, it offers excellent value for money. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Are Smashed Potatoes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The homemade smashed potatoes recipe is relatively healthy, as it uses whole potatoes and olive oil, which are both nutritious ingredients. Potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals like potassium. Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. The recipe also includes herbs and spices, which can add flavor without significantly increasing calorie content.
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the boiling water and seasoning to lower the overall sodium content
- Use a smaller amount of olive oil to decrease the calorie and fat content
- Include more herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or paprika, to enhance flavor and provide additional antioxidants
- Serve the smashed potatoes alongside a variety of colorful vegetables to increase the overall nutrient density of the meal
To further boost the nutritional value of this recipe, you could experiment with using a mix of sweet potatoes and regular potatoes. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Additionally, you might consider using a small amount of grass-fed butter or ghee instead of olive oil, as these contain beneficial fatty acids like butyrate and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Topping the potatoes with fresh, chopped chives or green onions can also add a pop of color and a mild, oniony flavor.
Editor's Opinion: Why I Love This Smashed Potatoes Recipe
This homemade smashed potatoes recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. The use of red or yellow potatoes ensures a creamy texture, while the olive oil and seasonings add a rich, savory depth. Baking at 425 degrees Fahrenheit crisps the edges perfectly, creating a satisfying contrast to the tender interior. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant, herbaceous finish. Overall, it's a well-balanced dish that's easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Enhance Your Homemade Smashed Potatoes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Potato Side Dishes to Try
Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Smashed Potatoes
Why trust this Homemade Smashed Potatoes Recipe:
This recipe for smashed potatoes is a must-try because it combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Using red or yellow potatoes ensures a creamy texture, while olive oil adds a rich, golden crispiness. The addition of garlic powder and onion powder infuses each bite with savory goodness. Fresh parsley provides a burst of color and freshness. Trust this recipe for its straightforward steps and delicious results, perfect for any meal.
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