Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herb Butter Topping

Who can resist the allure of crispy, golden potatoes with a buttery herb topping? Smashed potatoes are the perfect blend of comfort food and sophistication—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with aromatic flavors. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a simple weeknight meal, these crispy smashed potatoes are guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With the versatility to add your favorite seasonings and toppings, this dish is both customizable and easy to prepare.

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In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to create the perfect crispy smashed potatoes, including tips for ingredient substitutions, variations, and serving suggestions. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and promises mouthwatering results every time.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we dive into the preparation process, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you’ll need to create these irresistible crispy smashed potatoes.

Main Ingredients:

• 8 small Yukon gold potatoes (about 1 ½ lbs.): Yukon Gold potatoes are the perfect choice for this recipe. Their creamy, buttery texture holds up well when boiled and smashed, giving you a soft center with a crisp exterior. If you prefer, small red potatoes can also work well.
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling the potatoes): The salt helps season the potatoes during boiling, ensuring they’re flavorful all the way through.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): These basic seasonings enhance the potatoes’ natural flavor and are essential to the recipe.

Topping Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Butter adds richness and flavor to the smashed potatoes. For an extra decadent touch, you can even use unsalted butter.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil helps to crisp up the potatoes in the oven while also adding a subtle, fruity flavor.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano brings a slightly bitter, herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with the other herbs.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme offers a warm, earthy flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes.
• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary adds a fragrant, pine-like aroma and pairs beautifully with the other herbs.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the savory flavor of the potatoes, giving them a satisfying depth.
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage: Sage provides an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that adds complexity to the herb mixture.

Preparation Instructions: Step-by-Step

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   • Start by bringing a large pot of water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once the water reaches a boil, stir in the salt and carefully add the potatoes.
   • Let the potatoes cook in the boiling water for about 25 minutes, or until they’re tender. If the skins split a little, that’s okay—this just means the potatoes are perfectly cooked and ready to be smashed.
   • Once tender, gently drain the potatoes and allow them to sit for about 5 minutes to let any excess steam escape. This helps them crisp up better in the oven later.
2. Smash the Potatoes:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Transfer the boiled potatoes to a lightly greased baking sheet, and let them cool for another 5 minutes to ensure they don’t get too soft when you smash them.
   • Using the bottom of a jar or drinking glass, gently press down on each potato until it’s smashed to your desired thickness. The thicker the potato, the fluffier it will be in the center, while a thinner smash will result in crispier edges. There is no right or wrong thickness—experiment to find your ideal texture.
   • Pro tip: If the skin folds over the top after smashing, use a fork to gently fluff the middle of the potato for an extra creamy center.
3. Season and Top with Herb Butter:
   • Season each smashed potato generously with salt and pepper to taste.
   • In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and sage. Brush this aromatic herb butter mixture generously over the tops of the smashed potatoes, ensuring each one is coated with the flavorful mixture.
4. Bake to Perfection:
   • Transfer the potatoes to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as oven temperatures may vary.
   • Optional but recommended: For an extra indulgent touch, remove the potatoes from the oven about 10 minutes before they’re done and brush them with another tablespoon of melted butter. This step ensures a rich, buttery finish that will make the potatoes even more irresistible.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and serve them hot. They make the perfect side dish for any main course, from roasted meats to grilled vegetables or even a simple salad.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma: What to Expect

The best part about these crispy smashed potatoes is the contrast in textures. The outside is perfectly crispy, with a golden-brown crunch that’s utterly satisfying to bite into. Inside, the potato remains soft, creamy, and fluffy, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The herb butter topping adds an aromatic layer of flavor that elevates the potatoes from simple to extraordinary, with hints of rosemary, garlic, and thyme that blend seamlessly together.

The combination of savory, crispy, and buttery flavors creates an irresistible dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The rich, herby aroma will fill your kitchen as the potatoes bake, making the anticipation of the first bite all the more exciting.

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Fresh Herbs: If you prefer fresh herbs, you can substitute 1/2 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs used in the recipe. Fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano will add even more fragrance to the dish.
• Cheese Additions: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded Parmesan or Asiago cheese over the smashed potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking. The cheese will melt and crisp up on top, adding a delightful savory layer.
• Bacon and Chives: For an extra indulgent touch, add crispy bacon bits and chopped chives as a topping right after the potatoes come out of the oven. These additions bring a smoky, salty crunch that complements the soft, buttery potatoes perfectly.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version of these potatoes, simply swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil, and ensure any cheese used is dairy-free.

Make-Ahead Method

If you’re preparing these potatoes in advance, you can boil and cool the potatoes ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, smash, season, and bake them according to the recipe instructions. While freezing isn’t recommended for this dish, the make-ahead method works perfectly for busy days when you want to cut down on prep time.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy smashed potatoes make a fantastic side dish for almost any meal. They pair beautifully with:

• Roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef.
• Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
• Salads, particularly tangy arugula or fresh spinach with a light vinaigrette.
• Egg dishes, like scrambled eggs or a vegetable frittata, for a delicious breakfast or brunch.

You can even serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, sour cream, or a tangy ranch dressing.

Storage and Reheating

For leftovers, store the smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6-8 minutes until heated through and crispy once again. While these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, reheating them will still yield a tasty result.

Conclusion

Crispy smashed potatoes are a simple yet utterly delicious side dish that can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences. With their crispy exterior, creamy interior, and flavorful herb butter topping, these potatoes are sure to become a go-to favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or serving a holiday feast, these smashed potatoes are guaranteed to impress. Try the recipe today and enjoy the crispy, buttery goodness that everyone will love!