Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I reached for a simple bag of potatoes, I never imagined I’d transform them into a side dish that could steal the show. These Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes are not just another way to serve spuds; they boast a buttery, crunchy exterior that perfectly contrasts with their fluffy interior, making them the ideal comfort food. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that rivals even the most tempting fast-food fries while keeping it vegetarian-friendly. Whether you’re serving them as an irresistible snack or alongside your favorite protein, they’re bound to be a hit at your table. Curious how to achieve that perfect crunch? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe! How do you achieve ultra crispy potatoes? Irresistible Crunch: The secret to achieving a wonderfully crunchy exterior lies in the steaming and smashing technique, ensuring they get that coveted texture. Buttery Richness: Each potato is brushed with melted butter and olive oil, creating a deliciously rich flavor that enhances the dish. Simplicity: With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll have a gourmet side ready in no time, perfect for any weeknight meal or special occasion! Crowd-Pleasing: These crispy smashed potatoes make for an excellent accompaniment to tender pork chops or even a delightful standalone snack, just like Hot Honey Fried Shrimp for your gatherings. Versatile Topping Options: Feel free to sprinkle some herbs or spices to add your personal touch; they adapt wonderfully to various flavor profiles! Crispy Smashed Potatoes Ingredients For the Potatoes • Small Potatoes – Use 700g (about 12-14) for a hearty bite; they are crucial for the dish’s texture. • Salt (for boiling) – 1 tbsp to enhance the flavor while boiling; this step is essential for taste. For the Flavor • Unsalted Butter – 30g (2 tbsp) melted adds a rich, buttery flavor that elevates the dish. • Olive Oil – 1 tbsp to help achieve a beautifully golden, crispy exterior without burning the butter. For the Seasoning • Salt (for sprinkling) – 3/4 tsp to finish the dish with a perfect burst of flavor. • Black Pepper – 1/4 tsp to lend a subtle kick and depth to the potatoes. For Garnishing • Finely Chopped Parsley – Optional, adds a pop of freshness and color to your crispy smashed potatoes. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ultra Crispy Buttery Smashed Potatoes Step 1: Cook Potatoes Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add your small potatoes and cook for 20-30 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork. You want them soft enough to smash but not breaking apart. Drain the potatoes and allow them to steam in a colander for about 5 minutes, which helps remove excess moisture for crispy smashed potatoes. Step 2: Steam Dry After draining, let the potatoes sit in the colander for a further 5 minutes so they can dry out fully. This crucial step reduces moisture, ensuring a deliciously crispy texture once baked. As the water evaporates, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) so it reaches the perfect temperature for baking when you’re ready. Step 3: Smash Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Transfer the dried potatoes to the tray, spacing them out evenly. Using a fork or potato masher, gently smash each potato to create a nubbly surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1 to 1.5 inches; this allows for greater crunch while keeping the fluffy interior intact, making your crispy smashed potatoes irresistible. Step 4: Steam Dry Again Let the smashed potatoes rest for another 5 minutes on the baking tray. This time allows the surface to dry out further, enhancing their crispiness while baking. As you wait, prep your melted butter and olive oil mixture for drizzling, adding an extra layer of flavor and crunch to your potatoes. Step 5: Drizzle Brush each smashed potato generously with your melted butter and olive oil mixture using a pastry brush. Be sure to coat them well to achieve that rich, buttery flavor. Next, sprinkle them with salt and black pepper to taste. This seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the crispy smashed potatoes and contribute to their golden color during baking. Step 6: Bake Place the baking tray in your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden hue developing on the potatoes; they should be crispy on the edges and lightly browned. Avoid flipping them during baking to maintain their shape and ensure maximum crunch on one side. Step 7: Serve Once your ultra crispy buttery smashed potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. Serve them hot, optionally garnished with finely chopped parsley for a fresh touch. These mouthwatering potatoes make a delightful side dish or stand-alone snack, ideal for any meal or gathering! Storage Tips for Crispy Smashed Potatoes Fridge: Store leftover crispy smashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while preventing sogginess from excess moisture. Freezer: If you want to freeze them, place cooled smashed potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Transfer the frozen potatoes to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheating: To reheat, place the potatoes on a baking tray and bake at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes until they are heated through and regain some crispiness. Enjoy your delicious crispy smashed potatoes anytime! Variations & Substitutions for Crispy Smashed Potatoes Feel free to get creative with your crispy smashed potatoes, transforming them into a customized delight that reflects your tastes! Herbed Infusion: Add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme to the boiling water for a fragrant touch that sings with flavor. It wonderfully complements the buttery notes. Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top before baking for an irresistible cheesy crust. The melty goodness makes these potatoes truly indulgent. Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper with the salt for a flavorful heat that elevates the dish. It’s a fun way to invite a bit of excitement on your plate! Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil to make a completely plant-based dish without losing any of the rich flavor. This ensures everyone can enjoy these beauties! Garlic Lover’s Twist: Toss cloves of garlic with the potatoes during the baking phase for a lovely, roasted flavor that melds beautifully with the crispy exterior. Mustard Magic: Brush the smashed potatoes with a mix of Dijon mustard and olive oil for a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with your favorite protein like Creole Fried Shrimp. Sweet Potato Variation: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and vibrant twist. They remain fluffy inside while offering a delightful alternative. Crispy Toppings: Top with crispy bacon bits or crumbled feta for an extra layer of texture and flavor once they’re out of the oven. You won’t be able to resist! Each variation provides a new avenue to explore your culinary creativity. Experimenting with these ideas can turn your side dish into a star attraction, and who doesn’t love a crispy potato treat beside their main course or in a delightful snack? What to Serve with Ultra Crispy Buttery Smashed Potatoes Elevate your dining experience with these delightful flavors that perfectly accompany a batch of crispy smashed potatoes. Grilled Lemon Chicken: Juicy and tangy, this chicken complements the buttery crunch of the potatoes, adding a bright contrast to their rich texture. Garlic Butter Shrimp: Sweet, succulent shrimp tossed in garlic butter brings a seafood flair, enhancing the meal with a delightful, savory bite. Creamy Coleslaw: The crispness of fresh cabbage and a tangy dressing creates a refreshing counterbalance to the warm potatoes, pleasing any palate. Braised Short Ribs: Luxuriously tender ribs with a rich sauce pair beautifully with crispy smashed potatoes, making for an unforgettable comfort meal. Roasted Asparagus: Bright and vibrant, lightly roasted asparagus lends a fresh crunch that plays well with the softness of the potatoes. Cilantro Lime Rice: This zesty side dish offers a flavorful kick, perfectly contrasting the savory and buttery profile of the smashed potatoes. Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc refreshes the palate and harmonizes beautifully with the rich flavors of your meal. Chocolate Lava Cake: As a sweet finale, the warm, gooey center of this dessert can turn any gathering into a celebration, rounding off your meal deliciously. Expert Tips for Crispy Smashed Potatoes Dry Thoroughly: Ensure potatoes are completely dry before smashing, as moisture can lead to soggy smashers that lack crispiness. Smashing Technique: Aim for even thickness when smashing; thicker pieces will be softer while thinner ones yield a crunchier texture. Butter and Oil Balance: Mixing melted butter with olive oil not only enhances flavor but also prevents burning during baking; it’s key for perfectly crispy smashed potatoes. Flavor Infusion: For added depth, consider infusing your boiling water with garlic or herbs; remember to remove these before smashing for maximum flavor without burning. Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on your potatoes while they bake; every oven is different, so adjust the baking time to achieve that perfect golden brown color. Make Ahead Options These Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can boil the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them after draining. When you’re ready to enjoy, smash the cold potatoes, drizzle them with melted butter and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake them in a preheated oven for 45-55 minutes for that mouthwatering crunch. For even better quality, allow the smashed potatoes to steam dry again before baking to enhance crispiness. This prep-ahead option saves you time and ensures your crispy smashed potatoes remain just as delicious when served! Ultra Crispy Buttery Smashed Potatoes Recipe FAQs What type of potatoes should I use for crispy smashed potatoes? For the best results, I recommend using small to medium-sized high-starch potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russets. They yield a fluffy interior that complements the crunchy exterior perfectly. Aim for 700g of small potatoes (about 12-14) or 1-1.2kg of medium potatoes (about 6-8). How should I store leftover crispy smashed potatoes? Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help retain their flavor while preventing them from becoming soggy. If you prefer, you can also freeze them for longer storage. Can I freeze crispy smashed potatoes? Absolutely! To freeze, first, let the smashed potatoes cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place the sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer the frozen potatoes to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. What should I do if my crispy smashed potatoes don’t turn out crispy? If your smashed potatoes aren’t crispy, it could be due to excess moisture. Make sure to thoroughly dry the potatoes after boiling and allow them to sit after smashing. If they’re too thick when smashed, they may also lack crunch; aim for a thickness of about 1 to 1.5 inches for optimal results. Are there any dietary considerations with crispy smashed potatoes? These crispy smashed potatoes are vegetarian-friendly, but if you’re concerned about dietary restrictions, be cautious with added ingredients. For example, ensure that any herbs or oils you include are suitable based on personal allergies or dietary restrictions. Always feel free to swap in butter substitutes to cater to various dietary needs! Crispy Smashed Potatoes: A Buttery Crunch You Can't Resist These Crispy Smashed Potatoes offer a buttery crunch that perfectly contrasts with their fluffy interior, making them an irresistible side. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 55 minutes minsSteam Drying Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: VegetarianCalories: 170 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Potatoes700 g Small Potatoes About 12-14, crucial for texture.1 tbsp Salt (for boiling) Enhances flavor while boiling.For the Flavor30 g Unsalted Butter Melted, adds rich flavor.1 tbsp Olive Oil Helps achieve crispy exterior.For the Seasoning3/4 tsp Salt (for sprinkling) Finishes the dish with flavor.1/4 tsp Black Pepper Adds subtle kick and depth.For GarnishingFinely Chopped Parsley Optional, adds freshness. Equipment large potBaking trayparchment paperFork or potato masherPastry Brush Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add small potatoes and cook for 20-30 minutes until tender. Drain and let steam for 5 minutes.Let the potatoes sit in the colander for another 5 minutes to dry out. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Transfer the dried potatoes to the tray and smash each potato, aiming for a thickness of 1 to 1.5 inches.Let the smashed potatoes rest for another 5 minutes on the baking tray.Brush each smashed potato with melted butter and olive oil mixture. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes until golden and crispy.Remove from the oven and serve hot, optionally garnished with parsley. Nutrition Serving: 100gCalories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure potatoes are completely dry before smashing to avoid sogginess. Mixing butter with olive oil prevents burning and enhances flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
