Get ready to fall head over heels for this Smashed Red Potatoes Recipe! Perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these potatoes bring together garlic, herbs, and just the right touch of indulgence. Whether you need a show-stopping side for a holiday meal or a tempting weeknight dish, you’ll savor every bite. This irresistible classic is as easy as it is impressive, making it a household favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity — each ingredient truly shines, amplifying the earthy, buttery flavors and glorious crisp edges. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the building blocks that turn out the best Smashed Red Potatoes Recipe every single time.
- Red potatoes: These beauties hold their shape during boiling, making for a soft center and crispy smashed exterior.
- Melted butter (or oil for dairy-free): Provides the golden crust and rich flavor, while also helping the herbs stick perfectly.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic works magic, infusing the potatoes with bold, aromatic depth.
- Fresh rosemary and thyme: A sprinkle of these herbs brightens every bite with a burst of savory, woodsy flavor.
- Salt: Don’t be shy — potatoes love a good amount of seasoning to bring out their natural goodness.
- Pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and zip to balance the creamy potato base.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A final flourish of green for color, freshness, and a subtle herbal note.
How to Make Smashed Red Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 400 degrees. This ensures a hot oven ready to transform those potatoes into crispy perfection. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for fuss-free cleanup and to keep every golden edge intact.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Add your rinsed and scrubbed red potatoes to a large pot, covering them with about an inch of water. Toss in a pinch of salt for that initial flavor infusion. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to medium-low, maintaining a rapid simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes), and then drain well — dry potatoes mean crispier results in the next step!
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
Arrange the cooked potatoes evenly on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a potato masher or large fork, gently press each one twice in a criss-cross pattern until they’re about ½ inch thick. This smashing is the secret to those irregular craggy edges that get wonderfully crisp in the oven. Remember, thinner potatoes get crispier!
Step 4: Make the Garlic Herb Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or oil for dairy-free), finely minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. The mixture should look and smell heavenly — it’s basically liquid gold for your Smashed Red Potatoes Recipe.
Step 5: Drizzle and Bake
Evenly drizzle the garlic herb sauce over each smashed potato, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Watch for those edges to turn irresistibly crispy and golden brown — that’s when you know they’re ready.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley over the hot potatoes. Serve immediately, while they’re at their crunchiest best!
How to Serve Smashed Red Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley brings color and a delicate herbal kick, don’t stop there. Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, extra rosemary, or even freshly grated Parmesan for layers of flavor. A little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving can make your Smashed Red Potatoes Recipe feel even more decadent.
Side Dishes
Smashed Red Potatoes are the ultimate chameleon side dish. They pair beautifully with roast chicken, grilled steak, or salmon for an elegant plate. For a vegetarian delight, serve them with a crisp salad or alongside roasted vegetables. Honestly, they’re so satisfying, you’ll want to build your whole meal around them!
Creative Ways to Present
Make this Smashed Red Potatoes Recipe the star of your next party platter: lay potatoes on a rustic wooden board, topped with different garnishes like crumbled feta, chipotle mayo, or fresh chives. Serve them mini-style as an appetizer, or stack ’em up high for a fun and shareable family dinner side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Smashed Red Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days. They keep their flavor and texture surprisingly well, so you’ll look forward to rediscovering them later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for a busy night, simply freeze the fully baked and cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll be good for up to six months. Separate layers with parchment if you’re stacking to keep them from sticking together.
Reheating
To bring life and crunch back to your Smashed Red Potatoes Recipe, reheat them in the oven at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. Microwaving works in a pinch, but expect softer skins rather than crispy edges.
FAQs
Can I make this Smashed Red Potatoes Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the melted butter in the garlic herb sauce for your favorite olive oil or dairy-free butter. The potatoes turn out just as rich and flavorful, with a lovely crisp finish.
Should I peel the red potatoes first?
No peeling required — the skins add extra texture and nutrients, plus help the potatoes keep their shape during boiling and smashing. Just give them a good scrub before cooking.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
While red potatoes work marvelously for this recipe, small Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes also make excellent candidates. Just choose potatoes similar in size for even cooking.
How do I get extra crispy smashed potatoes?
The ultimate trick is to make sure your boiled potatoes are completely dry before smashing, and to smash them thinner for more surface area. Also, don’t skimp on the garlic herb sauce — it helps them get beautifully golden in the oven.
Is it possible to boil the potatoes ahead of time?
Indeed! You can boil and drain your potatoes a day or two before you need them. Store them in the fridge, then smash and bake right before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the secrets to a truly incredible Smashed Red Potatoes Recipe, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this crispy, garlicky classic? It’s warm, inviting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try — there’s a good chance it’ll become your new go-to side!
Print
Smashed Red Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Smashed Red Potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional roasted potatoes. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are infused with a garlic herb sauce that elevates their flavor. A perfect side dish for any meal!
Ingredients
Red Potatoes:
- 2 ½ pounds red potatoes, rinsed and scrubbed
Garlic Herb Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons melted butter or oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Additional:
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Boil the red potatoes until fork-tender. Dry them thoroughly.
- Smash the Potatoes: Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and smash each potato twice in a criss-cross pattern.
- Prepare the Garlic Herb Sauce: Whisk together the melted butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the sauce over the potatoes.
- Bake: Bake the smashed potatoes in the oven until crispy around the edges, about 20-25 minutes. Top with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Potatoes: Red potatoes are recommended for best results.
- Size: Choose potatoes of similar size for even cooking.
- Prep-ahead: Boil the potatoes in advance if needed.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
