Description
Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish featuring tender boiled potatoes that are gently smashed, seasoned, and baked until golden and irresistibly crispy. Perfectly seasoned with butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper, these potatoes deliver a deliciously crunchy exterior with fluffy interiors, making them an ideal complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 700g / 1.4 lb small potatoes (12 – 14)
- 1 – 1.2kg / 2 – 2.4lb medium potatoes (6 – 8)
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling)
Seasoning & Garnish
- 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt (for sprinkling)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Finely chopped parsley, optional garnish
Instructions
- Cook potatoes: Bring a pot of water to the boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the potatoes until soft. Small potatoes take around 20 to 25 minutes, while medium potatoes need about 30 minutes. It’s fine if the skins split during cooking. Alternatively, you can steam or microwave the potatoes until tender.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F), or 180°C (356°F) if using fan mode, to prepare for baking the smashed potatoes.
- Steam dry: Drain the cooked potatoes well and leave them in a colander for approximately 5 minutes to dry out excess moisture.
- Smash: Place the potatoes on a baking tray. Using a large fork or potato masher, gently press each potato to flatten it, but keep it mostly in one piece. The thinner the potato, the crispier it becomes, while thicker smashed potatoes retain fluffier interiors. A more textured surface ensures better crunch.
- Steam dry again: Let the smashed potatoes sit on the tray for another 5 minutes. This additional drying helps make the potatoes even crispier once baked.
- Drizzle and season: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the potatoes, followed by olive oil. Sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to season thoroughly.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake without flipping. Bake small potatoes for about 45 minutes, and medium-sized ones for 55 minutes or until the potatoes develop a deep golden color and crispy texture.
- Serve: Serve the ultra crispy smashed potatoes hot, garnished with finely chopped parsley if desired, to add freshness and color.
Notes
- You can use either small or medium potatoes depending on your preference for cooking time and crispiness.
- Allowing the potatoes to steam dry twice before baking helps achieve maximum crispness.
- Do not flip the potatoes during baking to maintain their golden crust.
- For an optional herb twist, sprinkle additional fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before baking.
- Leftover smashed potatoes can be reheated in the oven to restore their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 to 55 minutes (baking) + 20 to 30 minutes (boiling)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, baked potatoes, side dish, potato recipe, easy potato recipe
