Name: Crispy Smashed Potatoes: 4 Secrets!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs baby potatoes; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Okay, so you know those recipes that just blow up online? The ones everyone’s making and raving about? Well, these Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbs are totally one of those! I swear, the first time I made them, my whole kitchen smelled like pure happiness – all garlicky and herby. They’re not just potatoes, you know? They’re like the ultimate upgrade to your side dish game. Forget boring mashed or plain roasted potatoes, these crispy smashed ones have this amazing texture, and they’re ridiculously easy to whip up, even on a weeknight. Trust me, they’ll become your new go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbs Recipe

Honestly, why wouldn’t you love these? They’re a total game-changer for potato lovers!

Super Easy: Seriously, minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.
Amazing Texture: Crispy edges, fluffy insides – it’s the best of both worlds.
Crowd Pleaser: Everyone, and I mean *everyone*, goes crazy for these.
Flavor Explosion: That garlic and herb combo is just divine.

The Secret to Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Okay, here’s the magic trick: make sure your boiled potatoes are really, *really* dry before you smash them. And then, give them a good, firm press! That’s it!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbs

Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped! You’ll be amazed at how simple the ingredient list is for these incredible Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbs. It really lets the natural goodness of good potatoes shine through. You don’t need fancy stuff, just a few quality basics. I always try to grab the freshest herbs I can find, because, trust me, it makes a difference!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crispy Smashed Potatoes

First up, the star of the show: about 1.5 pounds of baby potatoes. Yukon Golds or red potatoes work beautifully here because they hold their shape and get nice and fluffy inside. Then, you’ll need 3 tablespoons of good olive oil – I like using extra virgin for the best flavor. And for those gorgeous fresh herbs? Grab about 1 tablespoon each of fresh rosemary and fresh thyme. If you can’t find fresh, you can use dried, but you’ll only need about a teaspoon of each, crumbled.

Flavor Boosters for Your Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbs

Now for the flavor punch! We’re talking 3 cloves of garlic, minced nice and fine so it really infuses everything. And of course, a good half teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper to make all those flavors pop. That’s it! Simple, right?

How to Prepare Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbs: Step-by-Step

Okay, getting these Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbs made is honestly super straightforward. It’s like a little culinary adventure that ends in pure potato perfection. Just follow along, and you’ll see!

Prepping and Boiling Your Potatoes

First things first, let’s get that oven going. You want to preheat it to 400°F (that’s 200°C for my friends with different ovens!). While that’s heating up, grab your baby potatoes. Just pop them into a pot, cover them with cold water, add a generous pinch of salt (it seasons them from the inside out!), and boil them until they’re tender. You’re looking for about 15 to 20 minutes. You should be able to easily poke a fork into them. Once they’re tender, drain them really, really well. Like, get all that water out!

Smashing and Seasoning for Maximum Flavor

Now for the fun part – the smashing! Spread those lovely, drained potatoes out on a baking sheet that you’ve lined with parchment paper. Trust me, parchment paper is your best friend here; it stops them from sticking. Grab the bottom of a glass or even a potato masher and gently, but firmly, smash each potato down until it’s about half an inch thick. Don’t go crazy and pulverize them, just a nice smash! While they’re chilling on the sheet, whisk together your olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary and thyme, salt, and pepper in a little bowl. This is where all that amazing flavor comes from!

Achieving the Perfect Crisp in the Oven

Once they’re smashed and you’ve got that glorious herb-garlic oil ready, brush or drizzle it all over the potatoes. Make sure every little nook and cranny gets some of that goodness. Then, pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. You’ll want to bake them for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for that beautiful golden brown color and those irresistible crispy edges. They should smell amazing!

Tips for Success with Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Okay, so you want these Crispy Smashed Potatoes to be absolutely perfect, right? My biggest secret is to really drain those boiled potatoes super well. Like, give them a good shake and maybe even let them sit in the colander for a minute. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get. Also, don’t be shy with the smashing! A good firm press makes all the difference in creating those lovely crunchy bits. And honestly, don’t be afraid to play around with the herbs and spices!

Herb and Spice Variations for Your Smashed Potatoes

While rosemary and thyme are my go-to, this recipe is super forgiving! You could totally swap in some fresh parsley, chives, or even a little bit of oregano. For a bit of a kick, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the oil before you brush it on is fantastic. You’ll end up with totally unique garlic herb potatoes every time you make them!

Ensuring Maximum Crispiness Every Time

Seriously, the key is making sure those potatoes are bone dry after boiling before you smash them.

Serving and Storing Your Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbs

These Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbs are just begging to be devoured right out of the oven! They’re perfect for almost any meal. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for a couple of days. For reheating, the best way to get them crispy again is a quick spin in the oven or an air fryer!

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Smashed Potatoes

Honestly, these guys go with *everything*. They’re amazing alongside grilled chicken or steak, fantastic with a big salad for a lighter meal, and they’re a total star at barbecues or holiday dinners. They’re just so versatile!

Storing and Reheating Leftover Crispy Potatoes

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For the crispiest results when reheating, pop them back in the oven or an air fryer for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbs

Got questions about these amazing Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbs? I’ve got answers!

Can I make these smashed potatoes ahead of time?

You totally can boil the potatoes ahead of time, but I’d recommend smashing and baking them closer to when you want to serve them for the best crispiness!

What are the best potatoes for smashing?

Baby potatoes like Yukon Golds or red potatoes are fantastic! They get nice and fluffy inside while staying firm enough to smash and get crispy on the outside.

How do I get my smashed potatoes extra crispy?

Seriously, the best tip is to make sure those boiled potatoes are really, really dry before you smash them. Then, don’t be shy when you bake them – let them get nice and golden!

Nutritional Estimate for Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbs

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates, but a serving of these delicious Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbs typically has around 250 calories. You’re looking at about 15g of fat, with 28g of carbohydrates, and roughly 4g of protein. They’re a pretty satisfying side dish!