Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes: 1 Delicious Recipe
Oh, you are going to LOVE these! Seriously, if you’re looking for a side dish that just screams “special occasion” without actually *being* complicated, then you’ve landed in the right spot. These Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes are pure magic. We’re talking about potatoes that get all golden and delightfully crunchy on the outside, then just melt in your mouth. And that brown butter? Infused with fragrant sage? It’s like a hug for your taste buds. I remember the first time I made these for a dinner party, and everyone practically inhaled them. Simple, elegant, and ridiculously delicious – that’s the motto!
Experience the Delight of Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes
Get ready for a flavor explosion! Imagine tiny potatoes, boiled to tender perfection, then smashed and baked until they have those irresistible crispy edges. It’s that satisfying crunch that makes you close your eyes with delight. Then, we drizzle them with this amazing brown butter, which smells like toasted nuts and pure happiness, all infused with the earthy, aromatic goodness of fresh sage. Honestly, it’s one of those side dishes that just elevates everything on the plate. I’ve made countless side dishes over the years, and these Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes are always a showstopper, proving that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes
- Super Quick to Make: Seriously, you can whip these up in under an hour, making them perfect for weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Impressive Presentation: They look so fancy and gourmet, but they’re surprisingly easy to get that perfect smash and crisp.
- Versatile Pairing: These potatoes go with *everything* – chicken, fish, steak, vegetarian mains, you name it!
- Unbeatable Flavor Combo: That nutty brown butter and fragrant sage are a match made in heaven with the crispy potatoes. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Essential Ingredients for Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to potato perfection! For these amazing Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes, you’ll need: 1.5 pounds of lovely baby potatoes, about 3 tablespoons of good olive oil, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (this is key for that nutty flavor!), a generous bunch of 10-12 fresh sage leaves, and of course, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. That’s it! Simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to make something truly special.
Ingredient Clarity and Preparation Notes
When choosing your potatoes, baby potatoes are the absolute best. Their size means they cook quickly and smash up beautifully without getting mushy. Make sure your sage leaves are nice and fresh – they’ll give you that vibrant, aromatic flavor. And for the butter, definitely go unsalted; it gives you control over the saltiness, and it’s what you need to get that gorgeous, toasty brown color without any salty tang from salted butter.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes
Alright, let’s get these amazing potatoes in the oven! It’s a pretty straightforward process, and honestly, the hardest part is waiting for them to get all crispy.
Preheating and Initial Potato Preparation
First things first, get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, pop your baby potatoes into a pot of salted water. You want to boil them until they’re nice and tender – usually about 15 to 20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork, but they shouldn’t be falling apart. Drain them well and let them cool just a little bit so you don’t burn your fingers!
Smashing and Baking for Ultimate Crispy Texture
Now for the fun part! Lay your slightly cooled potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Grab the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher and gently, but firmly, smash each potato. You want them flattened, but not completely obliterated – think about a half-inch thick disc. Drizzle them all over with olive oil, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, and then bake them for about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color and delightfully crispy edges.
Crafting the Perfect Brown Butter Sage Sauce
While those potatoes are getting their crisp on, let’s make the magic sauce! Melt your unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted, toss in your fresh sage leaves. Swirl the pan gently and watch closely! The butter will start to foam, then you’ll see little brown bits forming at the bottom and it’ll smell wonderfully nutty. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. You want it golden brown and fragrant, not burnt. Once it’s perfect, carefully remove the sage leaves from the butter. They’ll be crispy and delicious too!
Assembling and Serving Your Crispy Potatoes
As soon as those potatoes are perfectly crispy and golden, pull them out of the oven. Drizzle all that beautiful brown butter sage sauce right over the top. Then, give them a gentle toss to make sure every single smashed potato gets coated in that incredible flavor. Serve them up immediately while they’re still piping hot and wonderfully crispy!
Tips for Perfect Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes
Okay, so you want your Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes to be absolutely perfect? I’ve got you covered! First off, like I mentioned, baby potatoes are your best friend here – they just smash so nicely. When you’re smashing them, don’t go crazy! You want them flattened, not turned into mush. A gentle press is all it takes. And for the brown butter, seriously, watch it like a hawk. It goes from perfectly nutty to burnt in a blink! Just keep swirling and looking for those golden-brown bits. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper after you smash them, either; it really wakes up all those flavors. A little extra pinch of salt right before serving never hurt anyone!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes
Got questions about these amazing Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes? I’ve got answers!
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
You can boil and smash the potatoes a few hours ahead of time, but I really recommend baking and adding the brown butter sage sauce right before serving. They’re at their absolute crispiest when they’re fresh out of the oven!
What kind of potatoes are best for smashing?
Baby potatoes, like Yukon Golds or red potatoes, are perfect for this! Their size means they cook quickly and smash up beautifully. You want a potato that holds its shape well after boiling so you can get that nice flat smash without it falling apart. For more potato varieties, check out this guide to potatoes.
How do I prevent my potatoes from burning?
The key is watching your heat! For the potatoes, bake them until golden brown, not dark brown. And for the brown butter? It can go from perfectly nutty to burnt really fast. Keep the heat at medium and swirl the pan constantly. If you see black flecks, it’s probably too late – start over with fresh butter!
Can I substitute the sage?
You absolutely can! If you’re not a fan of sage, fresh rosemary or thyme would also be delicious infused into the brown butter. Just use a similar amount and cook them in the butter until fragrant. Some people even like a pinch of red pepper flakes in the butter for a little kick!
Serving Suggestions for Your Crispy Potatoes
These Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes are so versatile! They make an incredible side for roasted chicken or a beautiful pan-seared salmon. They’re also fantastic alongside a hearty steak or even a simple grilled pork chop. If you’re going vegetarian, they pair wonderfully with mushroom risotto or a big, vibrant salad. Honestly, they’re so good, you might just want to eat them on their own! For more dinner ideas, explore our dinner recipes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes are still delicious, but the crispiness might fade a bit. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and get them nice and crispy again, I highly recommend popping them back into a hot oven (around 400°F or 200°C) for about 10-15 minutes. A quick toss in a hot skillet can also work wonders!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can totally change depending on your ingredients! For one serving of these yummy Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes, you’re looking at around 350 calories, about 25g of fat (with 10g saturated), 28g of carbs, and roughly 5g of protein. Not too shabby for such a flavorful side! For more healthy side dish options, check out our salads.
Print
Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes: 1 Delicious Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These smashed potatoes are pan-fried until crispy and tossed with fragrant brown butter and fresh sage. They are a simple yet elegant side dish.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10–12 fresh sage leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- Place potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato until flattened.
- Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- While potatoes bake, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sage leaves and cook until butter is browned and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter.
- Remove sage leaves from the brown butter.
- Once potatoes are crispy, remove them from the oven.
- Drizzle the brown butter over the smashed potatoes.
- Toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are fully cooked before smashing to prevent them from falling apart.
- Watch the butter closely to achieve a brown butter color without burning.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking and Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes, smashed potatoes, brown butter, sage, crispy potatoes, easy side dish, vegetarian recipe
