Description

These crispy smashed potatoes feature a shatteringly crisp exterior and fluffy interior, coated in a rich garlic herb butter. A simple, budget-friendly side dish that is perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds red potatoes
3 tablespoons high-yield olive oil
1 tablespoon salt (for boiling), plus more for seasoning
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (leaves stripped)
½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated, optional)
Flaky sea salt (for finishing)

Instructions

Wash potatoes thoroughly. Leave small potatoes whole or cut larger ones in half. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook potatoes for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain potatoes and let them sit in a colander for 2-3 minutes to steam off excess moisture. Pat dry if necessary.
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place warm potatoes on the baking sheet. Using the bottom of a heavy glass or a potato masher, press each potato flat until about ½ inch thick, ensuring they crack but remain intact. Space them out so they are not touching.
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Brush the tops of the smashed potatoes generously with the garlic herb butter, getting some into the cracks. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are golden brown and crispy. Rotate the pan halfway through baking.
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not skip the drying step after boiling; wet potatoes will steam instead of crisp. Use warm potatoes for easier smashing. Do not crowd the pan to ensure even browning. If garlic burns, lower oven temperature to 400°F. For extra crunch, use a 50/50 mix of butter and olive oil. Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness; do not microwave.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4
Calories: 280
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 450
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 3
Protein: 4

Keywords: crispy smashed potatoes, garlic herb butter, roasted potatoes, side dish, easy dinner, vegetarian recipe, gluten-free side