There’s something truly captivating about the crunch of golden, crispy potatoes that jumps off your plate and tempts your taste buds. I found myself craving a unique side dish that combines simplicity with flavor, and that’s when I stumbled upon these Crispy Smashed Potatoes. With just four straightforward ingredients, this recipe is not only vegan and gluten-free but also provides an easy way to elevate any meal.
Imagine soft, fluffy interiors wrapped in a beautifully crisp exterior, perfect for dipping in a vibrant chimichurri sauce or enjoying solo with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These little bites of happiness are sure to impress both family and friends, turning mealtime into a delightful experience. If you’re seeking a quick yet satisfying side dish that breaks away from the ordinary, hop on this tasty journey and let these crispy smashed potatoes steal the spotlight at your dinner table!
Why Love Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
Simplicity at its finest: With just four ingredients, you can whip up these crispy smashed potatoes in no time.
Irresistible crunch: Their golden, crunchy exterior combined with a soft, fluffy interior makes them delectably addictive.
Vegan & gluten-free: This recipe caters to various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Versatile pairing: Serve them with chimichurri sauce, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce for an exciting twist.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these potatoes will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients for Crispy Smashed Potatoes
• Keep it simple and delicious!
For the Potatoes
- Baby Potatoes (1.5 lb) – The heart of this dish; choose a colorful mix for a beautiful presentation.
- Sea Salt – Enhances flavor; opt for kosher salt for precise seasoning control.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp + more if needed) – Provides richness and helps achieve that golden crispiness; avocado oil is a great substitute.
For the Finish
- Flaky Sea Salt (pinch for sprinkling) – A gourmet touch to elevate the flavor just before serving.
- Chimichurri Sauce (optional) – This vibrant, herby sauce brings a burst of freshness; highly recommended for a delightful pairing.
Explore these Crispy Smashed Potatoes with just four easy ingredients, and impress your loved ones with this unforgettable side dish!
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Boil the potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them with salted water. Boil until they are fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly.
Smash the potatoes: Arrange the boiled potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork or a potato masher to gently smash each potato to your desired thickness—aim for about ½ inch for a perfect mix of crispy and fluffy!
Add olive oil and salt: Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt, making sure to season them evenly for maximum flavor.
Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for 40-45 minutes. Watch for a golden brown color and crispy edges. There’s no need to flip them during the baking process!
Serve with sauce: If you like, drizzle chimichurri sauce over the crispy potatoes just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Optional: For a fun twist, try serving them with garlic aioli or spicy sriracha!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Perfect Smash: Ensure you smash the potatoes evenly; thinner ones will yield a crispier texture while thicker ones result in fluffier centers.
Oven Space: Give the potatoes enough room on the baking sheet. Spacing them apart helps achieve even crispiness on all sides.
Oil Generously: Don’t skimp on the olive oil! A generous drizzle will help create the luscious golden crust that makes these crispy smashed potatoes irresistible.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs or spices to customize your flavor profile; adding some garlic powder directly on the potatoes can enhance their taste.
Serving Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, like garlic aioli or spicy sriracha, to make your crispy smashed potatoes even more delightful for your guests.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Smashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can boil and smash the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for easy assembly when you’re ready to serve. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent browning. When it’s time to bake, drizzle the chilled smashed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt as per the original recipe. Bake them straight from the fridge for 40-45 minutes or until golden and crispy. This method ensures you’ll enjoy fresh, flavorful potatoes with minimal effort, making your busy weeknights a breeze!
What to Serve with Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
Discover delicious pairings that will elevate your mealtime experience and perfectly complement your crispy smashed potatoes.
Garlic Aioli: This creamy dip adds a rich, garlicky flavor that enhances every crunchy bite. It’s a perfect balance to the potatoes’ texture.
Herbed Quinoa Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad offers a bright contrast that complements the crispy potatoes beautifully while adding a healthy touch.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Juicy chicken with a zesty herb marinade makes for an appetizing coupling, creating a delightful meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Roasted Asparagus: The crisp, tender asparagus adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the smashed potatoes.
Chimichurri Sauce: Drizzling this vibrantly herby sauce over your smashed potatoes not only adds a burst of flavor but also a gourmet touch.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: A medley of sautéed veggies creates a colorful, nutritious side that offers a satisfying crunch alongside your potatoes.
Sparkling Wine: Sip on a glass of sparkling wine to cleanse the palate and enhance the meal’s overall enjoyment with its refreshing effervescence.
Peach Crisp: This warm, fruity dessert is the perfect sweet ending to your meal, providing a delightful contrast to the savory potatoes.
Variations & Substitutions for Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Feel free to explore these delicious twists to customize your crispy smashed potatoes!
- Coconut Oil: Replace olive oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle hint of sweetness.
- Herb-Infused Oil: Drizzle with rosemary or garlic-infused oil to elevate the flavor profile.
- Cheesy Twist: Add nutritional yeast to the potatoes before baking for a cheesy, umami taste.
- Spicy Kick: Toss with red pepper flakes or cayenne for a hint of heat and excitement.
- Lemon Zing: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the potatoes after baking for a refreshing brightness.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving to introduce a tangy sweetness that complements the crunch.
- Sweet Potatoes: Substitute half of the baby potatoes with sweet potatoes for a flavorful, colorful variation.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of sauces like creamy ranch, zesty aioli, or tangy barbecue for added fun!
Storage Tips for Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Room Temperature: These crispy smashed potatoes taste best fresh, but if left out, consume them within 2 hours to maintain food safety.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh without compromising texture too much.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the crispy smashed potatoes for up to 2 months. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing in a freezer bag.
Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy, bringing back that amazing crunch!
Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right baby potatoes?
Absolutely! When choosing baby potatoes, look for ones that are firm and uniform in size. Avoid any with dark spots or soft areas, as these indicate ripeness issues. A colorful mix of baby potatoes not only adds beauty to your dish but also offers a delightful variety of textures!
How should I store leftover crispy smashed potatoes?
Very! To maintain their deliciousness, store any leftover crispy smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat them in the oven for that delightful crispiness—microwaving can make them soggy!
Can I freeze crispy smashed potatoes?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the smashed potatoes to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and label with the date. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through and crispy!
What should I do if my crispy smashed potatoes aren’t crisping up?
Don’t worry, this happens to the best of us! Make sure you’ve smashed the potatoes evenly and spaced them apart on the baking sheet. If they still aren’t crispy, you might not have used enough olive oil. A good drizzle helps achieve crispiness! Baking longer at 425°F (220°C) can also help to develop a better crunch.
Are there dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Very! While these crispy smashed potatoes are vegan and gluten-free, avoid giving them to pets as the seasonings may cause digestive upset. Phytates in potatoes can also be harmful to dogs if consumed in large amounts. Always consult your vet if you’re unsure.
Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes: Irresistibly Easy & Vegan
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the baby potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and boil until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
- Arrange the boiled potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and gently smash each potato to about ½ inch thickness.
- Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and crispy. No need to flip them!
- If desired, drizzle chimichurri sauce over the crispy potatoes just before serving.
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