Description
These crispy smashed potatoes are a flavorful and fun side dish or snack, best enjoyed straight from the oven when they are hot and crisp. Made with simple seasonings like garlic and onion powder, and finished with fresh herbs and optional Parmesan, they offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds small yellow potatoes
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the pans
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, and/or dill)
- Flaky sea salt, optional
- Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and generously coat two baking sheets with extra-virgin olive oil to prevent sticking and help crisp the potatoes.
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes and 1 teaspoon of sea salt in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are soft and tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool slightly until they are comfortable to handle but still warm.
- Smash the Potatoes: On the oiled baking sheets, place each potato and gently smash it with the back of a measuring cup or a flat utensil until about ¼-inch thick. Be careful not to break them apart completely.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle the smashed potatoes with the remaining olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, the remaining 1 teaspoon sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Roast Until Crisp: Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking to ensure even crisping. They should be golden brown and crisp around the edges.
- Final Seasoning: Remove from the oven and season to taste with additional flaky sea salt if desired. Sprinkle the freshly chopped herbs over the top and add Parmesan cheese if you like for extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and crisp for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Choose small, uniformly sized potatoes for even cooking and smashing.
- You can customize the herbs to your preference—fresh dill, chives, or parsley all work wonderfully.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nice savory touch but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Make sure to handle the potatoes gently when smashing to maintain some integrity and texture.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the potatoes for 1-2 minutes at the end of roasting, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American