Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are nice but these Crispy Smashed Potatoes are next-level side dish material. They can be served as a side dish to just about any meal or as an appetizer. The garlic-herb oil, reminiscent of chimichurri sauce, is optional but it’s great for dipping or drizzling. Leftovers (if you have any) can be reheated in the oven or toaster oven and served with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.

This post was originally published on October 3rd, 2019. Updated on December 8th, 2020 to include cooking directions for stovetop and Instant Pot. 

Move over mashed potatoes.

These Crispy Smashed Potatoes are about to steal the show. Somewhere between a baked potato and a really thick-cut potato chip,  their tender insides and crispy edges make them anything but average. The best part is all of the nooks and crannies you get when you smash the cooked potatoes then bake them with ghee (clarified) and olive oil until the edges are golden brown.

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Ingredients for Crispy Smashed Potatoes

• Small red potatoes – Potatoes that are about 1½ – 2 inches in diameter work best but smaller ‘creamer’ potatoes will work. In a pinch, larger potatoes can be halved. If you can’t find red potatoes, you can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes. Purple potatoes will not work, however, as they tend to be too dry and waxy. 
• Ghee – Also known as ‘clarified butter’. Ghee, because it has had the milk solids removed, is virtually lactose-free and has a wonderfully nutty and buttery flavor and helps make these taters really crispy. If you don’t have ghee or need to avoid dairy, you can substitute more olive oil or avocado oil for the ghee. Butter will work in a pinch but because butter contains water (and ghee doesn’t) the potatoes will be delightfully buttery but they may be slightly less crispy. 
• Olive oil or avocado oil – Our go-t0 for organic olive oil and avocado oil is Primal Kitchen (save 10% with code REALFOODRDS when you order online)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Coarse salt & cracked black pepper – Our favorite for salt for adding a bit of crunch and a little rockstar culinary appeal is Maldon Sea Salt Flakes. No kitchen should be without it.

For the Garlic-Herb Oil

• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Fresh parsley
• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh thyme 
• Garlic

What is the best way to cook the potatoes before smashing them?

To cook the potatoes you can either boil them on the stovetop until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork or toss them into an Instant Pot and let them cook while you make the garlic-herb oil. Choose the method that works best for you.

• Stovetop – Fill a large pot with water. Add potatoes and bring to a boil over high heat, reducing the heat as needed to keep the pot from boiling over. Cook potatoes for 18-22 minutes or until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and how vigorously the water is simmering/boiling.
• Instant Pot – Add 1 cup water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add the metal rack/trivet or a steaming basket and add potatoes on top. Secure the lid and cook for 12-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. If potatoes are not fork-tender after releasing the pressure and removing the lid, lock the lid back into place and add 1-3 minutes of cooking time. 

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes

• Step 1 – Cook the potatoes using your desired method – stovetop (boil or steam) or Instant Pot
• Step 2 – Place the hot potatoes on a cutting board and lightly pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel then transfer them to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Toss hot potatoes with ghee (if using), oil, garlic powder, and onion powder, rolling them around the pan to coat them on all sides. 
• Step 3 – While the potatoes are still hot, use a glass with a flat bottom (a coffee cup will also work) to gently press down on potatoes to flatten them until they are about ½-inch thick.
• Step 4 – Place the pan in the oven on the middle rack and bake for 28-30 minutes or until potatoes are lightly golden brown on the underside and crisp on the edges. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with coarse or flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper. 

If you’re making the Garlic-Herb Oil, you can do so while the potatoes are baking. The oil can also be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the fridge until ready to use. 

Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner.

Like our nearly famous Crispy Garlic Ranch Roasted Potatoes, these Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a perfect addition to any meal. Try them alongside your favorite egg muffins, homemade sausage patties, or even just a couple eggs fried your favorite way. For lunch, add a few to a salad to add substance and flavor. And for dinner? Serve them with everything and anything.

We’re particularly fond of them with this One-Pan Pork Loin with Brussels and Apples or Slow Cooker BBQ Beef (you haven’t lived until you’ve topped these crispy little gems with slow-cooked barbecue beef). 

Crispy Smashed Potatoes also make a great appetizer

These crispy smashed potatoes aren’t just for meals, in fact, they’re the perfect appetizer because the potatoes can be cooked ahead of time then smashed and roasted just before serving. They’re even addictingly delicious served at room temperature. Serve the garlic-herb oil on the side for some serious dipping, or drizzle over the top and sprinkle with red pepper flakes or flaked sea salt and watch your guests go wild.

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Photo Credit: The photos in this blog post were taken by Jess of Plays Well with Butter.