There’s something irresistibly satisfying about the first crunch when you bite into a smashed potato. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to the creamy softness inside, creating a perfect balance of textures. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The beauty of smashed potatoes lies in their simplicity. A little olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and some garlic or fresh herbs—those are all it takes to elevate this humble side dish to something truly extraordinary. The way the herbs infuse into the potatoes as they roast is a flavor you just can’t beat.
As the potatoes crisp up in the oven, they almost transform into little bite-sized flavor bombs. It’s like the heat from the oven brings out their natural sweetness while the garlic and herbs deepen that savory flavor. The combination of crispy edges and soft, buttery middle is so comforting that it’s almost impossible to stop at just one. You can get creative with toppings—maybe a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of parmesan? The beauty of smashed potatoes is that they’re a blank canvas ready for whatever flavor adventure you want to take them on.
Key Ingredients in Smashed Potatoes
The magic of smashed potatoes comes down to a few key ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at each one, and how they contribute to this irresistible dish.
- Potatoes
The heart and soul of smashed potatoes. Choose a starchy variety, like Russet or Yukon Gold, for that creamy, fluffy texture inside and a crispy finish on the outside. These potatoes hold up beautifully to the smashing process and absorb all the flavors around them. - Unsalted Butter
Butter adds richness and a velvety texture to the potatoes. It helps create that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that’s essential for a satisfying bite. Since we’re using unsalted butter, you can control the salt level exactly to your liking. - Heavy Cream
This ingredient is what takes smashed potatoes to the next level of decadence. Heavy cream gives the potatoes a luxurious, smooth finish and enhances their richness. It’s the key to achieving that creamy, dreamy interior. - Garlic Powder
Garlic powder brings an aromatic depth of flavor to the dish without the overpowering sharpness of fresh garlic. It infuses the potatoes with a warm, savory note that complements the creamy richness perfectly. - Salt
A pinch of salt elevates all the flavors in the dish. It enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and balances the richness of the butter and cream. Make sure to season generously for the best flavor. - Black Pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle kick and a hint of spice that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes. It rounds out the flavor profile and gives the dish just the right amount of heat. - Chopped Parsley
Fresh parsley isn’t just a pop of color—it adds a refreshing, herbal brightness to the potatoes. It helps cut through the richness of the butter and cream, and its slight bitterness provides a nice balance to the overall flavor.
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also full of warmth and comfort.
How to Make Smashed Potatoes
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Give them a good scrub to ensure they’re clean and ready for cooking.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged. This helps them cook evenly.
- Add a pinch of salt to the water for seasoning. This will enhance the flavor of the potatoes as they cook.
- Bring the pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s boiling when you see bubbles rapidly forming and rising to the surface.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender. To test for doneness, insert a fork into a potato; if it slides in easily, the potatoes are ready.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for a minute to release excess moisture. This ensures that your potatoes aren’t too soggy when you smash them.
- Return the drained potatoes to the pot or place them on a large plate or cutting board. This gives you space to work with them.
- Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato to your desired level of crudeness. You want them to break apart but still hold their shape. Don’t worry about making them perfect!
- Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Let the butter melt slowly to avoid burning it.
- Once the butter is melted, pour the heavy cream into the saucepan with the butter.
- Stir the butter and cream mixture together until well combined and heated through, about 1-2 minutes. This creates a rich, smooth sauce that will coat the potatoes beautifully.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the smashed potatoes. Be generous with the seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
- Pour the warm butter and cream mixture over the smashed potatoes and gently toss them to combine. You want the potatoes to absorb all that creamy goodness.
- Add the chopped parsley and stir it into the potatoes for a fresh burst of flavor and color. It adds a light, herbal note that balances the richness of the dish.
- Taste the potatoes and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Don’t forget, a little more salt can work wonders to bring all the flavors to life.
- Serve the smashed potatoes hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. They’re best enjoyed while still warm and crispy!
Serving Suggestions for Smashed Potatoes
- Pair with Roasted Chicken or Steak
There’s no better companion for smashed potatoes than a juicy roasted chicken or a perfectly seared steak. The crispy, creamy potatoes soak up all the delicious juices from the meat, making each bite a little bite of heaven. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of gravy or pan sauce over the top—trust me, it’s irresistible! - Top with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar
Take your smashed potatoes over the top by adding a sprinkle of crispy crumbled bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. The salty bacon adds a savory crunch, while the melted cheddar gives you that ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness. It’s the ultimate comfort food upgrade! - Make Them the Star of a Veggie Feast
Smashed potatoes can also shine in a veggie-forward meal. Serve them alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, or a fresh salad for a lighter, yet satisfying dish. The potatoes add a creamy base that complements the fresh vegetables, making it a perfect balanced plate.
How to Store Smashed Potatoes
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though that’s a rare occurrence with this dish!), storing your smashed potatoes properly is key to keeping them fresh and tasty. First, let them cool down to room temperature before you store them. This prevents condensation from building up inside the container, which could make the potatoes soggy. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, though the crispy edges won’t be as crunchy as when they were first made.
If you want to enjoy those crispy edges later, you can reheat your smashed potatoes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F, then place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Pop them in for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. A quick spray of olive oil before reheating will help bring back some of that golden crispiness.
For longer storage, you can freeze your smashed potatoes. Spoon the leftovers onto a baking sheet, spreading them out so they’re not stacked on top of each other. Freeze them for a few hours, then transfer the frozen potatoes into a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the oven as you would with the refrigerated version. The texture might be a little different after freezing, but they’ll still be delicious!
Conclusion
And there you have it—the perfect smashed potatoes! From that first satisfying crunch to the creamy, buttery interior, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving them alongside a juicy roast, topping them with crispy bacon and cheese, or just enjoying them on their own, these smashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
If you try making them, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Did you add any fun toppings or variations? Got any tips of your own? Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts or feedback—I’m always up for a good chat about food! And if you need help along the way, just reach out. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with delicious smells!
Smashed Potatoes
Description
Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, smashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Each bite offers a savory burst of garlic, herbs, and buttery goodness, perfectly seasoned to make you crave more with every forkful!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by washing the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt.
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Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged.
-
Add a pinch of salt to the water for seasoning.
-
Bring the pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
-
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
-
To check for doneness, insert a fork into a potato; if it slides in easily, the potatoes are ready.
-
Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for a minute to release excess moisture.
-
Return the drained potatoes to the pot or place them on a large plate or cutting board.
-
Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato to your desired level of crudeness.
-
Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
-
Once the butter is melted, pour the heavy cream into the saucepan with the butter.
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Stir the butter and cream mixture together until well combined and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
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Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the smashed potatoes.
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Pour the warm butter and cream mixture over the smashed potatoes and gently toss them to combine.
-
Add the chopped parsley and stir it into the potatoes for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
-
Taste the potatoes and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
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Serve the smashed potatoes hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Note
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove all dirt before cooking.
- For a creamier texture, use Yukon Gold potatoes.
- Adjust the garlic powder based on personal preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
- To keep the potatoes warm, cover them with a lid or foil while preparing the butter and cream mixture.
- For extra richness, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or grated cheese before serving.
