Crispy Smashed Potatoes are one of the easiest and most satisfying side dishes you can make at home. With their crunchy golden edges and soft, fluffy centers, these potatoes are the perfect combination of texture and flavor. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, burgers, seafood, or even a simple salad. Whether you are preparing a casual family dinner or a holiday spread, Crispy Smashed Potatoes always disappear quickly from the table.
Baby potatoes work best for this recipe because of their naturally creamy texture and smaller size. Yukon Gold or red potatoes are especially popular choices since they become buttery and tender after boiling. The process is simple: first boil the potatoes until fork tender, then gently smash them flat before roasting or baking them until crispy and golden brown. The smashed shape creates more surface area, which means extra crunchy edges in every bite.
Olive oil is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Generously brushing or drizzling the potatoes with oil helps them roast evenly while developing a delicious golden crust. Garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika add savory flavor, while fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or thyme bring freshness and aroma. Parmesan cheese can also be sprinkled on top for extra richness and crunch.
One of the best things about Crispy Smashed Potatoes is their versatility. You can customize them with your favorite seasonings and toppings. Add shredded cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, green onions, or spicy chili flakes for even more flavor. They can be served as an appetizer with dipping sauces or as a hearty side dish alongside almost any main course.
For the crispiest results, make sure the potatoes are spread out on the baking sheet with enough space between them. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents them from becoming crunchy. Baking at a high temperature helps create beautifully crisp edges while keeping the inside soft and creamy.
These Crispy Smashed Potatoes are simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. Their crispy texture and savory seasoning make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, parties, and holiday meals alike. Once you make them, they are sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby potatoes red or Yukon Gold
- 2 tbsp olive oil plus more as needed
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp garlic powder optional
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Place the potatoes in a pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently smash each potato until flattened but still intact.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, then flip if desired and bake 5 to 10 minutes more until crisp and golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition
Super easy and quick! I added some cheese before baking and it was delicious! 😍
That sounds amazing! I love cheese on everything, especially potatoes. Can’t wait to try it! 🧀
These turned out amazing! Crispy and flavorful. My family loved them!
Crispy potatoes? Yes please! 🍽️
Way too much salt! Next time I’ll use less than a tsp. But overall they tasted nice.
I don’t get the hype. They turned out mushy, not crispy at all. Followed the recipe exactly. What went wrong?
I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe the potatoes were too wet before baking? It’s easy to have that happen. I usually let mine sit out a bit after boiling to dry off. Hope that helps!
I had the same problem once! I think my oven was too full or something. Not sure but I also heard that baking at a higher temp can help. Keep trying!
Why do you have to smash them? Can’t I just leave them whole? Seems unnecessary.
Crispy smashed potatoes? More like soggy blobs for me. I think I did something wrong. 🤔
Don’t worry! Sometimes the type of potato can make a difference. I learned that the hard way! 😂
Quick and simple. My kids even helped with smashing! Wish I had tried this sooner!
I think you need more than 1 tsp of salt for that many potatoes. They were bland for me.
Crispy potatoes? More like mushy! I don’t get the hype. 🤷♂️
Maybe you just cooked them wrong? Mine turned out super crispy! 😋
I followed the recipe but they came out mushy. Maybe my potatoes were too big?
So simple yet so good! Perfect side for my steak dinner.
Omg, these are my new go-to snack! So good with ranch dressing. Yum!
I followed the recipe but they didn’t get crispy at all. Maybe my oven is too weak? Not sure.
These were so good! Made them for dinner last night and everyone loved them. Will definitely make again!
These turned out amazing! Perfectly crispy and so easy to make. My whole family loved them.
Glad to hear they were a hit! I need to try this recipe myself. 😊
I added cheese on top before baking and they were a big hit! Highly recommend jazzing it up.
Cheese sounds yummy! I’ll try that next time. Thanks for the tip!
Tried this with sweet potatoes instead and wow, it was a complete disaster. They did not smash well… yikes!
Potato recipe not bad, but I think my grandma’s was better. Just saying!