Are you ready to elevate your potato game? If so, the Best Smashed Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend! Featuring crispy golden edges, a buttery inside, and a hint of cheesy goodness, these potatoes are not just a side dish; they are the life of any meal. Picture this: it’s a cozy Sunday evening, and you’re gathered around the dinner table with family or friends, the aroma of these smashed potatoes filling the air, and smiles all around. Did you know that smashed potatoes are a twist on traditional mashed potatoes, giving you an even better texture?
These beauties are perfect for any occasion, and let’s face it—everyone loves a good potato dish! They’re simple to whip up and come together in no time. If you enjoy creamy, satisfying dishes, you’ll also want to check out our classic mashed potato recipe for an easy comparison. So, grab your apron and let’s get started on this mouthwatering recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
What are Smashed Potatoes?
You might be wondering, what exactly are smashed potatoes? Imagine taking the best parts of classic mashed potatoes—creamy and fluffy—and giving them a crispy twist. It’s giving “mashed” a whole new meaning, right? Legend has it that smashed potatoes emerged as a clever way to use up leftover potatoes. After all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and what better way to win hearts than with crispy, cheesy potatoes? So, whether you’re having a family dinner or a friends-night-in, give these smashed potatoes a try and watch your crowd go wild!
Why You’ll Love This Smashed Potatoes Recipe
This Smashed Potatoes Recipe brings everything you love about potatoes to the forefront, creating a dish that’s impossible to resist! First, let’s talk about what makes these potatoes a true standout: the combination of crispy edges and creamy insides. This contrast is so satisfying that each bite feels like a mini celebration for your taste buds.
Second, making this dish at home saves you money while also allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings, like cheese, herbs, or even a drizzle of olive oil. Why settle for store-bought sides when you can create a gourmet experience in your own kitchen?
Finally, pairing these smashed potatoes with flavorful ingredients—like fresh chives, grated cheese, or even a sprinkle of garlic—makes every mouthful a delight. If you loved our creamy roasted potatoes, you’ll find that these smashed potatoes bring a whole new level of fun and flavor to the table. Now, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into making these incredible potatoes!
How to Make Smashed Potatoes
Quick Overview
This Smashed Potatoes Recipe is as easy as it gets! With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying. Preparation should take around 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend feast. You’ll love the combination of flavors, from the buttery finish to the crunchy edges!
Key Ingredients for Smashed Potatoes
Here’s what you’ll need to make those delightful smashed potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds of baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: Garlic powder or herbs of your choice
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the potatoes: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the baby Yukon gold potatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Preheat the oven: While the potatoes are cooling, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature will help create those crispy edges!
- Smash the potatoes: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the cooked potatoes. Use a fork or the bottom of a glass to gently press down on each potato, flattening them slightly but leaving some chunkiness.
- Add butter and seasoning: Drizzle the melted butter over the smashed potatoes, ensuring they’re nicely coated. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and any additional seasonings you love (like garlic powder).
- Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are perfectly crispy and golden brown.
- Cheese it up: Remove the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return them to the oven for an extra 5 minutes to let the cheese melt and get bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Once done, take out your smashing creations, sprinkle with freshly chopped chives, and serve hot. Enjoy the crispy, buttery, cheesy goodness with your favorite main course!
What to Serve Smashed Potatoes With
Smashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside grilled chicken for a hearty dinner, or try them with a fresh salad for a lighter meal. They also complement steak beautifully or can sit next to roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. Don’t forget to pour some homemade gravy over them for an indulgent twist! Want more ideas? Check out some of our other potato recipes, like creamy twice-baked potatoes, for more delicious inspiration!
Top Tips for Perfecting Smashed Potatoes
- Choose smaller potatoes: Baby Yukon golds are perfect for this recipe because of their thin skins and buttery flavor. If you only have larger potatoes, cut them into smaller chunks before boiling.
- Don’t skip the butter: The melted butter enhances the flavor and helps the potatoes get that delicious golden crust.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add crumbled feta for a Mediterranean flair or sprinkle some chili flakes for heat.
- Watch the timing: Keep an eye on your potatoes while they bake, as oven temperatures may vary, and you don’t want them to burn.
- Reuse leftovers creatively: If you have any smashed potato leftovers, mash them up and use them as a filling for potato pancakes or casseroles!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though we doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These smashed potatoes will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but be aware that they may lose some of their crunch.
Whip up this Smashed Potatoes Recipe today and discover a new favorite side dish that’s sure to impress everyone at your table! Happy cooking!
Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes Choose smaller potatoes for better texture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Melted, enhances flavor and helps achieve a golden crust
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Or your favorite cheese
- Salt To taste
- Black pepper To taste
- Fresh chives for garnish chopped Adds freshness to the dish
- Optional: Garlic powder or herbs of your choice Customize to your taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the baby Yukon gold potatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool for a few minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooling, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the cooked potatoes. Use a fork or the bottom of a glass to gently press down on each potato, flattening them slightly.
- Drizzle melted butter over the smashed potatoes, ensuring they’re nicely coated. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and any additional seasonings you love.
Baking
- Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return them to the oven for an extra 5 minutes to let the cheese melt.
- Once done, take out the potatoes, sprinkle with freshly chopped chives, and serve hot.
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