Featured in Comfort Dinners , Quick Lunch , Sweet Endings
Try this crispy smashed potatoes recipe for your next side dish! Boiled and smashed potatoes are roasted until golden, then topped with garlic butter for irresistible flavor. A crowd-pleasing comfort food you’ll make again and again.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes Garlic Butter | recipesbybrad.comGolden crispy smashed potatoes topped with rich garlic butter and fresh herbs on a rustic plate
Crispy smashed potatoes with garlic butter offer a deliciously simple way to enjoy tender potatoes with an irresistibly crunchy exterior. This recipe combines boiled baby potatoes lightly smashed and baked until golden, then drizzled with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, these potatoes bring out rich flavors in every bite. Whether for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy recipe guarantees a satisfying texture contrast and mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
Choose small baby potatoes because their size allows even cooking and perfect smashing without falling apart. Their thin skins crisp up nicely when roasted, adding texture and color.
Olive oil helps create the crispy crust on the smashed potatoes while adding a subtle fruity flavor. Use extra virgin olive oil for best taste and health benefits.
Butter enriches the dish by providing creamy richness to the garlic sauce. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level precisely in this recipe.
Fresh garlic minced finely infuses the butter sauce with strong aromatic flavor that complements the roasted potatoes perfectly without overpowering them.
Chopped parsley adds freshness and a mild herbaceous note that brightens the rich buttery garlic topping while adding a splash of color.
Salt is essential to balance flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of the roasted baby potatoes while enhancing the garlic butter seasoning.
Freshly ground black pepper adds subtle heat and depth to the dish without overwhelming its delicate balance of tastes.
Place baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until they are fork-tender but not falling apart, about 15-20 minutes depending on size. Drain well and set aside briefly to cool slightly before smashing.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Make sure the sheet is large enough to spread out all potatoes without crowding so they roast evenly.
Place each boiled potato on the baking sheet one by one. Using a heavy-bottomed glass or potato masher, press down firmly until each potato flattens but remains mostly intact. Aim for about ½ inch thickness so they crisp well during roasting.
Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over all smashed potatoes making sure each piece gets coated well. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference across all pieces for balanced seasoning before baking.
Bake in preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until edges turn golden brown and crisp while insides remain soft. Flip halfway through baking if needed for even crispness on both sides.
In a small saucepan over low heat melt unsalted butter gently without browning it yet add minced fresh garlic cloves once melted stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt remove from heat immediately.
Once roasted crisp remove baking sheet from oven carefully pour warm garlic butter evenly over all smashed potatoes gently tossing them with a spatula so each piece absorbs flavorful sauce fully.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley generously over garnished crispy smashed potatoes just before serving adding fresh herbal brightness visually enhancing presentation as well as flavor contrast.
Crispy smashed potatoes with garlic butter complement grilled chicken, steak, or fish beautifully making them versatile enough for casual meals or dinner parties alike. Serve alongside a crisp green salad for balance.
These smashed potatoes taste best right out of the oven when still warm and crunchy on the outside. Reheating may soften their texture so try to serve promptly after preparation.
If you have leftovers place cooled smashed potatoes in an airtight container inside the fridge within two hours after cooking to maintain freshness safely up to three days.
To re-crisp refrigerated leftovers preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread them on a baking tray uncovered for about 10 minutes until heated through and edges regain crunchiness rather than microwaving which makes them soggy.
One common mistake when making crispy smashed potatoes with garlic butter is not boiling the potatoes long enough. Undercooked potatoes will be difficult to smash, resulting in uneven texture and less crispiness. Make sure the potatoes are tender but not falling apart before smashing them.
Another error is applying too much oil or butter before baking. Excess fat can cause soggy potatoes instead of crispy ones. Use a moderate amount of garlic butter to coat the potatoes evenly and allow them to crisp up nicely in the oven.
Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. When potatoes are too close together, steam builds up and prevents them from getting crispy. Give each potato enough space so hot air can circulate around them during cooking.
Failing to preheat the oven properly reduces crispiness. A hot oven helps create a golden crust quickly. Ensure your oven reaches at least 425°F (220°C) before placing the potatoes inside.
Not seasoning well is another frequent mistake. Garlic butter adds flavor, but don't forget to season with salt and pepper generously. Balanced seasoning highlights the natural taste of the potatoes and enhances every bite.
To get perfect crispy smashed potatoes with garlic butter, start by choosing small to medium-sized potatoes like baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes. These varieties have thin skins that crisp well and tender flesh for smashing without falling apart.
Parboil the potatoes until just tender, about 15-20 minutes depending on size. Test by poking with a fork; it should go through easily but still hold shape. Drain and let them steam dry so excess moisture doesn't prevent crisping.
When smashing, use a sturdy flat object like a potato masher or bottom of a glass for even pressure. Smash gently but firmly enough to flatten each potato about half an inch thick without breaking into pieces.
Brush the smashed potatoes generously with melted garlic butter mixed with fresh minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor depth. The butter not only adds richness but also helps achieve a golden crust when baked.
Bake on a preheated baking sheet without crowding at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden brown and crispy. Halfway through baking, flip each potato for even crispiness on both sides.
Finally, finish with fresh herbs like chopped chives or rosemary after baking for brightness and aroma that complement the savory garlic butter perfectly.
For an extra burst of flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese on top of your crispy smashed potatoes just before finishing in the oven. The cheese melts and creates a deliciously savory crust that pairs beautifully with garlic butter.
Try incorporating different herbs into your garlic butter mixture such as thyme or oregano for variation in taste. These herbs infuse aromatic notes that enhance the overall dish without overpowering the natural potato flavor.
If you want a spicier kick, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the smashed potatoes before baking. This adds warmth and complements the richness of garlic butter nicely while giving it some heat.
For a healthier option, swap regular butter with olive oil infused with garlic cloves. Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats while still delivering that essential garlicky aroma and helps keep the potatoes crispy.
Serve these crispy smashed potatoes alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables as a versatile side dish that elevates any meal effortlessly. They also work well as an appetizer paired with dipping sauces like sour cream or spicy aioli.
To achieve maximum crunchiness, ensure you boil your potatoes until just tender but not mushy. Steam dry them after boiling to remove moisture which hinders crisping. Use enough garlic butter to coat each potato evenly and bake at a high temperature (around 425°F/220°C). Also, avoid overcrowding the pan so hot air circulates freely around each piece during roasting.
Yes, you can parboil and smash your potatoes in advance then refrigerate them uncovered on a baking sheet for up to one day before baking. When ready to serve, brush again with fresh garlic butter and bake until golden brown and crispy. This saves time while maintaining excellent texture and flavor.
Small waxy or all-purpose potatoes like baby Yukon Golds or red new potatoes work best because they hold their shape well when boiled yet mash easily once cooked. Their thin skins also crisp up nicely without becoming tough or chewy compared to larger starchy varieties like Russets.
For an ideal balance in your garlic butter coating, use about 2-3 cloves of finely minced fresh garlic per 4 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil. This amount gives sufficient aroma and flavor without overpowering other elements in your crispy smashed potatoes dish.
Absolutely! Replace traditional butter with plant-based margarine or olive oil infused with minced garlic to maintain rich flavor while keeping it vegan-friendly. Just follow the same process to boil, smash, season, and roast until crispy using these alternatives.
Flipping halfway through baking ensures both sides become equally golden brown and crunchy rather than just one side crisping up while the other stays soft. Use tongs or a spatula carefully to turn each potato over about 10-12 minutes into roasting at high heat.
Making crispy smashed potatoes with garlic butter requires attention to detail such as boiling until tender, avoiding overcrowding during baking, and using enough seasoning including salt and fresh herbs for full flavor impact. Choosing small waxy potatoes ensures easy smashing while maintaining structure after cooking. Brushing generously with melted garlic butter before roasting at high temperatures produces that irresistible golden crust every time. Small tips like flipping halfway through cooking help achieve even crispiness on all sides—making this recipe simple yet impressive as either an appetizer or side dish suitable for various meals throughout the year.