Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Butter
Introduction
Smashed potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes, offering a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a side dish for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Potatoes: 2 pounds (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
Olive oil: 1/4 cup
Salt: to taste
Pepper: to taste
Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
Fresh herbs (like rosemary or parsley): for garnish
Parmesan cheese: optional, for topping
Prep Time
Prep time for this recipe is approximately 10 minutes. This allows you to wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into halves or quarters before boiling them.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 25 minutes, allowing the potatoes to boil until tender. The total time for the entire recipe is around 35 minutes. This recipe yields 4-6 servings, perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by selecting small to medium-sized potatoes. Clean them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Place the cleaned potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Bring the pot to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Drain the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are tender, carefully drain them in a colander. Allow them to cool for a few minutes to make them easier to handle.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
While the potatoes are cooling, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 5: Smash the Potatoes
Transfer the cooled potatoes to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a potato masher or the bottom of a glass to gently smash each potato down until they are about ½ inch thick.
Step 6: Season the Potatoes
Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer. Toss them lightly to ensure even coverage.
Step 7: Bake the Potatoes
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the potatoes from the oven. Serve them immediately as a side dish, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Note 1: Potato Variety
Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best for this recipe, as they maintain their shape and texture well after cooking.
Note 2: Adjusting Seasonings
Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your palate, incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite herbs.
Note 3: Storage
Leftover smashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Note 4: Vegan Option
This recipe is naturally vegan, but ensure any additional toppings you add are also vegan-friendly.
Cook techniques
Boiling Potatoes
Boil potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender. This step ensures that the potatoes are soft enough to smash easily.
Smashed Technique
Use a potato masher or the bottom of a glass to gently smash the boiled potatoes. The goal is to flatten them slightly while keeping them intact.
Seasoning
Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil or melted butter, and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices before baking.
Baking for Crispiness
Bake the smashed potatoes in a hot oven until the edges are golden and crispy. This adds a delightful texture to the dish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, while russet or Yukon gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, you can use other varieties as well.
How do I achieve crispier potatoes?
Ensure that you give the potatoes enough space on the baking sheet and consider adding a bit more olive oil.
Can I prepare smashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
What other toppings can I add?
You can experiment with toppings like cheese, sour cream, chives, or even bacon bits for added flavor.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
It’s not necessary; leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients. However, you can peel them if you prefer a smoother taste.
Conclusion
The smashed potatoes are a delightful dish that combines crispiness with a creamy interior, making them a perfect side for various meals. Their versatility and simple preparation allow for endless variations, making them a favorite for any dining occasion.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Herb Smashed Potatoes
Enhance the flavor by adding minced garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the smashed potatoes before roasting.
Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan before baking for a deliciously cheesy twist.
Spicy Smashed Potatoes
Add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to give your smashed potatoes a spicy kick.
Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Top your smashed potatoes with sour cream, bacon bits, and chives for a loaded version that’s sure to please.
Smoky Paprika Smashed Potatoes
Sprinkle smoked paprika on top before roasting to add a smoky flavor profile to your dish.
Herbed Greek Yogurt Topping
Serve with a dollop of herbed Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative to sour cream.
Lemon Zest Smashed Potatoes
Incorporate lemon zest into the mix for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens up the dish.
