Smash Potatoes Recipe: Smash potatoes are crispy, flavorful, and one of the easiest side dishes you can make. They are a delicious cross between mashed potatoes and roasted potatoes, offering a crispy exterior with a soft and fluffy interior. This dish has gained massive popularity due to its simplicity and irresistible crunch.
Unlike traditional mashed potatoes, where you blend everything into a smooth mixture, smash potatoes are simply boiled, smashed, and roasted (or pan-fried) to crispy perfection. They make an excellent side dish for almost any meal and can be customized with various toppings and seasonings.
Now, let’s dive into the ultimate step-by-step guide to making the perfect smash potatoes at home!
Ingredients for Smash Potatoes
To make the perfect crispy smash potatoes, you’ll need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional Add-ons:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp chili flakes (for a spicy kick)
- Sour cream or ranch for dipping
These simple ingredients will ensure your smash potatoes turn out flavorful, crispy, and absolutely delicious!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make the process easy, gather these kitchen tools:
A large pot – For boiling the potatoes
A colander – To drain the water
A baking sheet – If baking the potatoes
A potato masher or a glass – To smash the potatoes
A brush – For applying oil and seasonings
A spatula – To remove the potatoes easily from the baking sheet
Don’t have a potato masher? No problem! You can use the bottom of a glass, a fork, or even a rolling pin to smash them.
Choosing the Best Potatoes
The type of potatoes you use plays a significant role in the final texture of your smash potatoes.
Best Choices:
- Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes – Creamy and slightly buttery in flavor
- Red Potatoes – Hold their shape well and crisp up beautifully
Avoid:
- Large russet potatoes (too starchy and don’t hold up as well)
- Overly waxy potatoes that don’t get crispy enough
If you’re unsure, always go for small, thin-skinned potatoes as they work best for smashing!
Step 1 – Boil the Potatoes
+ Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt.
+ Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water.
+ Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water (helps with seasoning).
+ Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
+ Drain the potatoes and let them sit for a few minutes.
Pro Tip: Don’t overboil! The potatoes should be soft but still hold their shape.
Step 2 – Drain and Cool the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are boiled, drain them using a colander and let them cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
Why is cooling important?
- If you smash them while they’re too hot, they might fall apart.
- Letting them cool slightly helps retain their shape while still being easy to smash.
Step 3 – Smash the Potatoes
Now comes the fun part—smashing!
+ Place the potatoes on a lined baking sheet.
+ Use a potato masher, the bottom of a glass, or a fork to gently press down until the potatoes are flattened.
+ Don’t press too hard—just enough to break them apart while keeping them together.
Pro Tip: If some potatoes crumble, don’t worry! Those little crispy bits will be extra delicious after baking.
Step 4 – Seasoning the Potatoes
To make your smash potatoes flavorful, season them generously.
Brush each potato with olive oil or melted butter for crispiness.
Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly over the potatoes.
Add minced garlic or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Seasoning is key to getting that perfect taste, so don’t be shy with the spices!
Step 5 – Bake or Pan-Fry for Crispiness
Now, it’s time to crisp them up!
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Pan-Fry Method:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
- Cook the smashed potatoes for about 5 minutes per side until crispy.
Both methods work well, but baking is easier if you’re making a large batch.
Step 6 – Adding Toppings
Once your smash potatoes are beautifully crispy, it’s time to elevate them with some toppings!
Popular Topping Ideas:
Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, umami-rich flavor.
Fresh Herbs – Parsley, chives, or thyme for a fresh touch.
Garlic Butter – Melted butter mixed with minced garlic makes them even more delicious.
Bacon Bits – Crispy bacon pieces add extra crunch and a smoky taste.
Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully over hot smash potatoes.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – A creamy, tangy contrast to the crispiness.
Hot Sauce or Sriracha – For a spicy kick.
Pro Tip: Add cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking so it melts perfectly!
Step 7 – Serving Suggestions
Smash potatoes can be served in many ways, whether as a side dish, appetizer, or even a snack.
Best Pairings:
Grilled Meats – Perfect with steak, chicken, or fish.
Burgers – A great alternative to traditional fries.
Salads – A crunchy contrast to fresh greens.
Soup or Stew – Adds texture to a hearty bowl of soup.
Serve them hot, with extra toppings and dipping sauces on the side for a complete experience!
Tips for the Perfect Smash Potatoes
Choose the Right Potatoes: Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best.
Boil Until Just Tender: Overcooked potatoes can fall apart when smashed.
Let Them Cool Slightly: Prevents them from crumbling too much.
Use Enough Oil or Butter: This ensures they crisp up properly.
Don’t Over-Smash: Press just enough to flatten, not to completely break them apart.
Bake at High Heat: 425°F (220°C) is the sweet spot for crispiness.
Season Generously: Don’t hold back on salt, pepper, and garlic!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have restaurant-quality smash potatoes every time!
Variations of Smash Potatoes
Want to mix things up? Try these variations!
1. Garlic Butter Smash Potatoes
- Toss with melted garlic butter before baking.
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
2. Cheese-Loaded Smash Potatoes
- Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella before the final 5 minutes of baking.
- Top with bacon bits and chives.
3. Spicy Smash Potatoes
- Sprinkle with chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika.
- Serve with a spicy dipping sauce like Sriracha mayo.
These variations add exciting flavors, making the dish even more enjoyable!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat them without losing crispiness.
Storing:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Good for 2 months.
Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Skillet: Reheat on medium heat for 5 minutes per side.
Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy!
FAQs about Smash Potatoes Recipe
1. What are smash potatoes?
Smash potatoes are crispy, golden-brown potatoes made by boiling small potatoes until tender, smashing them flat, and roasting them until crispy. They have a fluffy interior with a crunchy exterior, making them a delicious side dish.
2. What type of potatoes work best for smash potatoes?
Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work best because they hold their shape well and crisp up beautifully when roasted.
3. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, leaving the skin on adds extra texture and flavor. Plus, it helps the potatoes hold together when smashed.
4. How do I make my smash potatoes extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, make sure to:
- Dry the potatoes well before smashing.
- Use plenty of olive oil or butter.
- Roast at a high temperature (425°F/220°C or higher).
- Flip them halfway through baking for even crispiness.
5. Can I make smash potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Boil and smash the potatoes in advance, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, roast them until crispy.
6. What seasonings go well with smash potatoes?
Garlic, rosemary, thyme, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and chili flakes are great choices. You can also keep it simple with salt, pepper, and butter.
7. Can I make smash potatoes in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
8. What can I serve with smash potatoes?
They pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, seafood, and dipping sauces like garlic aioli or sour cream.
9. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until crispy again.
10. Are smash potatoes gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you avoid gluten-containing seasonings or toppings, smash potatoes are naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Smash potatoes are one of the easiest, tastiest side dishes you can make at home. They offer the perfect balance of crispiness and fluffiness, making them an instant favorite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can master this dish.
Whether you bake or pan-fry them, top them with cheese, bacon, or garlic butter, or serve them with your favorite meal, smash potatoes are sure to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness!
