There’s something incredibly satisfying about the crunch of a perfectly cooked potato—especially when it’s one of my favorite comfort foods, the Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Picture this: after a long day, the aroma of buttery goodness fills your kitchen as those golden nuggets transform from fluffy to fabulously crisp in the oven.
I can still recall the first time I took a bite; the combination of textures—crispy edges giving way to a soft, buttery center—left me marveling at how a simple potato could bring so much joy. This recipe emerged from countless kitchen experiments, proving to be an effortless crowd-pleaser whether I was serving family or entertaining friends.
What’s amazing is that with just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that not only elevates your dinner table but also makes those fast-food cravings disappear. So, if you’re ready to impress with minimal fuss, let’s dive into this crispy potato adventure together!
Why are Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes a must-try?
Irresistible Crunch: The golden, crispy crust provides a satisfying texture that’s simply addictive.
Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples, making it both accessible and budget-friendly.
Effortless Preparation: With easy steps, you’ll have a stunning side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Pairing: These potatoes complement any meal, from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a delicious potato dish, making them perfect for sharing!
Elevate your cooking game and discover more potato inspiration with our potato recipes.
Ingredients for Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Get ready to create potato perfection!
For the Potatoes
- Small potatoes – 700g / 1.4 lb (12 – 14) – These are the key to that irresistible crunch!
- Medium potatoes – 1 – 1.2kg / 2 – 2.4 lb (6 – 8) – They add that delightful soft center you crave.
- Salt – 1 tbsp (for boiling) – Enhances flavor while cooking the potatoes to buttery tenderness.
For the Flavor
- Unsalted butter – 30g / 2 tbsp, melted – Gives a rich taste and helps to achieve golden crispiness.
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp – Adds a layer of flavor and aids in that crispy finish.
- Salt – 3/4 tsp (for sprinkling) – A must for a tasty final touch!
- Black pepper – 1/4 tsp – Adds a bit of kick to each bite.
- Finely chopped parsley – Optional garnish – It’s a beautiful way to elevate presentation and freshness!
Prepare to impress with these Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes that will steal the show at your next meal.
How to Make Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes
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Boil the water: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Gently lower the small potatoes and medium potatoes into the pot, cooking until they’re soft—about 20 to 25 minutes for small ones and 30 minutes for medium.
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Preheat the oven: While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C if using a fan oven. This will ensure a perfect crunch!
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Drain the potatoes: Once they’re soft, carefully drain the potatoes in a colander and allow them to dry for about 5 minutes. This step is vital for achieving that coveted crispy texture.
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Smash the potatoes: Place the dried potatoes on a baking tray. Using a large fork or potato masher, gently squish each potato until it flattens but remains in one piece.
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Steam dry: Let the smashed potatoes rest on the tray for another 5 minutes. This helps them lose excess moisture, ensuring they bake to a delightful crisp.
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Drizzle with flavor: Pour melted butter and olive oil over the smashed potatoes, making sure they’re well-coated. Then, sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Bake to perfection: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 45 minutes if using small potatoes and 55 minutes for medium. Wait until they are deep golden and irresistibly crispy—no flipping is needed!
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Serve hot: Once out of the oven, serve your Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes while they’re hot, and if desired, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Room Temperature: Let the potatoes cool completely before storing. They can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them for a few minutes in the oven to restore some crunch.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cooled smashed potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy later, bake frozen potatoes directly from the freezer at 200°C (390°F) for 20-25 minutes until hot and crispy.
Make Ahead Options
These Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy deliciousness with minimal last-minute effort! You can boil and smash the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance—simply follow steps 1 to 5, then let them cool before refrigerating. To maintain their texture and flavor, store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, drizzle with melted butter and olive oil (step 6), sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake directly from the fridge (steps 7 and 8). You’ll enjoy crispy, restaurant-quality results, and your busy weeknight dinners just became a breeze!
Expert Tips for Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes
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Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for waxy or all-purpose potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, for the best texture and flavor in your Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes.
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Don’t Skip Drying: Allowing the boiled potatoes to steam dry for 5 minutes after draining reduces moisture, ensuring that glorious crispiness when baked.
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Smash Gently: Use a fork or potato masher to firmly squash the potatoes, but avoid over-smashed; you want them slightly chunky for optimal crunch!
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Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper—season them well before baking to enhance flavors and make each bite delightful.
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Avoid Flipping: Resist the urge to flip the potatoes while baking. Letting them remain still promotes crispiness on all sides.
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Experiment with Toppings: For a fun twist, try adding your favorite cheese or herbs before the last few minutes of baking for added flavor on your Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes!
What to Serve with Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
Imagine a delightful spread that perfectly complements those golden, crunchy bites—bringing warmth and comfort to your dinner table.
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor and juicy tenderness of grilled chicken enhance every crispy bite, making for a satisfying meal.
- Creamy Spinach Salad: The refreshing, creamy elements of a spinach salad balance beautifully with the crispy texture of the potatoes, offering a perfect contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables adds vibrant colors and earthy flavors, making your meal not only tasty but visually appealing.
- Steak or Tenderloin: A juicy steak paired with crispy potatoes is a classic combination, creating a hearty, indulgent experience.
- Honey Garlic Shrimp: The sweet and savory notes of honey garlic shrimp harmonize with the potatoes, adding a delightful taste dimension to your plate.
- Garlic Butter Asparagus: Crisp-tender asparagus drizzled with garlic butter adds freshness while enhancing the buttery richness of the potatoes.
- Red Wine: A hearty red wine complements the rich flavors of both the potatoes and your protein, adding depth to your dining experience.
- Zesty Lemon Tart: After indulging in those crispy potatoes, a zesty lemon tart offers a refreshing and light dessert to finish on a bright note.
Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes Variations
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own unforgettably crispy potato experience!
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Garlic Infusion: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the olive oil before drizzling for a fragrant twist. Roasting the garlic brings a deep, savory flavor that enhances each bite.
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Herb Delight: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the butter and oil for an aromatic touch. Their earthy notes will elevate your potatoes from simple to extraordinary!
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the potatoes before baking for an added layer of heat. This simple addition transforms them into a spicy delight that awakens your taste buds.
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Cheesy Goodness: Layer shredded cheese over the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melty, indulgent topping. Just imagine that gooey, cheesy goodness cascading down your crispy masterpiece!
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Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic reduction right before serving for a tangy contrast. The sweetness of the glaze beautifully complements the savory, crispy exterior of the potatoes.
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Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil for a plant-based alternative. You can still achieve that delightful crunch and buttery taste without any dairy!
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Sweet Potato Swap: Try using sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for a unique flavor twist. Their natural sweetness provides a wonderful contrast to the crispy texture.
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Onion Powder Boost: Add a sprinkle of onion powder into the seasoning mix for extra flavor. This subtle addition can really elevate the overall taste profile of your ultra crispy treats!
Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right potatoes for ultra crispy smashed potatoes?
Absolutely! For that perfect texture and flavor, I recommend using waxy or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. These types hold their shape well when boiled and develop a delightful crisp when baked.
How should I store leftovers of ultra crispy smashed potatoes?
Very important! Allow your smashed potatoes to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes—this helps regain that satisfying crunch!
Can I freeze ultra crispy smashed potatoes?
Certainly! To freeze, let the smashed potatoes cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. For reheating, bake them directly from frozen at 200°C (390°F) for 20-25 minutes until crispy and hot.
What if my smashed potatoes are not crispy after baking?
If the potatoes didn’t get as crispy as you hoped, it could be due to excess moisture. Make sure you allow them to dry properly before baking—this is key! Also, avoid flipping them while they bake, as keeping them undisturbed helps achieve that golden crunch we all desire.
Are ultra crispy smashed potatoes suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! The ingredients for ultra crispy smashed potatoes are naturally gluten-free, making them a perfect side dish for anyone avoiding gluten. Just be mindful of any additional toppings or sauces, as they may contain gluten. Enjoy freely!
How do I enhance the flavor of ultra crispy smashed potatoes?
I often make my smashed potatoes even more delicious by adding herbs or cheese. You can sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta right before the last few minutes of baking for a delightful twist. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme also add an aromatic layer of flavor that elevates each bite beautifully!
Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes That Steal the Show
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil the water: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Gently lower the small and medium potatoes into the pot, cooking until they're soft—about 20 to 25 minutes for small ones and 30 minutes for medium.
- Preheat the oven: While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C if using a fan oven.
- Drain the potatoes: Once they're soft, carefully drain the potatoes in a colander and allow them to dry for about 5 minutes.
- Smash the potatoes: Place the dried potatoes on a baking tray. Using a large fork or potato masher, gently squish each potato until it flattens but remains in one piece.
- Steam dry: Let the smashed potatoes rest on the tray for another 5 minutes.
- Drizzle with flavor: Pour melted butter and olive oil over the smashed potatoes, making sure they’re well-coated. Then, sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bake to perfection: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 45 minutes if using small potatoes and 55 minutes for medium.
- Serve hot: Once out of the oven, serve your Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes while they're hot, and if desired, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley for a fresh touch.