Description
These ultra-crispy smashed potatoes feature soft, fluffy centers and edges that shatter when bitten. Made with simple pantry staples like russet potatoes, olive oil, and garlic, this foolproof side dish delivers maximum crunch with minimum effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 pounds Russet potatoes (roughly same size)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (plus more for boiling water)
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Hot honey or hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Wash potatoes thoroughly. Do not peel. If large, cut in half to ensure uniform size.
- Fill a large pot with cold water, add 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain potatoes in a colander and let them sit for 5 minutes to steam off excess moisture. This step is crucial for crispiness.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place each potato on the baking sheet and smash flat using a heavy-bottomed mug or glass, aiming for 1/2-inch thickness.
- Brush tops generously with the mixture of olive oil and melted butter.
- Sprinkle with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Do not skip the drying step after boiling; wet potatoes will steam instead of crisp. Use enough oil to conduct heat. If garlic burns, cover loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes. Do not freeze as texture becomes mealy. Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, side dish, russet potatoes, garlic potatoes, easy recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free