Easy Homemade Smashed Potatoes Recipe

🚨Be sure to leave a 5 star rating if you like this recipe!🚨

Smashed potatoes, a rustic and irresistibly crispy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, bring a delightful twist to your dinner table. This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms humble potatoes into golden, crunchy bites with a creamy interior.

The magic lies in the combination of fluffy potatoes, a hot oven, and a drizzle of olive oil. With minimal ingredients and effortless preparation, these smashed potatoes make for an ideal side dish that complements a range of main courses.

Get ready to elevate your potato game with this easy-to-follow recipe, creating a side dish that’s not only visually appealing but also a delightful treat for your taste buds.

Whether served alongside roasted meats or as a standalone snack with your favorite toppings, these smashed potatoes are sure to become a family favorite.

10 Best Dishes To Pair With Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that complements a wide range of main courses. Here are ten delicious meals that pair exceptionally well with smashed potatoes:

1. Roast Chicken
2. Grilled Steak
3. Baked Salmon
4. Pork Chops
5. Meatloaf
6. Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
7. Grilled Vegetables
8. Beef Stew
9. Pan-Seared Fish Fillets
10. BBQ Pulled Pork

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (about 4-5 medium-sized) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives), grated cheese, sour cream, or crispy bacon bits.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly and leave the skins on for added texture and flavor.
3. Cut the Potatoes: into evenly sized chunks.
4. Boil the Potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
5. Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes.
6. Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
7. Smash the Potatoes: Place each boiled potato chunk onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork or a potato masher to gently smash each potato, flattening it to about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness.
8. Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil over each smashed potato. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
9. Bake: Bake the smashed potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
10. Optional Toppings: Once out of the oven, sprinkle your choice of toppings like chopped fresh herbs, grated cheese, sour cream, or crispy bacon bits.
11. Serve: Transfer the smashed potatoes to a serving plate and enjoy them as a tasty side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my smashed potatoes falling apart?

When my smashed potatoes fall apart, it’s usually because they are overcooked or too tender before smashing.

Potatoes should be just tender enough to smash without disintegrating. If they’re boiled for too long, they absorb more water, weaken in structure, and can easily fall apart when pressed.

To avoid this, I test the potatoes for doneness before they become too soft; a fork should easily pierce them, but they should still hold their shape. Additionally, the type of potato can affect the outcome.

Waxy varieties like red or fingerling potatoes hold their shape better after boiling and are more suitable for smashing compared to starchy types like Russets, which are more prone to falling apart.

By monitoring the cooking time and choosing the right type of potato, I can usually prevent them from falling apart during the smashing process.

Are smashed potatoes bad for you?

I wouldn’t say that smashed potatoes are inherently bad for you; it really depends on how they are prepared and consumed. Potatoes themselves are a good source of nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, especially if the skin is left on.

However, the nutritional profile of smashed potatoes can vary depending on the ingredients and cooking methods used. If they’re heavily coated in butter or oil and topped with generous amounts of cheese or bacon, they can become high in calories, saturated fats, and sodium, which might not be ideal for someone monitoring their intake of these nutrients.

On the other hand, if made with a modest amount of olive oil, herbs, and spices, smashed potatoes can be a delicious and relatively healthy side dish.

Moderation is key, as with many foods, and balancing them with other nutrient-dense foods like vegetables and lean proteins can make them a part of a healthy diet.

How many smashed potatoes per person?

When I’m serving smashed potatoes, I typically account for about 3 to 4 small to medium-sized potatoes per person.

This quantity seems to be a good serving size that satisfies without being excessive, especially when the potatoes are a side dish accompanying other items like a protein and vegetables. The exact number can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the appetites of the diners.

For larger gatherings or if I know my guests are particularly fond of potatoes, I might prepare a few extra, as they tend to be quite popular.

Also, considering the other dishes being served is important, as I would prepare more if the smashed potatoes are one of the main attractions of the meal, and less if there are multiple side dishes.

Helpful Resources

• This cool old article from New York Times about smashed potatoes
• All our Sides Recipes

Wrap-Up

These smashed potatoes are a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Customize the toppings to suit your taste, and they’re sure to be a hit at the dinner table!