If you are on a mission to find the ultimate crispy potato side dish, look no further because this Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new favorite! Imagine tender potatoes cooked to perfection, smashed until just right to maximize crunchy edges, then baked with a golden buttery drizzle that turns every bite into pure comfort. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, these potatoes deliver that perfect balance of fluffy softness inside and an irresistible crunch outside. Let me take you through everything you need to know to nail this dish every time and have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe is its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the salt that seasons the potatoes as they cook to the olive oil and melted butter that create that signature golden crust, every detail counts in making these potatoes shine.
- 700g / 1.4 lb small potatoes (12 – 14): Perfect for crispier edges since their size allows for more surface area when smashed.
- 1 – 1.2kg / 2 – 2.4lb medium potatoes (6 – 8): Offers a fluffier inside with that satisfying crunch on the outside, great for variety.
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling): Essential for seasoning the potatoes deeply during cooking, enhancing natural flavors.
- 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Assists in crisping and adds a subtle fruity finish to the potatoes.
- 3/4 tsp salt (for sprinkling): Gives a final seasoning boost to bring out the best flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that complements the buttery potatoes perfectly.
- Finely chopped parsley (optional garnish): Freshens up the plate with a splash of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes Until Tender
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding a tablespoon of salt to really infuse flavor into the potatoes. Drop in your small or medium potatoes and cook them until they soften completely—usually around 20 to 25 minutes for small ones, 30 minutes for the larger ones. Don’t worry if the skins crack during cooking; it only adds character. If you’re short on time, steaming or microwaving works as an alternative and still achieves that soft center.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven to 200°C/390°F
While your potatoes are boiling away, set your oven to preheat at 200°C or 390°F. If you’re using a fan oven, adjust it to 180°C. This high heat is necessary to transform the outer layer of your smashed potatoes into an ultra crispy masterpiece.
Step 3: Steam Dry the Potatoes
Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly and place them in a colander. Let them rest for about 5 minutes to allow steam to escape—this step is key because moisture is the enemy of crunchiness. The drier the surface, the better your potatoes will crisp up in the oven.
Step 4: Smash the Potatoes Seriously Well
Gently lay the potatoes out on a baking tray and take a large fork or a potato masher to gently press down on each one. You want them smashed thin enough to create maximum surface area without completely flattening them apart. The mix of thin, crispy edges with thicker fluffy parts creates an irresistible texture combination. The more nubbly the surface, the better your crunch will be!
Step 5: Steam Dry Again for Extra Crunch
Give your smashed potatoes another 5 minutes to air dry on the tray. This little patience trick makes a huge difference in ensuring that final crispness when they bake.
Step 6: Drizzle Butter and Olive Oil and Sprinkle Seasoning
Now it’s time to dress your potatoes. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over each one, then add the olive oil to help crisp up the skins. Sprinkle the 3/4 teaspoon of salt and black pepper on top to season perfectly. Every bite should hit with a perfect balance of savory and buttery goodness.
Step 7: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Pop your tray into the oven and bake the potatoes for about 45 minutes if using small ones, or 55 minutes for medium-sized spuds. The key is not to flip them; letting the edges bake undisturbed allows the crust to develop intense golden color and ultra crunchiness. Patience now will pay off deliciously in the final bite.
Step 8: Serve Hot with Optional Parsley
Remove your beautiful Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes from the oven and, if you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and brightness. Serve immediately for the best textural experience.
How to Serve Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley is a classic way to add fresh herbal notes and vibrant greens that nicely contrast the golden potatoes. You can also consider a dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of garlic-infused oil for extra flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats like steak or chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh green salad to balance out the richness. They make a stellar side dish for casual dinners and more formal occasions alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes in small individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets at a party. Top with dollops of sour cream or sprinkle chopped crispy bacon for an indulgent touch that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve as much crispness as possible, keep them on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
Freezing
Freezing crispy potatoes is tricky because they tend to lose crunch after thawing. However, you can freeze them after baking by spreading them in a single layer on a tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Use within 1 month for best results and plan to re-crisp thoroughly in the oven.
Reheating
To bring back that unbeatable crispiness, avoid microwaving. Instead, reheat your potatoes in a 200°C oven on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy again. This method restores their texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use any type of potatoes for the Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe?
Yes, but waxy or new potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and crisp up beautifully when smashed. Starchy potatoes like Russets can work too but may be a bit fluffier and less firm after cooking.
Is it necessary to use both butter and olive oil?
While you can use just one, the combination of butter and olive oil gives you richer flavor and better browning. Butter adds depth, and olive oil helps with crisping edges without burning.
Can I add other seasonings or herbs?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with garlic powder, smoked paprika, rosemary, or thyme. These additions can add exciting flavors while maintaining that ultra crispy texture.
What if my potatoes aren’t crispy enough?
Make sure to steam dry adequately before baking and avoid overcrowding on your baking tray to allow proper air circulation. Also, high oven heat and not flipping during baking are key for maximum crispiness.
How do I make these potatoes vegan?
Simply replace the melted butter with extra olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The crispiness and flavor will still be excellent.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe enough—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. Once you taste those crunchy, buttery edges with soft, fluffy insides, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed potatoes any other way. So grab your favorite potatoes today and get smashing—you won’t regret it!
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Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Perfectly boiled small or medium potatoes are gently smashed and baked to golden perfection with a drizzle of melted butter and olive oil, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and optionally garnished with fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 700g / 1.4 lb small potatoes (12 – 14)
- 1 – 1.2kg / 2 – 2.4 lb medium potatoes (6 – 8)
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling)
Seasoning & Garnish
- 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt (for sprinkling)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Finely chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the small potatoes and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes until tender, or the medium potatoes for about 30 minutes. It’s fine if the skins split during cooking. Alternatively, you can steam or microwave them until soft.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°C / 390°F (or 180°C fan) so it’s ready to crisp the potatoes later.
- Steam Dry Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and let them dry for about 5 minutes. This step helps remove excess moisture for a crisper texture.
- Smash Potatoes: Arrange the potatoes on a baking tray. Using a large fork or potato masher, gently press down on each potato to flatten it—keep them in one piece. The thinner you smash them, the crispier the potatoes will be; thicker ones will have fluffier insides. The rough surface created during smashing allows for better crunch.
- Steam Dry Again: Let the smashed potatoes sit on the tray for another 5 minutes to steam dry further, enhancing crispiness when baked.
- Drizzle and Season: Drizzle the melted butter over the potatoes followed by the olive oil. Sprinkle them evenly with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for balanced seasoning.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes if using small potatoes, or up to 55 minutes for medium potatoes, until the potatoes are deeply golden and crispy. Avoid flipping to maintain a crispy bottom.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with finely chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, herby touch.
Notes
- You can use either small or medium potatoes; small potatoes take less time to cook and bake.
- Ensure potatoes are dry before baking to maximize crispiness.
- Do not flip the potatoes during baking to keep the crispy crust intact.
- Optionally garnish with parsley for color and added flavor.
- This recipe works well with waxy or all-purpose potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
