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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Small to medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes are perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find those, baby potatoes or even fingerlings work well too. They can give you that creamy center and crispy exterior that makes smashed potatoes delightful.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor, but you can switch it up with avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer a different taste. Just be cautious with butter, as it might burn quicker!
Garlic: Fresh garlic really enhances the flavor, but if you happen to be out, garlic powder can do in a pinch. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is fantastic, but if you have dried thyme on hand, use half the amount as it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, rosemary can also bring a lovely flavor if you prefer.
Parmesan Cheese: While I love the nutty taste of Parmesan for topping, feel free to use any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even a dairy-free cheese for a different twist.
How Do You Get Crispy Edges on Your Smashed Potatoes?
Achieving crispy edges is one of the best parts of making smashed potatoes. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:
- Make sure to drain the potatoes well after boiling. Excess moisture can prevent crispiness.
- Coat the smashed potatoes evenly with oil. This helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each potato some space for hot air to circulate around them.
- Preheat your oven properly and bake at a high temperature (450°F/232°C) to help those edges brown nicely.
- Consider flipping the potatoes halfway through baking for even browning.
Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy perfectly crispy smashed potatoes every time! Happy cooking!
How to Make Delicious Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds small to medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
For the Seasoning:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for cooking the potatoes, plus an additional 25-30 minutes for baking. So, you can expect the whole process to take around 50-60 minutes. It’s a simple and fun way to enjoy crispy, flavorful potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). While that’s heating up, wash and scrub the potatoes to get rid of any dirt. Then, place them in a large pot and cover with water. Add a good pinch of salt to the water. Bring it to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they’re fork-tender, which will take about 15-20 minutes.
2. Smash the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are done cooking, drain them and let them cool slightly. While they cool, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with some oil. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, place them on the baking sheet. Now comes the fun part! Using the bottom of a glass or a fork, gently smash each potato until they’re flattened but not completely falling apart.
3. Season and Bake:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this mixture generously over the smashed potatoes so that they get nice and coated. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown. If you like, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes in the last few minutes of baking for some extra flavor.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re perfectly baked, take the potatoes out of the oven and let them cool slightly. If you want, you can garnish them with a bit more fresh thyme. Now, they’re ready to be served. Enjoy your delicious and crispy smashed potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and red potatoes are great choices, you can also use baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes. Just ensure they are small to medium-sized for even cooking, and adjust your cooking time if you’re using larger varieties.
How to Make Smashed Potatoes Vegan?
Making this dish vegan is simple! Just omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Thyme?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works too—just use about half the amount. If you like experimenting, consider substituting with other herbs like rosemary or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Leftover Smashed Potatoes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will keep them crispier!
