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Golden Smashed Potatoes with Crunchy Edges and Soft centers

Golden Smashed Potatoes with Crunchy Edges and Soft Centers

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling
  • Colander for draining
  • Baking sheet (lined with parchment or greased)—key to achieving crunchy edges
  • Potato masher, fork, or heavy-bottomed glass (makes small, uniform smashes)
  • Small bowl for herb-garlic oil mix

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds yellow potatoes or use baby yellow potatoes or smashed new potatoes for a delicate texture
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided (2 for baking, 1 for sauté finish)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus extra to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme finely chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter optional, for richness
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional; for loaded smashed potatoes vibe
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Optional toppings: crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, sour cream drizzle

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the potatoes

  1. Wash your yellow potatoes well. No need to peel them—skins add flavor and texture. Trim any blemishes or sprouts.

Step 2: Boil until tender

  1. Place potatoes in a large pot; cover with salted water by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are fork-tender (about 15-18 minutes, depending on size). Drain them in a colander.

Step 3: Smash carefully

  1. Let potatoes cool just enough to handle. Place them on a baking sheet with space to spare. Smash each potato to about ½-inch thickness—thin enough to crisp, thick enough to hold their interior.

Step 4: Herb-garlic oil mixture

  1. In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil with minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Dress and bake

  1. Brush or drizzle each smashed potato with half of the herb-garlic oil. Bake at 220 °C (425 °F) for 20-25 minutes, or until edges turn deep golden-brown.

Step 6: Add richness (optional)

  1. Remove tray, dot potatoes with small pats of butter if using. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese for that loaded smashed potatoes feel. Return to oven for 5 minutes—until butter melts and cheese browns slightly.

Step 7: Sauté finish (optional twist)

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer baked potatoes and sauté briefly, just 1-2 minutes, to crisp up every surface—this gives a sauteed potatoes finish with extra crunch.

Step 8: Serve & garnish

  1. Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra salt if needed, and any optional toppings like bacon bits or a drizzle of sour cream or chives.