Smashed Red Potatoes

If you’re looking for an easy side dish to make for dinner on busy weeknights, you have to try these Smashed Red Potatoes! Small red potatoes are boiled, smashed, and basted with seasoned garlic butter before being roasted. They turn out perfectly fluffy with crunchy, crispy edges. Whip up a batch for dinner tonight!

This recipe for crispy smashed potatoes is a fun way to use up the bag of red potatoes in your pantry and is based off this super popular recipe. They’re great for a light lunch or dinner, and though they take a bit of time, they are super easy to make. 

Why Red Potatoes?

Red potatoes are generally smaller and softer than other varieties. They have a naturally buttery flavor and moist texture, so they’re perfect for this recipe. Not only are they gluten-free, they are full of vitamins and nutrients such as B6, fiber, and Vitamin C!

Tips for the Best Smashed Potatoes

If you want the best roasted smashed potatoes every time, follow these helpful tips:

• Choose potatoes that are around the size of a golf ball or so. This ensures you’ll get nice, crispy potatoes.
• Make sure you leave space between each potato. This again helps the edges to crisp up, so make sure there’s enough room for them to have some breathing room after being smashed.
• Prepare your baking sheet. You can use parchment paper for easy clean-up, but if you bake the potatoes on an oiled baking sheet, they bake up even more crispy!
• Use fresh herbs. Though you can use dried herbs (1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon), you can’t beat the flavor that comes from using freshly cut herbs. 

Ingredients for Smashed Red Potatoes

Gather the following items for these delicious crispy potatoes:

• 1.5 pounds small red potatoes
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (yes, this is separate from the salt and pepper above!)
• 1 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions

How to Make Smashed Potatoes

Don’t judge me, but there’s something satisfying about smashing potatoes! This is such an easy recipe, but also maybe a way to get out a little stress from your day! Here’s an overview of how to make these easy roasted smashed potatoes:

1. First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the 2 tablespoons of salt, then add the potatoes. Boil the potatoes until they’re fork tender, about 15 minutes. 
2. Drain and pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel, then toss with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. 
3. Place them on a rimmed baking sheet pan and smash potatoes to about ¼ – ½-inch in thickness.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, fresh herbs, and minced garlic. Baste or brush the top of the potatoes with the butter mixture. Evenly distribute the chives over the top.
5. Bake at 500° for 5-7 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown. The high heat is key for getting those crispy edges.
6. Let cool slightly before serving as-is or with your favorite topping!

What can I use to smash the potatoes?

It’s fun and easy to smash potatoes! You can use either a potato masher like this one or the bottom of a heavy glass. I actually find it’s easiest to use a glass since the potatoes usually stick to a masher.

Topping Suggestions

• If you’re a die-hard cheese fan, you might like this Smashed Cheesy Potatoes recipe. Or simply add a dusting of parmesan cheese or crumbled feta once you’ve baked the potatoes.
• Consider adding a creamy sauce like this Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce, Gruyere Cheddar Cheese Sauce, or Chili Ranch Dipping Sauce.
• Add sour cream and crumbled bacon for a salty crunch on top of these potatoes.

How to store leftover Smashed Roasted Potatoes

Place any leftover potatoes in an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. They are so good reheated- just pop them in the microwave, air fryer, or under the broiler for a few minutes and enjoy!

What to Serve With These Potatoes

These yummy potatoes go well with so many things! You can serve them with just about any main dish.

Serve them with a savory pork dish, like these Rosemary Pork Medallions. The mushroom wine sauce is amazing drizzled over both!

Potatoes pair nicely with chicken, like my Roast Chicken and Vegetables or these Artichoke Tomato Chicken Breasts.

Serve these as a light meal with a salad, such as my Chicken Caesar Salad or this easy Three Bean Salad.

Potato Side Dishes

I love my green veggies as much as the next girl but sometimes you just need a potato side dish! Potatoes are budget-friendly, easy to make, and you can find a potato dish for just about any palate!

If you’re looking for more ideas for a perfect side dish, try one of these potato recipes:

• Check out these Twice Baked Potatoes and these Roasted Thyme Blue Potatoes for something a little different.
• If you want a spin on your classic favorite potato recipes, you’re sure to like Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, these savory Ranch Mashed Potatoes, or give these Vanilla Mashed Potatoes a try.
• I love a good copycat, and this Chick-fil-A Copycat Potato Salad is a winner!
• Oh boy, and if you like crispy potatoes like this recipe, you have to try Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes!

 Which potato recipe are you going to try next time?

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