Smashed potatoes are an ultimate comfort food, offering a delicious combination of crispy texture and creamy interior that will have everyone craving more. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes: A Comfort Food Delight
Potatoes have long held a special place in the hearts of home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. This versatile tuber can be transformed into countless dishes, but there’s something uniquely satisfying about crispy smashed potatoes. They encapsulate that quintessential comfort food feeling while also delivering a delightful crunch that’s hard to resist.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
The foundation of any great smashed potatoes starts with the right kind of potatoes. While Yukon Gold and red potatoes are popular choices due to their creamy texture and rich flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment with other varieties! Purple and white potatoes also yield delicious results, allowing you to customize your dish based on what you have available. The key is using potatoes that are firm enough to hold their shape during the boiling and smashing process.
An Easy, Hands-Off Cooking Method
One of the best aspects of smashed potatoes is how easy they are to prepare. This recipe requires minimal hands-on effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. Simply wash and boil the potatoes—there’s no need to peel them! This not only saves time but also preserves the nutrients found in the potato skins.
The Perfect Smash
Once your potatoes are boiled to tender perfection, it’s time for the fun part: smashing! Using a fork or the bottom of a sturdy cup, gently flatten the potatoes on a well-oiled baking sheet. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior. The key is to ensure the smashed potatoes have enough space in between them; crowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than roasting, which isn’t the goal!
Seasoning to Perfection
Smashed potatoes are a blank canvas and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. A simple drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper can elevate their natural flavor, but this is where you can get creative! Add garlic powder, onion powder, or even dried herbs like rosemary for an extra boost of taste. The melted butter that’s drizzled on top not only enhances flavor but also contributes to that crispy texture we all crave.
Baking to Crunchy Perfection
The baking process is where the magic happens. Bake your smashed potatoes until they are golden and crispy, and finish them off under the broiler for that perfect char. The result? A crunchy exterior that crumbles at the first bite, revealing a soft and fluffy interior. Serve these potatoes hot out of the oven for an unforgettable side dish or even a satisfying main meal.
Pairing with Dill Sauce
While smashed potatoes are delicious on their own, they are enhanced when paired with a dipping sauce. A cool, creamy dill sauce adds a nice contrast to the warm, crispy potatoes. Whip up a quick combination of sour cream, lemon juice, and fresh dill, and you have the perfect accompaniment for your crispy potatoes.
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Smashed Potatoes with Dill Sauce
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds yellow potatoes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/16 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/16 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons rosemary, dried (optional)
Dill Sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- pinch white ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (discard large stems)
Instructions
Potatoes
- Wash potatoes and cut out any spots, leaving the skins on. If potatoes are large, slice them in half or thirds. Boil the potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Drain.
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Using a large baking sheet with sides, coat it with 3 tablespoons of olive oil or more if needed, using a brush to spread it around the pan. The oil will crisp the bottom of the potatoes. Place the potatoes skin side up on the baking sheet.
- Using an oversized fork, mash the potatoes until they are flattened. Then, spread out the potatoes so they aren’t touching each other.
- Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and melted butter over the tops of the potatoes.
- Sprinkle the potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and rosemary. Bake for 30 minutes. Then, turn the oven to broil and cook for 5 minutes or until the potatoes are browned and crispy. Serve hot.
Dill Sauce
- Mix all the ingredients and stir. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Use as a dipping sauce for the potatoes.