Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Name: Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds baby potatoes; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Comfort Cravings Kitchen

I absolutely love making Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes whenever I want a comforting and flavorful side dish. The combination of crunchy edges and soft interiors is hard to resist, and the garlic adds a delightful aroma that fills my kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, I can create a dish that pairs perfectly with almost any main course. Smashed potatoes have become a staple in my household; they're an easy way to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy night in with good food and good company.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:17:28.331Z

When I first experimented with smashed potatoes, I didn't expect them to become one of my favorite dishes. I tried several cooking methods, but the key was to boil them until tender before smashing and roasting them with garlic. The result was potently flavored potatoes with crispy exteriors that beckon to be devoured.

To ensure they come out perfectly crispy, I've learned to give them enough space on the baking sheet and to use a high-quality olive oil. The garlic not only adds flavor, but also caramelizes beautifully, enhancing the dish's appeal. Trust me, once you try these, you'll want to make them again and again!

Why You'll Love These Potatoes
Incredibly crispy texture that contrasts with the buttery interior
The aromatic garlic elevates the dish to new flavor heights
Quick and easy preparation makes these potatoes a go-to side

Key Technique: Perfectly Crispy Potatoes

Achieving the ideal crispiness in your smashed potatoes requires not only the right technique but also the right tool. I recommend using a sturdy cup or a potato masher designed for even pressure application. When smashing the potatoes, aim for a flat width of about one inch thick. This ensures that the edges can become crisp while keeping enough interior for that comforting softness.

Another essential factor is the roasting process. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F (220°C) before placing the potatoes in. This high temperature encourages browning, making those desirable golden edges. Keep an eye on them while roasting, and don’t hesitate to give them a gentle flip halfway through for even crisping.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of potatoes can drastically influence texture and taste. Baby potatoes are ideal due to their thin skin and creamy texture, which contributes to a tender bite. If you can't find baby potatoes, feel free to use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but remember that they may take slightly longer to boil until tender.

Garlic is the star flavor booster in this dish. Using fresh minced garlic versus pre-minced or powdered forms makes a significant difference; fresh garlic offers a vibrant aroma and flavor intensity that transforms the potatoes. To enhance the taste, you could also roast the garlic along with the potatoes to develop a sweeter, more mellow flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes make a versatile side dish that partners well with various mains. I love serving them alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak, but they also complement vegetarian dishes like stuffed bell peppers beautifully. For a twist, try adding grated Parmesan cheese just before roasting for extra umami flavor.

If you want to cater to dietary preferences or allergies, consider swapping olive oil for avocado oil, which also has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. Additionally, if you are looking for a vegan option, these smashed potatoes are inherently vegan-friendly and can be enhanced with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious crispy garlic smashed potatoes:

Ingredients

2 pounds baby potatoes
4 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients not only will give you the best results when cooked but also add great flavors that blend perfectly.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes:

Boil the Potatoes

Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

Preheat the Oven

While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Smash the Potatoes

Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the potatoes and use a sturdy cup or fork to gently smash each one, flattening them slightly.

Season and Add Garlic

Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil, and sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper on top. Make sure to coat them evenly.

Roast Until Crispy

Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Be sure to flip them halfway for even cooking.

Serve and Garnish

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Now, sit back and enjoy your crispy garlic smashed potatoes!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding grated parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting.

Make-Ahead Tips

To save time, you can pre-boil the baby potatoes ahead of time. Once cooked and cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you're ready to serve, simply smash, season, and roast them directly from the fridge for a quick side dish without sacrificing flavor.

For longer storage, you can freeze the boiled but un-smashed potatoes. After boiling, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before smashing and roasting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your smashed potatoes aren't turning out crispy, one common issue is excess moisture. After boiling, make sure to drain them well and allow them to sit for a few minutes, ensuring steam escapes before you add oil and garlic. This will help prevent the potatoes from steaming in the oven rather than roasting.

Another potential pitfall is uneven cooking. If you have larger and smaller potatoes, try to choose similar sizes or cut some larger ones in half before boiling. This ensures they'll all cook evenly and finish at the same time, giving you consistent texture across your dish.

Scaling the Recipe

This Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes recipe is easily scalable, making it perfect for larger gatherings. You can double or triple the quantity of baby potatoes while maintaining the same amounts of olive oil and garlic. Just ensure your baking sheets have enough space for even roasting; you might need to roast in batches if your oven is smaller.

If you do decide to scale up, check your seasoning levels as well. It's easy to overlook salt and pepper when increasing the recipe size, so make sure to taste along the way to maintain that delicious flavor balance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, while baby potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as well.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely! The recipe is naturally vegan, as it uses olive oil and plant-based seasoning.

→ How can I make these spicier?

Feel free to add red pepper flakes with the garlic to bring some heat to the dish.