Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Butter

Every cuisine has its own take on potatoes — mashed, roasted, boiled, or fried — but smashed potatoes are where rustic meets restaurant-level crispiness. These golden beauties combine the fluffiness of boiled potatoes with the irresistible crunch of oven roasting. Add a drizzle of garlic butter and a sprinkle of herbs, and you’ve got a side dish that can steal the spotlight from the main course.

Crispy smashed potatoes with garlic butter are an easy yet impressive dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, prepping a weekend brunch, or just want something indulgent with your weekday meal, these potatoes will make everyone reach for seconds.

🧈 What Are Smashed Potatoes?

Smashed potatoes are not mashed potatoes — that’s an important distinction! Instead of whipping them into a creamy purée, smashed potatoes are boiled until tender, gently flattened (“smashed”), then roasted or air-fried until their edges turn perfectly crispy.

This dual cooking technique creates a beautiful contrast:

• Crispy on the outside — thanks to high-heat roasting.
• Soft and fluffy inside — from boiling the potatoes first.

And when brushed with a buttery garlic and herb mixture, they become aromatic, flavorful, and downright addictive.

🥔 Choosing the Right Potatoes

Not all potatoes behave the same when smashed. The best ones are small, waxy, and thin-skinned so they hold their shape after boiling and crisp up beautifully.

✅ Best Varieties for Smashed Potatoes:

• Baby Potatoes (New Potatoes): The top choice for even cooking and natural sweetness.
• Chat Potatoes (Australia’s favorite small potato): Perfect size and texture.
• Red Bliss or Yukon Gold (for non-Australian readers): Great balance of starch and moisture.

🚫 Avoid:

• Russet or floury potatoes — they fall apart too easily when smashed.
• Very large potatoes — they don’t cook evenly and lose the “bite-size” appeal.

Pro Tip: Choose potatoes that are roughly the same size (around 4–5 cm diameter) so they cook evenly.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list for the perfect crispy smashed potatoes with garlic butter:

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through each step carefully so your potatoes turn out restaurant-worthy every single time.

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

1. Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly (no need to peel).
2. Add them to a large pot and cover with cold salted water.
3. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender.
4. Drain and let them sit for 5 minutes to release surface moisture.

Pro Tip: Slightly overcooked potatoes mash better — they flatten without cracking.

Step 2: Smash the Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
3. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer with some space between them.
4. Use the bottom of a glass, a potato masher, or a flat spatula to gently press down each potato until about 1–1.5 cm thick.

Don’t press too hard! You want them cracked but still in one piece.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the olive oil.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown it).
3. Stir in salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley, etc.).

This is your golden flavor booster — brush it generously over the smashed potatoes.

Step 4: Roast Until Crispy

1. Brush each smashed potato with the garlic butter mixture.
2. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through if needed.
3. For extra crunch, switch to grill/broil mode for the last 3–4 minutes.

The potatoes should be beautifully golden brown and crisp on the edges.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes (they crisp up more as they cool).
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a dusting of grated Parmesan (optional).
3. Serve hot as a side dish or appetizer.

🍽 Serving Ideas: How to Enjoy Smashed Potatoes

These garlicky smashed potatoes are surprisingly versatile. Here are some pairing and serving ideas:

🌿 As a Side Dish:

• Alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
• With roast vegetables for a fully vegetarian dinner.
• As a complement to soups or stews for texture contrast.

🍷 For Parties & Appetizers:

• Serve with aioli, sour cream, or ranch dip.
• Sprinkle with chili flakes or paprika for extra spice.
• Add a cheese drizzle for a fancier party version.

🧀 Gourmet Upgrade:

Top your smashed potatoes with one of these flavor ideas:

• Cheesy Garlic Smash: Add mozzarella and Parmesan before roasting.
• Spicy Smash: Toss with chili oil and smoked paprika.
• Herb & Lemon Smash: Finish with fresh lemon zest and dill.
• Loaded Smash: Add crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and chives for a “loaded baked potato” vibe.

🕒 Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Meal Prep Friendly:
You can pre-boil and smash the potatoes a few hours (or even a day) ahead. Store them in the fridge covered with cling film. When ready to serve, brush with garlic butter and bake as directed.

Storing Leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer for 5–10 minutes until crispy again.

Freezing Tip:
Freeze the pre-boiled (unsmashed) potatoes and thaw before baking for quick meal prep.

🔥 Air Fryer Method (Quick Version)

If you love the speed and crunch of air frying:

1. Preheat air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
2. Lightly oil the basket and arrange smashed potatoes in a single layer.
3. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, flipping once halfway.
4. Brush with garlic butter at the end and air fry for another 2 minutes for shine and flavor.

They come out just as crispy — and even faster.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Crispiness

1. Dry surface = crispiness. After boiling, let potatoes air-dry for a few minutes.
2. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
3. Butter + oil combo ensures golden color without burning.
4. Avoid overcrowding — leave space between potatoes for airflow.
5. Don’t skip flipping for even browning.
6. Serve immediately for the best texture and aroma.

🧄 Variations and Flavor Twists

Once you master the base recipe, you can easily tweak it to match any cuisine or occasion:

🧀 Cheesy Herb Smash

Add a blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar before baking. Perfect for kids and cheese lovers.

🌶 Spicy Chili Smash

Mix chili oil or crushed red pepper into your butter blend for an Aussie summer BBQ twist.

🍋 Lemon & Herb Mediterranean Style

Brush with olive oil, lemon zest, oregano, and parsley instead of butter. Serve with tzatziki or hummus.

🧈 Truffle Smash

Add a drizzle of truffle oil after baking for an upscale, restaurant-style version.

🥓 Loaded Smash

Top with crispy bacon, cheddar, and green onions — like a mini loaded baked potato.

🌿 Vegan Option

Swap butter for vegan margarine or just use olive oil. The flavor stays incredible!

🧠 Nutritional Benefits (per serving)

Approximate values (for a serving of 4 potatoes):

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 15 mg

Why They’re Healthier Than Fries:

• Baked, not deep-fried.
• Controlled oil and butter quantity.
• Retains fiber and potassium from whole potatoes.

You get crunch and flavor without the excess grease — a win-win side dish for family meals.

👩‍🍳 Cooking for Occasions

Smashed potatoes are a hit at:

• Family BBQs and picnics: Easy to transport and reheat.
• Festive dinners: Pair beautifully with roast meats or grilled vegetables.
• Game nights: Serve as bite-sized snacks with dips.
• Holiday feasts: The perfect golden touch for Thanksgiving or Christmas spreads.

🕰 Time Breakdown

🧂 Suggested Dips and Sauces

Pair these potatoes with:

• Garlic aioli
• Sour cream and chive dip
• Honey mustard sauce
• Sriracha mayo
• Classic ketchup (for kids)

Or get fancy with:

• Green goddess dip
• Herb yogurt sauce
• Spicy chipotle mayo

🍴 Reader Tip: Turn Them Into a Meal

Turn smashed potatoes into a complete meal by:

• Adding roasted vegetables and a fried egg.
• Serving alongside lentil stew or baked beans.
• Topping with hummus and grilled tofu for a vegan protein boost.

They’re more than a side dish — they can become the main character of your plate.

🧡 Why Everyone Loves Smashed Potatoes

1. Crisp texture that rivals fries.
2. Simple ingredients you already have at home.
3. Family-friendly and customizable.
4. Elegant enough for guests.
5. Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.

Whether you’re a home cook or a seasoned foodie, smashed potatoes hit that perfect balance between comfort and sophistication.

🧑‍🍳 Quick Troubleshooting Guide

🌍 Regional Twist: Aussie-Style Garlic Smashed Potatoes

In Australia, smashed potatoes are often seasoned with sea salt flakes, butter, and fresh rosemary, served alongside roast lamb or grilled barramundi. Adding a touch of Aussie bush herbs like lemon myrtle or wattleseed gives them a native flavor edge.

This recipe aligns perfectly with the Australian taste for crispy, savory sides — comfort food that’s both rustic and refined.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Crispy smashed potatoes with garlic butter prove that simple ingredients can deliver extraordinary results. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and universally loved. Whether you serve them as a side, a snack, or the star of the show, they’ll win hearts every time.

So next time you’re craving something golden, garlicky, and downright irresistible — grab a tray, smash some spuds, and let the oven do its magic!