Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe | Easy Oven Roasted Potato Side Dish
Crispy smashed potatoes are boiled until tender, smashed to create craggy edges, and roasted hot for ultra-crisp outsides and fluffy centers. Simple, flexible, and perfect with many mains.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (Yukon gold, yellow, or red; golf-ball size works best)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus a little extra if needed)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced and added at the end)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for color and warmth)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 450°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment.
- Place potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water by 1–2 inches, salt the water, bring to a boil, then simmer until fork-tender, 15–20 minutes.
- Drain well and let the potatoes steam-dry in the colander for 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer potatoes to the prepared sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika; toss to coat.
- Use the bottom of a glass, measuring cup, or potato masher to press each potato to about 1/2 inch thick, rotating slightly to create jagged edges.
- Drizzle a little more oil over the tops to encourage browning.
- Roast on the middle rack for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the potatoes.
- Roast another 10–15 minutes, until edges are browned and crunchy and centers are golden.
- Finish with flaky sea salt and chopped herbs and serve hot.
Notes
Smaller potatoes cook faster; start checking at 12–13 minutes when boiling. For best crispness, avoid crowding the pan—use two pans if needed. In a convection oven, roast at 425°F and start checking 5 minutes earlier. Add fresh minced garlic after roasting to prevent burning. Make-ahead: boil and smash up to 24 hours ahead, then oil, season, and roast before serving. Store leftovers up to 4 days; reheat at 425°F in oven or air fryer until crisp. Variations: garlic-herb butter, Parmesan crust, lemon and dill, harissa, ranch seasoning, loaded potato toppings, everything bagel seasoning, or truffle oil finish.