Crispy Garlic Smash Potatoes

$- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When measuring the olive oil, use a tablespoon. This ensures you add the right amount for flavor. For garlic, use fresh cloves for the best taste. If you cannot find baby potatoes, you can cut larger potatoes into smaller pieces. Aim for similar sizes to ensure even cooking. You can swap olive oil for avocado oil if you want a different flavor. If you need to avoid garlic, use onion powder to keep some savory taste. For herbs, you can use thyme or oregano instead of rosemary. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper can add some heat if you like spicy food. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat will give the potatoes a nice crisp. While the oven heats, grab a large pot and add your baby potatoes. Cover them with water and bring it to a boil. Let them cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want them soft enough to pierce easily with a fork. Once done, drain the potatoes. Let them cool for about 5 minutes to dry out. This helps them get extra crispy later. Now comes the fun part: smashing! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cooled potatoes on the sheet. Take the bottom of a glass or a potato masher and gently press down on each potato. Aim for about ½ inch thick. Don’t worry about making them perfect. The unevenness helps with crispiness when baking. In a small bowl, mix up your garlic oil. Combine 4 tablespoons of olive oil with 4 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk it all together until well mixed. This flavorful oil will coat your smashed potatoes and make them shine. To make your crispy garlic smash potatoes extra crunchy, follow these steps: - Boil the baby potatoes until they are tender. This takes about 15-20 minutes. - After boiling, let them cool for five minutes. This helps remove extra moisture. - When smashing the potatoes, aim for about ½ inch thick. This thickness allows for a crispy outside and a soft inside. - Use a hot oven, set it to 425°F (220°C). This high heat creates a nice golden color. - Flip the potatoes halfway through baking. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy on both sides. Want to take your smashed potatoes to the next level? Here are some ideas: - Add fresh herbs like thyme or chives to your garlic oil. This gives a fresh taste. - Try different spices such as chili powder or cumin for a kick. - Mix in grated cheese before baking. Cheddar or Parmesan adds a delicious flavor. - For a zesty twist, squeeze fresh lemon juice on top before serving. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. Here’s what you’ll need: - A large pot for boiling the potatoes. - A baking sheet, preferably with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. - A potato masher or the bottom of a glass for smashing. - A whisk for mixing the garlic oil. This helps blend the flavors well. - A basting brush for evenly spreading the garlic oil on the potatoes. Using these tools will help you make the best crispy garlic smash potatoes. Pro Tips Use Uniform Potatoes: Select potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking and consistent smashing results. Let Them Cool: Allowing the boiled potatoes to cool for a few minutes helps them dry out, which contributes to a crispier texture when baked. Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the garlic oil mixture; a generous coating provides flavor and enhances the crispiness of the potatoes. Flip for Even Crispiness: Remember to flip the potatoes halfway through baking to ensure both sides get perfectly golden and crispy. {{image_2}} Herbs can add great taste to your crispy garlic smash potatoes. You can try using fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or chives. Just chop them fine and mix them into your garlic oil. This gives the potatoes a fresh and lively flavor. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones aren't available. Rosemary pairs well with garlic for a lovely mix. If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your garlic oil. Start with a small amount and taste as you mix. This way, you control the spice level. The heat will blend beautifully with the crispy potatoes. You can also serve them with a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick. Spicy garlic smash potatoes are sure to impress! Cheese lovers can enjoy these potatoes even more. After you bake them crispy, sprinkle some grated cheese on top. Cheddar, Parmesan, or even feta work great. Return them to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts. This adds a creamy, rich flavor that pairs well with the crispy texture. Try different cheeses to find your favorite combination! To keep your crispy garlic smash potatoes fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. If you can, store them in a single layer. This helps keep them crispy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat your potatoes, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. Check if they are warm and crispy. If you use an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes. You can freeze leftover crispy garlic smash potatoes. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven for the best results. Yes, you can use larger potatoes. Just keep in mind that they will take longer to cook. You should cut them into smaller pieces before boiling. Aim for pieces about 1.5 to 2 inches wide. This size helps them cook evenly and makes smashing easier. Crispy garlic smash potatoes pair well with many dishes. You can serve them with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal. They also go great with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, try them with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or aioli. To make this dish vegan, simply swap the butter for more olive oil. You can also use a vegan garlic powder blend if you want extra flavor. This will keep the dish plant-based while still being delicious and crispy! In this article, I shared how to make crispy garlic smash potatoes. We covered the ingredients needed, their substitutes, and precise measurements to use. I explained step-by-step instructions, including tips for achieving maximum crispiness. You learned about fun variations, storage methods, and frequently asked questions. Remember, cooking can be simple and fun. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your tasty creations. Your kitchen can become a place of joy and great meals. Happy cooking!$

Crispy Garlic Smash Potatoes

Deliciously crispy smashed potatoes infused with garlic and herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 pounds baby potatoes
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large pot, add the baby potatoes and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool for 5 minutes. This will help them dry out slightly for an extra crispy finish.
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato until they are about ½ inch thick.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Use a brush or spoon to generously drizzle the garlic oil mixture over each smashed potato, ensuring each one is well-coated.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy. Flip the potatoes halfway through for even crispiness.
Once crispy, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot!

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure potatoes are well-dried before smashing.

Keyword crispy, garlic, potatoes, smashed