Crispy, Creamy, and Utterly Irresistible: Your New Favorite Smashed Potatoes!

  

Forget your regular roasted potatoes, because today we're diving into the glorious world of Smashed Potatoes! If you haven't tried them yet, prepare for a revelation. These little nuggets of joy are boiled until tender, then smashed (the fun part!), and finally roasted until golden brown and ridiculously crispy on the outside, while remaining wonderfully fluffy on the inside. It's the best of both worlds, and honestly, they might just steal the show at your next meal.

The beauty of smashed potatoes lies in their simplicity and versatility. They make an amazing side dish for almost any main course, from a juicy steak to a simple roasted chicken or even a hearty vegetarian meal. Plus, they're incredibly easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ready to get smashing? Let's do this!

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The Ultimate Smashed Potato Recipe

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 40-50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs small potatoes (baby Yukon Golds, red bliss, or creamer potatoes work best)
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for boiling)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional additions:
• Fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
• Garlic powder or minced garlic
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1.    Boil the Potatoes: Wash your potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes depending on their size. You want them cooked through but not mushy.

2.    Drain and Cool Slightly: Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander. Let them sit and cool for about 5-10 minutes. This allows some of the steam to escape, which helps them crisp up later.

3.    Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: While the potatoes are cooling, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil onto a large baking sheet and spread it evenly.

4.    Smash 'Em! Arrange the slightly cooled potatoes on the oiled baking sheet, making sure they have some space between them. Using the bottom of a glass, a potato masher, or even your palm, gently press down on each potato until it's "smashed" to about ½-¾ inch thick. Don't press too hard – you want them flattened but still in one piece. The more surface area you create, the crispier they'll get!

5.    Season & Drizzle: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the smashed potatoes. Sprinkle evenly with sea salt, black pepper, and any other desired seasonings like chopped rosemary, garlic powder, or smoked paprika.

6.    Roast to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Roast for 25-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are deeply golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end as oven temperatures can vary.

7.    Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

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And there you have it – a show-stopping side dish that's incredibly simple to make and even easier to devour. These smashed potatoes are sure to become a regular in your rotation. Give them a try and prepare to fall in love!