Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these oven baked crispy smashed potatoes! They’re one of my all-time favorite side dishes, and they couldn’t be easier to whip up. Picture this: you have these delightful little baby potatoes that you boil until they’re perfectly tender, then you smash them down and bake them until they’re golden and crispy. It’s like the best of both worlds—crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is simply mouthwatering! Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to at your dinner table. They pair beautifully with just about anything, or you can enjoy them all on their own. Let’s dive into making this deliciousness!
Ingredients for Oven Baked Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Alright, let’s talk about the ingredients! You won’t need anything fancy, just some simple staples that come together to create pure potato magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes: These little gems are perfect because they’re just the right size for smashing!
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: This is what gives your potatoes that lovely crispiness and flavor. Don’t skimp on it!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning your potatoes. It really brings out their natural flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to elevate those flavors!
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: This adds a wonderful aroma and taste. Trust me, garlic makes everything better!
- Fresh herbs (optional): If you’ve got some fresh herbs on hand, like parsley or rosemary, sprinkle them on top before serving for that extra pop of freshness!
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set for a deliciously crispy adventure! Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Oven Baked Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Now that we’ve got our ingredients all lined up, let’s get into the fun part—preparing these delicious oven baked crispy smashed potatoes! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a side dish that’ll impress everyone at the table.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, we need to preheat that oven to a sizzling 450°F (230°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your potatoes start cooking evenly right from the get-go. You want that heat to be just right so they get all crispy and golden while they bake. So, while you’re prepping your potatoes, let the oven do its thing!
Boil the Potatoes
Next, wash those baby potatoes under cool water to get rid of any dirt. Once they’re nice and clean, toss them into a pot and cover them with salted water. Bring the pot to a boil and let those little guys simmer away for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily. Just be careful not to overcook them, or they might fall apart when you smash them!
Smash the Potatoes
Once your potatoes are cooked to perfection, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. You don’t want to burn your fingers, trust me! Once they’re cool enough to handle, it’s time for the fun part—smashing! Place each potato on a baking sheet and gently press down on them with a fork until they flatten a bit, but be careful not to smash them too hard; we want them to keep their shape and have some texture!
Season and Bake
Now that your potatoes are smashed, it’s time to drizzle them with that olive oil. Make sure to coat each potato evenly for that lovely crispiness! Then, sprinkle on the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Give them a little shake to distribute the seasonings. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them—when you start to smell that delicious aroma wafting through the kitchen, you’ll know they’re close to being done!
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow potato lovers, let’s chat about some tips to make sure your oven baked crispy smashed potatoes turn out absolutely perfect every single time! I’ve had my share of mishaps in the kitchen, and I’m here to help you avoid those rookie mistakes!
- Don’t Skip the Salt in the Boiling Water: This is key! Salting the water helps to infuse the potatoes with flavor while they cook. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- Choose Uniform Potatoes: Try to pick baby potatoes that are similar in size. This way, they’ll cook evenly, and you won’t end up with some overcooked and some undercooked potatoes.
- Let Them Cool Before Smashing: Cooling the potatoes slightly after boiling helps prevent burns and also gives them a chance to firm up a bit, making them easier to smash without falling apart.
- Be Gentle with the Smash: When you’re smashing the potatoes, don’t go all Hulk on them! Just a gentle press with a fork is all you need to create that delightful texture. We want crispy edges, not mashed mush!
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your potatoes as they bake. If they’re getting too brown too quickly, you can always lower the temperature a bit. You want them golden, not burnt!
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative! Add some paprika for smokiness or some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. The sky’s the limit when it comes to seasoning your potatoes!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to crispy potato perfection. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s take a moment to chat about the nutritional side of these delicious oven baked crispy smashed potatoes! While they’re certainly a treat, it’s nice to know what you’re getting in each serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
So there you have it! These crispy smashed potatoes are not only tasty but also pack a decent amount of fiber and flavor without breaking the calorie bank. Enjoy them as a delightful side or even as a snack! Happy munching!
FAQ About Oven Baked Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Got questions about making these oven baked crispy smashed potatoes? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with my answers to help you navigate through this delicious recipe.
How long do I boil the potatoes?
You’ll want to boil the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make them fall apart when you smash them!
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While I love baby potatoes for their size and texture, you can use other types like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you go with larger potatoes.
What if I don’t have garlic powder?
No problem! If you don’t have garlic powder, you can use minced fresh garlic or even garlic salt. Just adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly, and you’ll still get that delicious flavor!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the potatoes up to the smashing stage ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to season and bake them. They’ll still turn out crispy and tasty!
How do I store leftovers?
Once you’ve enjoyed your crispy smashed potatoes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days, but trust me, they’re best fresh out of the oven!
Can I freeze them?
While I recommend enjoying them fresh, you can freeze the smashed potatoes before baking. Just make sure to spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just pop them straight into the oven!
What’s the best way to reheat them?
To reheat your crispy smashed potatoes and keep that delicious crispiness, pop them back in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use an air fryer if you have one for an even crispier result!
Hope this helps clear up any questions you might have! Enjoy every crispy bite of your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious side dish ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of crispy edges and fluffy centers, along with garlic and seasoning, creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist!
- Versatile Side Dish: These crispy smashed potatoes complement just about any main dish, from grilled meats to vegetarian options. They’re a crowd-pleaser at family dinners and gatherings!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the seasonings or add toppings like cheese, bacon bits, or fresh herbs for a personal twist!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make these ahead of time or enjoy leftovers, making them a great addition to your meal prep routine.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love them! The fun texture and flavor make them a hit with the little ones, so they’ll be asking for seconds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve whipped up a batch of these oven baked crispy smashed potatoes and have some leftovers—lucky you! Let’s make sure you store them properly so you can enjoy that deliciousness again later.
First off, to store your leftover crispy smashed potatoes, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This will help them maintain their texture and flavor. Stored this way, they’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but I totally understand wanting to savor those crispy bites again!
Now, when it comes to reheating, you want to bring back that glorious crispiness. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. If you have an air fryer, that’s an even better option for reheating—just a few minutes in there will do the trick!
And there you have it! Easy storage and reheating instructions to keep your crispy smashed potatoes tasting amazing even after the first serving. Enjoy every last bite!
Drucken
Oven Baked Crispy Smashed Potatoes: 5 Steps to Perfection
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Oven baked crispy smashed potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish. They are crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Zutaten
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Wash and boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and smash each potato gently with a fork.
- Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- You can add cheese for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 180
- Zucker: 1g
- Natrium: 300mg
- Fett: 8g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 26g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: oven baked crispy smashed potatoes
