Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Introduction

Smashed red potatoes are a perfect side dish that combines a crispy exterior with a fluffy interior. Infused with garlic and fresh herbs, they add a flavorful touch to any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds red potatoes (about 10-12, rinsed and scrubbed)
• 4 tablespoons melted butter (or oil if dairy-free)
• 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme (finely chopped)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (finely chopped, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Place the red potatoes in a large pot and cover with 1 inch of water. Add a pinch or two of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork tender. Drain and dry them thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Arrange the potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a potato masher or large fork, smash each potato twice in a criss-cross pattern. Remember, the thinner you smash, the crispier they will become.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter (or oil), minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this garlic herb mixture evenly over the smashed potatoes.
5. Step 5: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden and crispy.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, use a higher oven rack to allow more direct heat on the potatoes.
• Swap butter for olive oil to make this recipe dairy-free while maintaining rich flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before baking for a cheesy crust.
• Use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available, but reduce quantity slightly as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Storage

Store any leftover smashed red potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to help restore crispiness. Microwaving may make them soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use baby Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes, but the texture and cooking time might vary slightly. Red potatoes work best for their firm texture and thin skins.

How can I make these potatoes crispier?

Make sure to smash the potatoes thinly and bake on a lined baking sheet without overcrowding. Using melted butter and placing them on the upper oven rack also helps achieve a crispier edge.

Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 59 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these smashed red potatoes are coated with a fragrant garlic herb butter and baked to perfection. This simple yet flavorful side dish pairs wonderfully with any main course and is easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 2 ½ pounds red potatoes (about 10-12, rinsed and scrubbed)

Garlic Herb Sauce

• 4 tablespoons melted butter (or oil if dairy-free)
• 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme (finely chopped)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (to taste)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley (finely chopped, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the potatoes.
2. Boil Potatoes: Place the rinsed and scrubbed red potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with about one inch of water, add a pinch or two of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a rapid simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove the potatoes and dry them thoroughly.
3. Smash Potatoes: Arrange the cooked potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a potato masher or large fork, press down twice on each potato in a criss-cross pattern. The thinner you smash them, the crispier they will become during baking.
4. Make Garlic Herb Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter or oil, finely minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle an equal amount of this sauce over each smashed potato, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Bake in Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for 20-25 minutes. Bake until the edges are golden and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with olive oil or any other preferred vegetable oil.
• Smashing the potatoes thinner results in crispier edges, so adjust the smashing thickness according to your preference.
• Fresh herbs add the best flavor, but dried rosemary and thyme can be used in a pinch (use about one-third the amount).
• These potatoes are best served immediately but can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for crispiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: smashed red potatoes, garlic herb potatoes, crispy potatoes, baked potatoes, red potatoes side dish, easy potato recipe