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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the potatoes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
