Smashed potatoes are a popular and delicious side dish that is easy to make and can be customized to suit a variety of tastes. This dish typically involves boiling or roasting potatoes until they are tender, then smashing them into a flat, round shape and cooking them until they are crispy on the outside.
How To Make:
To make mashed potatoes, start by washing and scrubbing your potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. Next, boil the potatoes until they are tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. After the potatoes have finished cooking, rinse them and allow them to cool.
After the potatoes have cooled slightly, place them on a baking sheet and use a fork or potato masher to gently smash them into a flat, round shape. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil or melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add any additional seasonings or herbs you like. Some popular options include garlic, rosemary, thyme, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake the smashed potatoes in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Serve them hot and enjoy!
One of the great things about mashed potatoes is that they are highly customizable. You can experiment with different types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, red, or fingerling potatoes, and you can also vary the seasonings and toppings to suit your taste preferences. Some people like to add bacon, cheese, or sour cream to their smashed potatoes, while others prefer to keep things simple with just a few basic seasonings.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Use a fork or potato masher to gently smash the potatoes, so they flatten but still hold together.
For extra crispy potatoes, brush them with a mixture of melted butter and olive oil before baking.
Consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the boiling water to give the potatoes a tangy flavor.
Experiment with different types of seasonings, such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder, for a spicy twist.
Variations:
Add minced garlic or chopped herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the melted butter or olive oil before brushing it onto the potatoes.
Top the mashed potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, or chopped scallions before baking.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter, more nutritious version.
Make loaded smashed potatoes by adding toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, and crumbled bacon.
Try using different types of potatoes, such as fingerling or red potatoes, to add variety to the dish.
Make mini-smashed potatoes by using baby potatoes and smashing them into bite-sized pieces.
Add a layer of thinly sliced onions or mushrooms between the smashed potatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold, red, or fingerling potatoes work well)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic, rosemary, thyme, grated Parmesan cheese, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
The potatoes should be scrubbed and washed to get rid of any dirt. Cut off any blemishes or eyes.
Place the potatoes in a large pot and add enough water to cover them by at least an inch. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water.
The potatoes should be cooked in boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they can easily be punctured with a fork. The potatoes should be drained and given some time to cool.
On a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, spread out the potatoes.
Use a fork or potato masher to gently smash each potato into a flat, round shape. Leave the skin on.
Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil or melted butter, making sure each potato is well coated.
Season the potatoes with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
The potatoes should be baked in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the outsides are crispy and golden brown.
Serve the mashed potatoes hot and enjoy!
You can also experiment with different toppings and seasonings to create a variety of flavor profiles. Serve them as a side dish with your favorite main course, or enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack.