Easy Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe

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Looking for a delicious side dish thatโ€™s both easy to make and packed with flavor? This Easy Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe is the perfect choice!

With a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, these garlic-infused potatoes will quickly become a family favorite. Hereโ€™s why youโ€™ll love this recipe, along with some tasty variations to try!

close up vertical shot of smashed potato topped with minced garlic, garlic salt, pepper and fresh chopped parsley

If you are a potato fan, not only are these garlic smashed potatoes loaded with delicious garlic flavor, they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside!

Need more of a potato fix? Try some of our TOP Potato Recipes:

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Quick & Easy Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe

  1. Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create a mouthwatering dish.
  2. Versatile: Perfect as a side for any mealโ€”whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast.
  3. Crispy and Fluffy Texture: The double steaming technique ensures your potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
  4. Customizable: With easy variations, you can tailor the flavors to suit your taste preferences.
  5. Quick Prep: This recipe comes together in less than an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
overhead shot of ingredients for garlic smashed potatoes

Ingredients

  • Potatoes
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic salt
  • Black pepper
  • Finely chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

red and gold petite potatoes in large pot filled with water

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.

  • Cooking Time:
    • Small potatoes: 20 to 25 minutes
    • Medium potatoes: 30 minutes. Itโ€™s okay if the skin splits during cooking. You can also steam or microwave the potatoes, if you prefer.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While your potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 390ยฐF (200ยฐC).

close up vertical shot of red and gold potatoes draining in collander

Step 3: Steam Dry

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them sit in a colander for about 5 minutes to steam dry. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture!

close up vertical shot of red and gold potatoes smashed on baking sheet

Step 4: Smash the Potatoes

Transfer the potatoes to a baking tray. Using a large fork or potato masher, gently smash each potato, keeping them in one piece. The thickness will determine the texture:

  • Thinner = crispier
  • Thicker = fluffier inside

Step 5: Steam Dry Again

Let the smashed potatoes sit on the tray for another 5 minutes. This second drying period will make them even crispier.

pastry brush brushing on butter mixed with olive oil, garlic, garlic salt and pepper onto a gold potato on baking sheet

Step 6: Season

Mix the melted butter with olive oil, garlic salt and pepper. Brush each potato with the mixture.

Step 7: Bake

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes for small potatoes or 55 minutes for medium potatoes, or until they are deep golden and crispy. Do not flip them during baking!

close up vertical shot of gold petite potato topped with fresh chopped parsley

Step 8: Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired for an extra touch of color and flavor.

close up vertical shot of smashed garlic potatoes topped with minced garlic, olive oil and freshly chopped parsley

Variations to Try

Cheesy Garlic Smashed Potatoes: Add shredded cheese (like cheddar or parmesan) on top of the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.

Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme with the olive oil for an aromatic flavor.

Spicy Smashed Potatoes: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.

Bacon and Chive: Top with crumbled cooked bacon and fresh chives before serving for added flavor and texture.

Lemon Garlic: Add lemon zest and juice to the olive oil mixture for a bright, fresh flavor that complements the garlic.

    close up shot of garlic smashed potatoes served on a white serving platter

    This Easy Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe is a fantastic side dish for any meal. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, these garlic smashed potatoes are sure to be a hit!

    Try making this dish today and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy and fluffy potatoes infused with delicious garlic flavor. Donโ€™t forget to share your creations with us!

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    Easy Garlic Smashed Potatoes

    Looking for a delicious side dish thatโ€™s both easy to make and packed with flavor? This Easy Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe is the perfect choice! With a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, these garlic-infused potatoes will quickly become a family favorite.
    Prep Time20 minutes
    Cook Time45 minutes
    Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings20 servings

    Ingredients 

    • 1.4 lb small potatoes 12 – 14
    • 1 tbsp salt for boiling
    • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 tbsp garlic salt
    • 1 tbsp black pepper
    • Finely chopped parsley for garnish

    Instructions 

    Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

    • Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
    • Cooking Time: Small potatoes: 20 to 25 minutes. Medium potatoes: 30 minutes Itโ€™s okay if the skin splits during cooking. You can also steam or microwave the potatoes if you prefer.

    Step 2: Preheat the Oven

    • While your potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 390ยฐF (200ยฐC).

    Step 3: Steam Dry

    • Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them sit in a colander for about 5 minutes to steam dry. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture!

    Step 4: Smash the Potatoes

    • Transfer the potatoes to a baking tray. Using a large fork or potato masher, gently smash each potato, keeping them in one piece. The thickness will determine the texture:
    • Thinner = crispier
    • Thicker = fluffier insides Aim for a more nubbly surface to enhance the crunchiness!

    Step 5: Steam Dry Again

    • Let the smashed potatoes sit on the tray for another 5 minutes. This second drying period will make them even crispier.

    Step 6: Drizzle and Season

    • Mix together the butter, olive oil, garlic salt and pepper. Using a pastry brush, brush each smashed potato with the mixture. If you have any leftover olive oil mixture, you can add additional once the smashed potatoes come out of the oven.

    Step 7: Bake

    • Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes for small potatoes or 55 minutes for medium potatoes, or until they are deep golden and crispy. Do not flip them during baking!

    Step 8: Serve

    • Once done, remove from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired for an extra touch of color and flavor.

    Notes

    You can also substitute 6-8 medium potatoes.ย 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 1055mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Additional Info

    Course: Side Dish, Side Dishes
    Cuisine: American
    Calories: 80
    Keyword: Easy Garlic Smashed Potatoes
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    About Lori

    Lori Taylor is the Founder & CEO of The Produce Moms. For ten years she sold fresh produce to over 300 grocery stores throughout the United States, and today she is fully focused on working with the produce supply chain, media, and government to increase fresh produce access & consumption in the US and around the globe. Connect with Lori on LinkedIn.

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