Name: Smashed Potatoes Garlic Butter: The Ultimate Recipe for Crispy Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs small Yukon gold potatoes; 6 Tbsp salted butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Smashed Potatoes Garlic Butter – are you ready to experience potato perfection? Imagine crispy edges giving way to a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth interior, all bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This isn't your average side dish; it's a culinary adventure that will have everyone begging for seconds!

While the exact origins of smashed potatoes are debated, the concept of flattening and roasting potatoes to maximize crispy surface area has likely been around for generations. Think of it as a rustic, elevated take on traditional roasted potatoes, embracing simplicity and bold flavors. This method allows for maximum caramelization, creating a delightful contrast between textures that is simply irresistible.

What makes Smashed Potatoes Garlic Butter so universally loved? It's the symphony of textures and flavors! The crispy exterior provides a satisfying crunch, while the soft interior offers a comforting, familiar taste. The garlic butter elevates the dish to another level, infusing every bite with savory richness. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Whether you're serving them as a side dish for a weeknight dinner or as part of a holiday feast, these smashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to transform ordinary potatoes into something extraordinary!

Ingredients:

2 pounds small Yukon Gold potatoes, or other small potatoes of your choice
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Optional: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for added flavor

Preparing the Potatoes:

Okay, let's get started! First things first, we need to get those potatoes ready. I like using Yukon Golds because they have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, but feel free to use whatever small potatoes you prefer. Just make sure they're roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Give them a good scrub under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. You don't need to peel them – the skins add great texture and flavor!
Place the potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water, making sure the water level is a couple of inches above the potatoes.
Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This will help season the potatoes from the inside out.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but it depends on the size of your potatoes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork without much resistance.
Drain the potatoes well. Carefully pour the potatoes into a colander to drain all the water. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow any excess steam to escape. This will help them crisp up nicely later.

Smashed Potato Magic:

Now for the fun part – smashing! This is where the magic happens and we transform those humble potatoes into something truly special.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the potatoes are cooling slightly, get your oven preheating. We want it nice and hot for maximum crispiness.
Prepare a baking sheet. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Smash the potatoes. Place the drained potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass, a potato masher, or even a fork, gently press down on each potato until it's flattened to about 1/2-inch thickness. Don't worry about making them perfectly uniform – the rustic look is part of the charm! Be careful not to smash them too thin, or they might fall apart.

Garlic Butter Infusion:

Garlic butter is the key to unlocking incredible flavor in these smashed potatoes. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering!

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. We're going to use this to infuse the potatoes with garlicky goodness.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
Remove the garlic butter from the heat. Set it aside for a moment.

Baking to Crispy Perfection:

Time to get these potatoes into the oven and watch them transform into crispy, golden-brown delights!

Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil. This will help them crisp up beautifully in the oven. Make sure to coat them evenly.
Brush the garlic butter generously over the smashed potatoes. Get every nook and cranny! This is where all that amazing flavor comes from.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don't be shy with the seasoning – it's essential for bringing out the best in the potatoes. If you like a little heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them to be nicely browned and slightly blistered.

Finishing Touches:

Almost there! A few final touches will elevate these smashed potatoes to the next level.

While the potatoes are baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. We'll use this for a final drizzle of richness.
Remove the potatoes from the oven. Let them cool slightly for a minute or two.
Drizzle the melted butter over the potatoes. This adds a final layer of buttery goodness.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. The parsley adds a pop of freshness, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note.
Optional: Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs. These herbs add a beautiful aroma and visual appeal.
Serve immediately and enjoy! These smashed potatoes are best served hot and crispy. They make a fantastic side dish for just about anything – grilled chicken, steak, fish, or even a vegetarian main course.

Tips for Success:

Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. If necessary, bake the potatoes in batches to ensure they crisp up properly.
For extra crispy potatoes, try broiling them for the last few minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.
Experiment with different toppings. Try adding crumbled bacon, sour cream, chives, or your favorite herbs and spices.
These smashed potatoes are also delicious reheated. Simply pop them back in the oven or toaster oven until they're warmed through and crispy.

Variations:

Sweet Potato Smashed Potatoes: Substitute sweet potatoes for the Yukon Gold potatoes for a sweeter, more vibrant dish.
Spicy Smashed Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a fiery kick.
Herbaceous Smashed Potatoes: Use a mix of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano, for a more complex flavor profile.
Vegan Smashed Potatoes: Substitute vegan butter for the dairy butter and omit the Parmesan cheese. You can also add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

I hope you enjoy making these smashed potatoes as much as I do! They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delicious way to elevate any meal. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Butter are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, potatoes are already pretty amazing, but trust me, this recipe elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. The crispy edges, the creamy interior, and that intensely flavorful garlic butter – it's a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Why is this a must-try? Because it's incredibly easy to make, uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and delivers restaurant-quality results. Forget complicated side dishes that take hours to prepare. These smashed potatoes are ready in under an hour, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Plus, they're naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to be vegan (just swap the butter for a plant-based alternative!). But the best part? The versatility! These Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Butter are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with so many different dishes. Imagine serving them alongside a juicy steak, grilled chicken, or even a simple roasted vegetable medley. They're also incredible topped with a fried egg for a satisfying brunch. Looking for some variations? Get creative! Try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking for an extra layer of savory goodness. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, toss in some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a touch of heat, while a squeeze of lemon juice will brighten up the dish. You could even experiment with different types of potatoes – Yukon Golds, red potatoes, or even fingerling potatoes would all work beautifully. Another fun variation is to use different flavored butters. Imagine a chili-lime butter for a zesty kick, or a brown butter sage for a more sophisticated flavor profile. The possibilities are truly endless! I'm absolutely confident that you're going to love this recipe. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a winner in my book. So, what are you waiting for? Grab some potatoes, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Butter. I promise you won't be disappointed. And now for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you've tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? I'm always eager to learn from your culinary adventures and see how you've made this recipe your own. Don't be shy – share your tips, tricks, and photos! Let's create a community of smashed potato enthusiasts! Happy cooking!