Try the most delicious potato side dish you can try – best smashed potatoes, golden and crispy – a classic recipe, perfect for any meal!
This simple but delicious recipe transforms simple potatoes into a crispy and fluffy delicacy, with a soft and aromatic interior. With a golden crust and a perfectly crispy texture, these smashed potatoes are an ideal side dish for almost any main course or can be enjoyed as such, alongside delicious sauces.
How to smash potatoes – 3 different techniques
To get the perfect texture of smashed potatoes, there are several techniques you can use:
- Potato press: Using a special potato press is one of the most effective methods. This allows the uniform crushing of the potatoes, thus obtaining a fine and uniform consistency.
- Fork: If you don’t have a special press for potatoes, you can use a fork to crush them manually. Place the fork onto each boiled potato and press gently, crushing them into a coarse texture. This method can provide a more rustic texture and can be faster than using the press.
- Flat glass: Another option is to use a flat glass to mash the potatoes. Place a boiled potato on a flat surface and use the bottom of the glass to gently press it until it is crushed. This method may be less precise than the others, but it is simple and effective. Personally, I prefer this method.
Choosing a method depends on your preferences and the equipment available in the kitchen. Regardless of the method, make sure you smash the potatoes while still warm to get the best texture.
Variants of flavors and spices for baked smashed potatoes
To add more depth of flavor and a richer taste to the smashed potatoes, you can try various flavors and spices, such as:
- Fried garlic: Fried garlic in olive oil adds a rich and savory note. You can fry the thin slices of garlic in oil until they become golden and then mix them with the crushed potatoes for an intense aroma.
- Fresh rosemary: Fresh rosemary leaves add a special aroma and a Mediterranean touch. Finely chop the rosemary and mix it with the crushed potatoes to enrich the taste of the dish.
- Dried thyme: Dried thyme is a versatile spice that can add a warm and aromatic note to smashed potatoes. Sprinkle some dried thyme over the potatoes to complete the taste.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped fresh parsley leaves can add freshness and a vibrant taste. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over these easy smashed potatoes to bring a subtle balance of flavors.
- Sauteed onion: Sauteed onion adds a subtle sweetness and a rich flavor to these best smashed potatoes. You can finely chop the onion and gently fry it in a little olive oil until it becomes golden and soft, then mix it with the crushed potatoes for a delicious aroma.
- Fresh dill: Finely chopped fresh dill leaves provide a fresh and vibrant note. Sprinkle freshly chopped dill over the smashed potatoes to bring a refreshing flavor and subtle freshness.
- Smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds an intense aroma and a subtle smoky taste to smashed potatoes. Sprinkle a little smoked paprika over the crushed potatoes to bring a touch of depth and a subtle balance of flavors.
These are just a few ideas, but you can play with different flavors and spices according to your preferences and creativity in the kitchen. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect taste for baked mashed potatoes.
Here are some vegetarian main dishes that go wonderfully with the side of mashed potatoes:
- Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Balls
- Mushroom Curry
- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms | Basic Recipe
- Protein-Rich Mushroom Patties with Herbs
Best Smashed Potatoes (Golden & Crispy)
Ingredients
- 800 g potatoes medium
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon green onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon dill chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (392F).
- Put the potatoes in a large pot with water and salt.
- Bring to a boil and leave to cook, with the lid on, for 30-35 minutes, or until they become soft and pass the fork test.
- Drain the potatoes from the water.
- Oil the tray lined with baking paper. Arrange the potatoes and smash them with the flat bottom of a glass or a potato masher, enough to flatten them.
- Leave the smashed potatoes on the tray for another 5 minutes so that the excess moisture evaporates.
- Brush each potato with melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake them for about 30 minutes, or until they become golden and slightly crispy.
- Sprinkle the baked potatoes with green onions and fresh dill.
Andie
Tuesday 26th of March 2024
So crispy! Loved them!