If you’re looking for a side dish that’s bursting with crispy, golden edges and fluffy insides, this Roasted Smashed Potatoes Recipe is going to become your new go-to. These little potatoes are boiled until tender, smashed to create wide, craggy surfaces that soak up all the oil and seasoning, and then roasted until perfectly crispy. The result is a dish that is simple yet absolutely addictive, perfectly balancing rustic charm with mouthwatering textures. Whether you’re serving up a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, these smashed potatoes deliver comfort and crunch in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Roasted Smashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Using just a handful of pantry staples, each ingredient plays a vital role in creating those irresistibly crispy edges and tender centers that make every bite a delight.
- 1.5 lbs one-bite round or fingerling potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect for smashing and roasting, offering creamy interiors and thin skins that crisp beautifully.
- Kosher salt to taste: Essential for seasoning, it enhances all the natural potato flavors without overpowering.
- Extra virgin olive oil (about 2 tbsp): This oil not only prevents sticking but promotes that gorgeous golden color and crispy texture.
- 1/4 cup malt vinegar (optional): A splash adds a bright, tangy zing, especially if you want that classic salt and vinegar twist to your potatoes.
How to Make Roasted Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes Until Tender
Start by bringing your potatoes to a boil in a large pot of salted water. You want to cook them just until a fork slides in easily — usually around 20 minutes — but be careful not to overcook them so they don’t turn mushy when smashed. This step ensures the inside stays fluffy while the exterior crisps up perfectly.
Step 2: Smash the Potatoes Gently
Once drained, place the potatoes in small groups on a clean dish towel. Using your fist, gently press down to flatten each potato, cracking the skin but keeping the pieces intact. This creates the perfect surface area for crisping up in the oven while locking in moisture.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil onto the bottom of a baking sheet and spread it evenly. This layer of oil prevents sticking and helps the potatoes develop that golden crust on the bottom during roasting.
Step 4: Arrange and Oil the Potatoes
Place your smashed potatoes onto the oiled baking sheet, leaving some space between each one so they roast rather than steam. Drizzle the remaining oil on top of the potatoes and use a brush to spread it evenly over the surface for even crisping.
Step 5: Roast Until Golden and Crunchy
Pop the pan into a 450-degree oven and roast for about 35 minutes. Halfway through, you can toss some of the potatoes with malt vinegar for a tangy kick, then sprinkle all with kosher salt to taste. This roasting time transforms your potatoes into beautifully crisp, satisfyingly tender bites loaded with flavor.
How to Serve Roasted Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about these roasted smashed potatoes is how versatile they are when it comes to garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme adds a fragrant herbal note, while a dusting of grated Parmesan turns them savory and rich. If you love a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes are a fantastic option. Don’t forget a little flaky sea salt on top just before serving — it’s the finishing touch that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Smashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with just about anything. They are wonderful alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or a juicy steak. For a vegetarian meal, serve with a vibrant green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. Their crispy texture also makes them an excellent companion for lighter dishes, balancing creamy or saucy plates with a bit of crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, try serving these golden beauties stacked or arranged in a rustic wooden bowl for a cozy vibe. For a party, turn them into bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks and a side of garlic aioli or spicy ketchup. You could even top each potato with a dollop of sour cream and chives for a fully loaded snack that steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, no worries! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid letting them sit wrapped in plastic wrap alone, as moisture can make the potatoes soggy.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best fresh, you can freeze them if needed. After roasting, let them cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ready to crisp back up when you want a quick snack or side.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen roasted smashed potatoes in a hot oven or toaster oven at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes. This method brings back that incredible crispiness, unlike microwave reheating, which can leave them soft and limp.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of fingerlings for this Roasted Smashed Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well too. Just cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and smash nicely.
Do I have to use malt vinegar, or can I skip it?
Malt vinegar is optional but highly recommended if you enjoy that classic salty and tangy contrast. Feel free to omit it or swap with lemon juice or your favorite vinegar for variation.
What’s the best way to get the potatoes crispy?
The secret is in smashing them to create rough surfaces, using enough olive oil, and roasting at a high temperature (450 degrees) without overcrowding the pan so the steam escapes.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
Yes! You can boil and smash the potatoes earlier in the day, then roast them just before serving to ensure peak crispiness and freshness.
Are these potatoes healthy?
They are a delicious way to enjoy potatoes with less oil than traditional fried methods. Using extra virgin olive oil adds heart-healthy fats, and seasoning with herbs and vinegar keeps it flavorful without extra calories.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Smashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is incredibly easy to pull off. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a side that everyone will rave about — crispy, tender, and packed with flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved part of your kitchen repertoire!
Print
Roasted Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Roasted Smashed Potatoes offers perfectly tender potatoes smashed and roasted to crispy, golden perfection. With simple ingredients including fingerling potatoes, olive oil, and kosher salt, this easy side dish is both delicious and versatile. The optional malt vinegar adds a tangy twist, reminiscent of classic salt and vinegar flavors.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1.5 lbs one-bite round or fingerling potatoes
Seasoning & Oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil, about 2 tbsp
- 1/4 cup malt vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the potatoes. Cook for about 20 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork, but avoid overcooking so they stay intact when smashed.
- Smash Potatoes: Lay a clean dish towel on the counter, place a few potatoes on the towel and use your fist to gently smash each potato. The skin will split, but the potato should remain in one piece. Repeat with remaining potatoes.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the bottom of a baking sheet, spreading it evenly to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Potatoes & Season: Place the smashed potatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the tops and brush evenly.
- Roast: Roast in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 35 minutes until the potatoes are crispy and golden on the edges.
- Optional Flavoring: For a salt and vinegar twist, toss half the potatoes with malt vinegar after roasting, then sprinkle all potatoes generously with kosher salt. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fingerling or small round potatoes for best results; larger potatoes can be sliced before boiling.
- Do not overboil; potatoes should remain firm enough to hold shape when smashed.
- Brush oil evenly to ensure crispy texture on all sides.
- Optional malt vinegar gives a classic tangy flavor, but potatoes are great seasoned with herbs, garlic, or your favorite spices.
- Serve immediately for best crispiness; leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore texture.
