Crispy Smashed Potatoes

These smashed potatoes are SUCH a tasty side dish or snack! They're crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and packed with savory garlic flavor.

Smashed potatoes

Crispy smashed potatoes? Two, no, three. …Ok, more like four for me, please!

I’m a huge fan of potato wedges, roasted potatoes, and even French fries, but these crispy smashed potatoes might just be my favorite potatoes yet. They have glorious crispy skins, comforting creamy middles, and a savory garlic-Parmesan flavor that I’m pretty sure no one could ever get enough of.

Conveniently, they’re perfect for a wide variety of occasions. Top them with a drizzle of chipotle sauce, and they’d make a mouthwatering game day snack. Sprinkle them with fresh herbs, and they’d be a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side dish. The great thing is that you don’t have to pick! Once you try this smashed potatoes recipe, you can come back to it time and time again.

Smashed potato recipe ingredients

Smashed Potatoes Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this smashed potatoes recipe:

  • Potatoes, of course! I love using yellow potatoes for this recipe because they come out especially creamy – almost buttery – in the middle. In order for the potatoes to crisp up in the oven, you’ll need them to be small. Look for ones that are no more than 2 inches in diameter.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil – It helps the potatoes become golden brown and crisp as they bake. You’ll drizzle some on the potatoes and brush the rest on the baking sheets so that the potatoes crisp up underneath.
  • Garlic powder and onion powder – For savory, umami flavor.
  • And salt and pepper – To make all the flavors pop!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Yellow potatoes in pot with water

How to Make Smashed Potatoes

I like to think of this smashed potatoes recipe in three parts: boil, smash, and bake. Here’s how it goes:

First, boil. Place the potatoes in a large pot, and cover them with one inch of cold water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are just past fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

Smashing potato on baking sheet with measuring cup

Next, smash. While you boil the potatoes, brush 2 large rimmed baking sheets with olive oil. That’s right! Using parchment paper is my default, but I don’t recommend that you use it here. Baking the potatoes directly on the oiled sheet pan helps them become especially crispy underneath.

Smashed potatoes on baking sheet

When the potatoes are tender, drain them and arrange them on the oiled baking sheets. Use the back of a measuring cup to carefully press them down until they’re about 1/4-inch thick.

Drizzling oil over potatoes on baking sheet

Drizzle with olive oil…

Sprinkling potato on baking sheet with onion and garlic powder

… and sprinkle with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Finally, bake! Roast the potatoes until they’re golden brown and crisp around the edges, about 25 to 35 minutes, rotating the pans halfway.

That’s it!

Crispy smashed potatoes on a plate

Smashed Potatoes Serving Suggestions

These smashed potatoes are best served hot off the baking sheet, when they’re still nice and crisp from the oven. Before you dig in, garnish them with whatever toppings you like. Here are some of my favorites:

Devour them on their own as an appetizer or snack, or serve them as a side dish with a larger meal. They pair really well with veggie burgers, black bean burgers, or BBQ sandwiches, and they’re also a fantastic holiday side dish. Serve them alongside classics like green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and stuffing, or any of these 50 Thanksgiving Side Dishes!

Smashed potatoes recipe

More Favorite Potato Recipes

If you love these crispy smashed potatoes, try one of these yummy potato recipes next:

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Smashed Potatoes

rate this recipe:
5 from 39 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Serves 4 to 6
These crispy smashed potatoes are a fun, flavorful side dish or snack! They're best straight off the sheet pan, when they're still crisp and hot from the oven.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds small yellow potatoes
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the pans
  • teaspoons garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon onion powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs, parsley, chives, and/or dill
  • Flaky sea salt, optional
  • Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F and liberally coat 2 baking sheets with olive oil.
  • Place the potatoes and 1 teaspoon of the salt in a large pot and fill it with enough water to cover the potatoes by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are soft and fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Place each potato onto the oiled baking sheet and use the back of a measuring cup to smash them down until they’re about ¼-inch thick. Drizzle with the olive oil, and sprinkle with the garlic powder, onion powder, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Roast 25 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp around the edges, rotating the pans halfway.
  • Season to taste with more sea salt, or flaky sea salt, fresh herbs, and sprinkles of Parmesan, if desired.

38 comments

5 from 39 votes (25 ratings without comment)

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. Priscilla
    09.18.2024

    5 stars
    These were a hit and so easy to make! Will definitely be making these again for my picky family.

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      09.18.2024

      I’m so glad everyone loved them!

  2. Michelle
    09.08.2024

    5 stars
    Freaking amazing! These became the main meal. I put my own version of a poutine mixture over them, that consisted of chili without beans, shredded cheddar, topped with turkey gravy, chopped scallions, and a few dollops of sour cream. Yum! I highly recommend using this crispy smashed potatoes recipe.

  3. Lynda
    09.04.2024

    5 stars
    Made these. Delish! Topped them off with a dollop of sour cream and chopped scallion tops. Yummy

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      09.06.2024

      So glad you loved them, Lynda!

  4. Emily
    08.14.2024

    Just tried these – when I went to smash them, they crumbled apart. Not sure what I did wrong! I kind of mushed them back together into circles and I’m hoping they’ll stick together during the baking part, but kind of afraid they’re going to turn out a crumbly mess. Came here to see if anyone else had this issue – when you smash them down do they hold together?

    (they’re baking right now I’ll see how it goes!)

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      08.15.2024

      Hi Emily, it’s possible that they didn’t boil long enough and they cracked while pushing down. Or perhaps your type of potato was different and could have been less waxy.

    • Becky
      10.03.2024

      Happened to me as well. I don’t think I boiled them long enough. Baking but most of them have turned into hash browns 🙁

  5. Neena
    07.14.2024

    5 stars
    These are great! I have been making them as a less-fattening replacement for hashbrowns or home-fries with my morning eggs

  6. Alicea from alicearosephotography.com
    05.03.2024

    5 stars
    These were easy to make and very tasty! Had to use two pans to make them all fit, but my family loved them as a side dish. Thanks for a great recipe!

  7. Jane
    04.28.2024

    Can I use medium size potatoes and cut them in quarters? I have Yukon golds on hand.

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      04.29.2024

      Hi Jane, they won’t stay together quite as well because it’s the outer skin that crisps and makes them cohesive. But I think quarters will still be delicious.

  8. Rebecca
    04.13.2024

    5 stars
    Could I use potatoe halves?

  9. April
    03.02.2024

    What degrees do I bake them in the oven?

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.08.2024

      425°F

    • Synthia
      04.25.2024

      425⁰ for 25 to 35 minutes. A simpler to read breakdown is above.

  10. Chris
    03.01.2024

    Sounds delicious. Have you tried making them in an air fryer?

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.01.2024

      Hi Chris, we haven’t, but I think it would work well. Let us know if you try it!

  11. Kim
    01.16.2024

    5 stars
    Just made this recipe, eating it now, delicious. Used the little red and white potatoes and vegan mozzarella from Costco. Thank you!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      01.17.2024

      I’m so glad you loved it!

  12. Tammy Barrett
    12.18.2023

    Can I use baby red potatoes in this recipe?

  13. Jack
    10.20.2023

    5 stars
    Loved these. The eighth time I made these I topped with adobo powder and grated parmesan cheese. and they are great Now a go to side a potato side with dinner or anytime

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      10.20.2023

      Hi Jack, so glad you love them!

  14. Kristin Jones
    10.18.2023

    Can I boil them day before, smash them and refrigerate them and bake them the next day?

    • Abby
      11.18.2023

      I am wondering the same thing….Did you try this? Would at least love to boil/ prep in the morning and roast while my guests are enjoying pre-dinner cocktails

      • Megan
        04.28.2024

        5 stars
        I did this…boiled the potatoes ahead of time. I heated them up for a bit with my roast and then 30 min before i served them, i heated them at 425 as the recipe says. They turned out fine!

  15. Lee
    09.11.2023

    Just a plug for reducing carbon emissions here! I’ve noticed most recipes instruct turning on ovens far earlier than needed, thus wasting electricity, gas, etc. “Preheating” my oven for about 25 minutes or more before the taters are even boiled, let alone cooled, is a complete waste and unnecessarily heats up my already warm home. I have been changing every recipe I try to heat up my oven after all the other steps, and have had no adverse results so far. Thank you for sharing your recipes!

    • Brianna
      05.19.2024

      Thanks for this tip, I always love an environmentally friendly suggestion!

  16. Susan
    12.29.2022

    5 stars
    So yummy! I love so many of your recipes, including this one. So glad I found your site.

  17. DAWN J MURRAY
    11.21.2022

    Are the potatoes peeled or skin on?

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      11.22.2022

      Hi Dawn, they are skin-on – the skin gets crispy and delicious around the edges as they bake.

  18. Trina from Google
    08.07.2022

    5 stars
    A wonderfully easy side dish. We are going to try with smallest sweet potatoes next time.
    Thank you,
    Trina

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      08.10.2022

      I’m so glad you enjoyed them!

  19. Barbara
    07.25.2022

    Can you boil the potatoes the day ahead?

    • Carie
      02.14.2023

      5 stars
      I just made these today with leftover baby potatoes and they were delicious!

  20. Ms. Havisham
    11.25.2021

    5 stars
    Made this delightfully easy and delicious dish last night. I used the smallest potatoes I had on hand and popped them in the toaster oven. I’ll admit I microwaved the potatoes rather than boiling them, so it was even faster and easier!

    I’ll be making these repeatedly and experimenting with all sorts of herbs, both fresh and dried, and even some different spice blends for a change up.

    Thanks for providing a great alternative for those small potatoes!

A food blog with fresh, zesty recipes.
Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.