Looking for a potato dish that’s a little more exciting than your usual mash or fries? These crispy garlic smashed potatoes are the perfect combination of fluffy and golden – crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Ideal as a hearty side or savory snack, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to be a hit at any table.
Why You Will Love These Crispy Smashed Potatoes
These potatoes strike the perfect balance between texture and flavor. Boiled until fork-tender, smashed flat, and roasted until crisp, they’re buttery, garlicky, and slightly salty, everything a good side dish should be. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and incredibly easy to make.
Making Delicious Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
1.5 lbs (about 700g) baby or small potatoes
Salt, to taste
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional minced garlic, fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, or thyme)
Instructions
Prep the Potatoes Wash and scrub your potatoes thoroughly. No need to peel them.
Boil Until Tender Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 30–35 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Smash the Potatoes Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a baking tray. Use a large fork or potato masher to gently press each one flat.
Season and Drizzle Drizzle with melted butter and olive oil. Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and minced garlic (if using).
Bake Until Crispy Roast in the oven for 30–40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them after 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Serve and Enjoy Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
These crispy smashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish, fluffy on the inside and golden-crisp on the outside. Boiled, smashed, and roasted with butter, olive oil, and simple seasonings, they’re incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor. Great for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or whenever you need a satisfying, crowd-pleasing potato dish.
Place potatoes into a pot and add water. Ensure potatoes are submerged in the water. Add salt then bring to boil.
Cook for about 30 minutes or until the potatoes are done or they easily pierced through by a fork.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Drain the potatoes and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
Prepare a baking sheet and distribute the potatoes.
Using a serving fork, a masher, or the back of a measuring cup gently smash each potato to about 1/2 or 3/4 inch. Brush the melted butter and olive on the smashed potatoes then sprinkle with salt and ground pepper.
Bake the potatoes for 35-40 minutes until nice and golden on the edges. Sprinkle with parsley or green onions, and enjoy!
Notes
Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
Use small or baby potatoes for the best crisp-to-fluff ratio.
Make sure the potatoes are well boiled, undercooked ones won’t smash properly.
For extra flavor, add garlic to the butter before drizzling.
Avoid crowding the tray to ensure even crisping.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? No problem! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 425°F for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness.
These can be served with some of these delicious main dishes
About Devine Dishes
A lifelong love of cooking, one delicious recipe at a time.
Welcome to Devine Dishes! I'm so glad you're here.
I'm the cook, recipe creator, and food lover behind this little corner of the internet. Born and raised in Kenya, my love for cooking started when I was very young. Even as a child, I would happily volunteer to cook for the family, leaving the dishes and laundry for my siblings. Looking back, I think I had already discovered my passion and a clever way to avoid some chores! 😜
Where My Love for Cooking Began
In high school, I chose Home Science and quickly discovered that baking was something I truly enjoyed. I went on to win awards in provincial school baking competitions for three consecutive years. Those were incredibly proud moments for me, and I loved the feeling of creating something delicious with my own hands.
But not everyone saw cooking the way I did.
I still remember the day my chemistry teacher laughed out loud in class after I received one of my baking medals. He told me I was wasting my time with cooking and that I should focus on the sciences, which would give me a better future than cookies and cakes.
It was an embarrassing moment, especially as a student who was proud of something she had worked hard to achieve. But I didn't stop cooking.
That experience stayed with me, not because it changed my passion, but because it reminded me that sometimes you have to believe in yourself even when others don't understand your dreams.
From Cooking for Family to Building a Food Business
Over the years, my love for cooking has taken me on quite a journey.
I've explored different food business ideas, from cooking and selling chapatis and mandazis to catering, meal preparation, and delivery. Each experience taught me something new about food, business, and the joy of sharing a good meal with others.
Today, I'm excited to bring that passion to food blogging.
Devine Dishes is a place where I share the recipes I love, the ones I'm learning, and the ones I can't wait for you to try. You'll find African and Kenyan favorites, comforting family meals, delicious baking recipes, and practical dishes that make cooking at home enjoyable.
My goal is simple: to help you discover recipes that are delicious, approachable, and worth making again.
More Than Just Recipes
For me, food has always been about more than feeding people. It's about family, memories, creativity, and bringing people together.
When I'm not working, you'll often find me trying out new recipes, creating and editing content, or spending time with family. Sometimes we're swimming, watching TV, or simply chatting over a good meal. Those ordinary moments are some of my favorite moments.
I also love traveling and discovering new places, cultures, and foods. I'm hoping to do much more of it in the near future, and I'm excited about the inspiration those experiences will bring to my cooking and future recipes.
Thank You for Being Here
Whether you're visiting Devine Dishes for a Kenyan recipe, looking for something delicious to bake, or simply exploring new meals to try, thank you for being part of this journey.
Every recipe shared here is a little piece of my love for cooking, my experiences, and the belief that it's never too late to pursue something you're passionate about.
I hope you find something delicious, make wonderful memories around your table, and come back often.
Happy cooking!
With love,
Milli
The heart behind Devine Dishes
2 Comments. Leave new
Golden, crispy and full of flavor! 🥔✨ I love the crunchy edges and fluffy center. Such an easy side dish!
The perfect buttery and flavorful potato side dish! 🧈😍