Alright, let's talk smashed potatoes! They're not just your average side dish; they're a blank canvas waiting for some serious flavor action. Imagine sinking your teeth into Classic Garlic Smashed Potatoes, or maybe you're craving that cheesy goodness from Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes. Each recipe brings its own flair and a little crunch, too. So, what's your favorite way to enjoy these delightful spuds? Get ready, because we've got some tasty options coming your way!
Classic Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Classic Garlic Smashed Potatoes are a delightful and comforting side dish that combines creamy potatoes with the robust flavor of garlic. This dish isn't only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, enhancing any meal with its rich buttery taste and aromatic notes.
The potatoes are boiled until tender, gently smashed to create a rustic texture, and then combined with roasted garlic, butter, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an irresistible flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of whole milk or heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Begin by placing the baby Yukon gold potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and garlic, then return them to the pot.
Add the butter and milk (or cream), and gently smash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork until they reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider roasting the garlic instead of boiling it. Simply wrap the garlic cloves in foil with a drizzle of olive oil, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes until soft and caramelized.
You can also experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for added flavor. If you like a bit of crunch, top the smashed potatoes with crispy bacon bits or fried onions.
Be sure to serve these delicious potatoes immediately for the best texture and taste!
Crispy Herb-Infused Smashed Potatoes
Crispy Herb-Infused Smashed Potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes, combining the comfort of creamy texture with a satisfying crunch. The addition of fresh herbs enhances the flavor profile, making these smashed potatoes an ideal side dish for any meal.
These potatoes aren't only easy to prepare but also customizable with your favorite herbs and spices, guaranteeing they can complement any dish perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C) and bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they're fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the potatoes and gently smash each one with the bottom of a glass or a fork until they're flattened but still intact.
Drizzle the olive oil over the smashed potatoes, then sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and the chopped herbs. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, choose potatoes that are uniform in size to guarantee even cooking.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on your preference; dill or chives can also add a lovely flavor. If you want to make the dish spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Additionally, serving the potatoes immediately after baking will guarantee they retain their crispiness. Finally, consider pairing these smashed potatoes with a creamy dip or sauce for an extra layer of flavor!
Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes
Cheesy bacon smashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal, combining the comforting textures of crispy bacon and creamy cheese with the wholesome goodness of potatoes. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a deliciously indulgent treat that will surely be a hit at your dinner table.
They're easy to prepare and are great for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
Start by boiling the baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they're fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Using a potato masher or fork, gently smash the potatoes until they're slightly broken but still chunky.
Add the butter, milk, sour cream, half of the cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon to the potatoes, mixing until everything is well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the smashed potatoes to a greased baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top, and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider mixing in some garlic powder or freshly minced garlic while mashing the potatoes.
If you want to make the dish even more decadent, you can substitute some of the sour cream with cream cheese.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
Finally, keeping the skins on the potatoes can add a nice texture and extra nutrients, so don't be afraid to skip peeling them!
Spicy Smashed Potatoes With Chili Flakes
Spicy smashed potatoes with chili flakes are a delightful twist on the classic dish, adding a fiery kick that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of crispy edges and fluffy interiors, seasoned generously with chili flakes, makes these potatoes a perfect side dish for any meal or a tasty snack on their own.
They're easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your spice tolerance, ensuring that everyone can enjoy them.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Instructions:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating, wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and place them in a large pot of salted water.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange the potatoes and use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently smash each potato until flattened but still intact.
Drizzle the olive oil over the smashed potatoes and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, chili flakes, and minced garlic. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
Garnish with fresh parsley and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the potatoes in the olive oil and spices for an hour before baking. This allows the potatoes to absorb more of the spicy goodness.
If you want to adjust the heat, feel free to mix in other spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper. Additionally, experiment with toppings like sour cream or yogurt for a cooling contrast to the spiciness.
Enjoy your deliciously crispy and spicy smashed potatoes!
Loaded Smashed Potatoes With Sour Cream and Chives
Loaded smashed potatoes with sour cream and chives are a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes, offering a creamy texture and a burst of flavor that makes them an irresistible side dish. The combination of crispy potato skins, fluffy potato insides, and the rich, tangy taste of sour cream, topped with fresh chives, makes this recipe a perfect accompaniment for any meal.
Easy to prepare and customizable, these loaded smashed potatoes are sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of baby potatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and place them in a large pot, covering them with water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they're fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. On a baking sheet, arrange the potatoes and gently smash each one with a fork or the bottom of a glass, ensuring they remain intact.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they're crispy and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and top with the butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and chives before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider mixing in some crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions before serving.
If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to adjust the amount of sour cream to your liking.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a gooey finish.
Make sure to serve the loaded smashed potatoes immediately, as they're best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven!