If you’re looking for a comforting side that brings an irresistible blend of crispy edges and tender insides, you have to try this Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe. It effortlessly combines simple pantry staples with fresh herbs and garlic to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Perfectly golden and buttery, these smashed red potatoes make every meal feel like a special occasion, and once you make them, they’re sure to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role in building the deliciously savory, crispy, and herby flavor profile of this recipe. Using fresh herbs and real garlic ensures every bite feels vibrant and fresh.
- Red potatoes (2 ½ pounds): The star of the show, their waxy texture holds up well when boiled and smashed, creating the perfect balance of softness and crunch.
- Melted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps crisp up the edges in the oven. You can substitute oil for a dairy-free option.
- Garlic cloves (4, finely minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth that’s simply irresistible when paired with herbs.
- Fresh rosemary and thyme (1 ½ teaspoons each, finely chopped): These fragrant herbs brighten the flavor and add an earthy depth to every bite.
- Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors of the potatoes and herbs.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just a subtle kick to balance the richness.
- Fresh parsley (optional, finely chopped): Sprinkled on top last, this adds a fresh pop of color and freshness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for crisping the potatoes’ edges while keeping their centers tender and creamy.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes Until Fork Tender
Place your rinsed and scrubbed red potatoes in a large pot, cover with water by about an inch, and add a pinch or two of salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a rapid simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The potatoes are ready when a fork slides in easily but they still hold their shape. Drain and dry them thoroughly to ensure crispiness later on.
Step 3: Smash for Maximum Crispiness
Arrange your potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a potato masher or a large fork, press down on each potato twice in a criss-cross motion. Keep in mind: the thinner you smash, the crispier the edges will become, so feel free to get creative with how flat you want them!
Step 4: Whisk Together Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter (or oil), minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. This herbaceous garlic butter is the magic that flavors each potato and helps create that irresistible crispy crust. Drizzle the mixture generously over every smashed potato.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn golden brown and delightfully crispy. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top to add a final burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley is a tried-and-true garnish that brings a lovely contrast to the golden potatoes. For extra flair, consider a light grate of Parmesan or a dusting of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky, buttery notes.
Side Dishes
These potatoes pair beautifully with a wide range of mains — think perfectly grilled chicken, juicy steak, or even a hearty veggie burger. Their crispy texture and rich flavor also complement roast vegetables and fresh salads, providing a satisfying balance for any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve the smashed potatoes layered in a rustic wooden bowl or on a big serving platter garnished with extra fresh herbs and lemon zest. For a party, offer a “build your own topping” bar with sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, and crispy bacon bits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover smashed red potatoes with garlic herb butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool to room temperature before covering to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
While freshly baked is always best, you can freeze cooked smashed potatoes by spreading them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Keep them frozen for up to 2 months. They will lose some crispiness but still taste delightful when reheated.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While red potatoes work best due to their waxy, firm texture, Yukon golds or baby golden potatoes can also be used. Avoid Russets as they are too starchy and can fall apart when smashed.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the melted butter for olive oil or avocado oil and you’ll still get great flavor and crispiness without dairy.
How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Make sure to dry the potatoes well after boiling and smash them as thin as you like. Baking them at a high temperature ensures those crispy edges we all love.
Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time before baking?
You can boil and smash the potatoes a few hours ahead and refrigerate them, then add the garlic herb butter and bake right before serving. Just bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What herbs work best in the recipe besides rosemary and thyme?
Parsley is a great finishing herb, and you can experiment with sage or oregano for a different herbal twist that complements the garlic and butter beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that’s both easy and packed with flavor, this Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe is a winner every single time. It’s the perfect comfort food upgrade that’s sure to impress family and friends. Give it a try—you might find it becoming your new favorite potato recipe to make again and again!
Print
Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes (20 minutes boiling + 20-25 minutes baking, overlapping minimal time: total cook time estimated as 35 minutes)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden smashed red potatoes infused with garlic and fresh herbs, baked to perfection. This easy recipe delivers tender interiors and crunchy edges, perfect as a flavorful side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 ½ pounds red potatoes (about 10-12, rinsed and scrubbed)
Garlic Herb Sauce
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (or oil if dairy-free)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme (finely chopped)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (to taste)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the smashed potatoes.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the red potatoes in a large pot and cover with about 1 inch of water. Add a pinch or two of salt and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a rapid simmer. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they are fork tender. Remove them from the pot and thoroughly dry them.
- Smash Potatoes: Arrange the cooked potatoes on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Using a potato masher or a large fork, smash each potato twice in a criss-cross pattern to flatten them, which will ensure crispier edges when baked.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter (or oil), finely minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the mixture evenly over each smashed potato on the baking sheet.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are nicely crispy and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute butter with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly after boiling to help achieve crispier edges.
- Smash the potatoes thinner for an even crispier texture.
- Fresh herbs are preferred but dried rosemary and thyme can be used, just reduce quantity by half.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- These smashed potatoes are best served immediately but can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness.
