You’re about to discover the secret to transforming ordinary potatoes into a crispy delight! My Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Herb Butter recipe combines rich flavors and a simple method for impressive results. With just a few basic ingredients, I’ll guide you step-by-step through creating golden-brown perfection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just treating yourself, these potatoes will be your new favorite side dish. Let’s dive in and make magic happen in your kitchen!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
When making crispy smashed potatoes, having the right ingredients is key. Baby potatoes are perfect for this dish. They are small and tender, which helps them cook evenly. Using about 1.5 pounds ensures you have enough for a delightful side dish.
Unsalted butter adds richness to the herb mixture. It will blend well with the fresh herbs. I love using fresh rosemary and thyme in this recipe. Their flavors are bright and fragrant. A tablespoon of each, finely chopped, gives the butter a delicious kick.
Garlic is a must! Two cloves, minced, bring a warm flavor to the butter. Don’t forget salt and pepper. These seasonings highlight all the tastes in the dish.
For that crispy finish, a drizzle of olive oil helps. It adds flavor and helps the potatoes brown. Finally, fresh parsley is a lovely garnish. It adds color and a fresh taste when you serve the dish.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Potatoes
First, place the baby potatoes in a large pot. Fill it with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. When boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
Smashed Technique
After cooking, drain the potatoes. Let them cool for a few minutes so they are easy to handle. Next, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a baking sheet, place the cooked potatoes. Use a potato masher or the bottom of a glass to gently smash each potato. Flatten them without breaking apart.
Butter Mixture Preparation
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients blend well. This herb butter will make the potatoes rich in flavor.
Baking Instructions
Brush the smashed potatoes with olive oil. Then, spread the herb butter mixture evenly over each potato. Roast them in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until they are crispy and golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Once out of the oven, garnish the potatoes with fresh parsley. A sprinkle of salt adds extra flavor. These crispy smashed potatoes make a delightful side dish. They pair well with grilled meats or a fresh salad. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Maximum Crispiness
To get your potatoes crispy, start with the right oven temperature. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps create that golden crust we all love. Drizzling the potatoes with olive oil is key. It not only adds flavor but also helps them crisp up nicely while baking.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
For smashing, baby potatoes are the best choice. Their small size makes them easy to handle and cook evenly. Look for firm potatoes that are about the same size. This helps them cook at the same rate. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can cut larger potatoes into similar-sized pieces.
Flavor Enhancements
Feel free to get creative with your herb butter. You can add other herbs like chives or dill for a fresh twist. Spices like paprika or chili flakes can also add a kick. If you want to switch things up, try different butter options. Garlic herb butter or even a spicy compound butter can change the whole dish.
Variations
Vegan Adaptation
You can easily make crispy smashed potatoes vegan. Start by swapping out the unsalted butter. Use plant-based butter instead. Many brands offer great taste and texture. You can also use olive oil as a base. This keeps the flavor rich while staying dairy-free.
Different Flavor Profiles
Want to spice things up? Add cheese for a creamy touch. Feta or cheddar works well here. You can also incorporate spices like paprika or cumin. These add a nice kick. If you like veggies, toss in some roasted garlic or sautéed onions. They blend perfectly with the herb butter.
Smashed Sweet Potatoes
For a twist, use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones. They bring natural sweetness and color. Cooking times change slightly. Boil them for about 10-15 minutes. They should still be fork-tender. Smash them the same way. Keep an eye on the baking time; they may need a few more minutes to crisp up. Enjoy the new flavor!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftovers, let the potatoes cool completely. Place them in a tight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.
Reheating Tips
The best methods for reheating are the oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an air fryer for about 5-8 minutes.
Freezing Considerations
You can freeze the potatoes before or after baking. If freezing before baking, let them cool, then freeze flat on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag. For reheating, bake from frozen for about 30-35 minutes. If frozen after baking, let them cool completely first. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs for the butter?
Yes, you can use other herbs. Here are some great substitutes:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Chives
- Dill
These herbs add different flavors. You can mix and match to find your favorite. Fresh herbs work best, but dried herbs are fine too. Just use less than fresh.
What if I don’t have baby potatoes?
If you don’t have baby potatoes, don’t worry. You can use other types. Here are some good alternatives:
- Yukon Gold potatoes
- Red potatoes
- Fingerling potatoes
Cut larger potatoes into smaller pieces. This will help them cook evenly. The key is to keep the sizes similar for best results.
How can I make them spicier?
To add heat, try these tips:
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
- Mix cayenne pepper into the herb butter.
- Add some chopped jalapeños to the mix.
These spices will give your potatoes a nice kick. Adjust the amount to fit your taste!
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious smashed baby potatoes. We covered the best ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips to achieve crispiness. You learned about variations, from vegan options to sweet potatoes, ensuring you can adapt the recipe to your taste.
Remember, cooking is about creativity. Feel free to experiment with your herbs and flavors. Enjoy making these tasty potatoes and share them with friends and family for a fun meal!
