These crispy smashed potatoes are buttery, garlicky, golden on the outside, and creamy on the inside. Whether you’re pairing them with chicken, salmon, or serving them up as a snack or appetizer, this easy oven-baked potato recipe is everything you want in a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
No deep fryer needed—just a pot, an oven, and a flat-bottomed cup to smash your way to crispy perfection.
Why You’ll Love These Smashed Potatoes
- Crispy edges + fluffy centers – the dream potato texture combo
- Customizable seasoning – feel free to change up the seasonings to fit your desired flavor profile
- Naturally gluten-free – great for everyone at the table
- No fancy tools required – just a pan, a pot, and something to smash
The Perfect Side for Any Meal
These crispy garlic smashed potatoes are endlessly versatile. They go great with:
- Grilled meats
- Baked fish like salmon
- Fried eggs as a vegetarian option
- Or topped with sour cream or your favorite sauce for the ultimate snack!
A Full Week of Meals
These crispy smashed potatoes are part of a complete Dinner Squad meal plan that helps you get dinner on the table faster without sacrificing flavor.
By preparing this side dish (plus a few other dishes and condiments) in advance, you can have multiple meals ready in just minutes throughout the week, including:
This smart approach to meal prep lets you cook once and eat well all week long. For the full plan—including a grocery list, step-by-step prep guide, and additional recipes—join the Dinner Squad here.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Smashed Potatoes
- Small Potatoes – Creamer, red, or Yukon gold potatoes work best. They’re just the right size to smash and crisp up beautifully. I like to keep the skin on as it crisps up and adds a satisfying texture, but feel free to remove it if desired.
- Butter + Olive Oil – The ultimate power combo, especially when added to potato
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – For bold, savory flavor in every bite.
- Paprika & Oregano – Adds warmth and herby notes.
- Salt & Pepper – A must for balance.
- Fresh Parsley – Optional, but adds a nice pop of color and freshness at the end.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Parboil Your Potatoes
Start by boiling your small potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Set aside about 3 tablespoons of this buttery mixture for basting.
Step 3: Toss and Smash
Add your cooked potatoes to the bowl and toss to coat. Line a baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat and arrange the potatoes in a single layer.
Using the bottom of a glass or bowl, gently press each potato down until it’s about ½ inch thick. For crispier potatoes, press them even thinner.
*If some of your potatoes break apart when smashed, don’t fret–it will still be delicious.
Step 4: Baste and Bake
Brush the tops of the smashed potatoes with the reserved garlic herb butter. Bake at 400°F for 30–45 minutes, or until the edges are deeply golden and crispy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley (if using) and serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy!
Tips for the Best Smashed Potatoes
- Don’t skip the boil – Parboiling is what gets you that tender interior.
- Space them out – Give the potatoes room to crisp up. Overcrowding the pan creates steam which leads to soggy results.
- Get aggressive (but not too aggressive) – Flatten the potatoes well, and give it a good smash.
- Make them ahead – Parboil and season your potatoes the day before. Then smash, baste, and bake when ready to serve.
Get the Full Meal Plan
Want to streamline your prep even more? Join the Dinner Squad to receive a full prep guide that breaks down what to make and when, so dinner is just minutes away each night.
What you’ll get by joining:
- A full week-long meal plan
- Printable grocery list
- Step-by-step prep strategy
- Bonus content and recipes
- Monthly giveaways and more
Most importantly, you’ll save time, reduce decision fatigue, and actually look forward to making dinner.
Make These Crispy Smashed Potatoes Today!
Smashed potatoes are proof that simple ingredients can yield something truly special. With their crisp edges, soft centers, and punchy garlic-herb flavor, these oven-baked beauties are bound to be a repeat side dish in your kitchen.
Try it once and you’ll be hooked! Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make it, or let me know your thoughts and comments below!
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Equipment
- Pot for boiling potatoes
- - Cutting board
- baking pan
- Parchment paper or silicon mat
- Knife for chopping
- Basting brush
- Cup or bowl with a flat bottom
Ingredients
- 1.25 lb creamer potatoes washed and scrubbed (you can also use small red or yukon gold potatoes)
- 4 tbsp melted butter half stick
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp salt plus additional salt for boiling potatoes
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley to garnish* optional
Instructions
- Par boil the potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes or until they are fork tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
- To a large bowl add the butter, olive oil, and all the seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano). Set aside about 3 tbsp of the mixture to baste over the potatoes later.
- Add the cooked potatoes to the large bowl and toss in the potatoes until well coated.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and lay out the potatoes spaced apart in a single layer.
- Use a cup or bowl with a flat bottom and press down into each potato to flatten until the potato is about 1/2 inch in height (flatten more if you want extra crispy potatoes)
- Baste the marinade that was set aside generously over the tops of each potato. Bake for 30-45 minutes or until crispy and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
