Hello there, dear reader! Are you in the mood for something warm, easy to make, and delicious? Then you’re in the right place! Today, we’re going to talk about smashed potatoes and how they can be your next comfort food obsession. Smashed potatoes are a simple and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or an entree. They’re also perfect for those busy weeknights where you want to whip something up quickly without sacrificing flavor. In this article, we’ll share a few of our favorite smashed potatoes recipe ideas that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
But first, let’s talk about what smashed potatoes are. Unlike mashed potatoes that are made by whipping boiled potatoes with some butter and milk, smashed potatoes are made by partially mashing boiled potatoes with a fork or a potato masher. The result is a rustic-looking dish with crispy edges and soft, fluffy centers. The best part about smashed potatoes is that they’re extremely versatile. You can add different herbs, spices, cheeses, or even bacon to elevate the flavor and make them your own. So, without further ado, let’s get started with our top smashed potatoes recipe ideas!
Smashed Potatoes Recipe: A Simple Guide to Make this Delicious Dish
Smashed Potatoes is a tasty dish that offers a unique texture and appearance. With its crispy outsides and soft, fluffy insides, it’s no wonder why it has become a favorite for many. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this dish is easy to make and doesn’t require too much effort. Here’s everything you need to know about this popular dish.
What are Smashed Potatoes?
Smashed Potatoes are simply potatoes that have been cooked until soft and then smashed until they’re flat, but not completely mashed. They are then roasted to form a crispy outer layer, while the inside remains creamy. This dish offers both a delicious flavor and a unique texture that you won’t get from regular mashed potatoes.
Ingredients needed for Smashed Potatoes
Before diving into the recipe, let’s first go over the ingredients you will need:
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes
- 2-3 cloves minced garlic
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
That’s it! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious side dish that will impress your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Smashed Potatoes
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get started with the cooking process:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the baby potatoes in a pot and add enough water to cover them. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and bring them to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet, making sure to leave enough space in between them so they can crisp up properly.
- Use a fork or a potato masher to gently smash each potato until they’re flattened but not completely mashed.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes, add the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Roast the potatoes in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot as a side dish to your favorite main course.
That’s it, you’re done! With these easy steps, you can create a delicious and unique dish that will impress your family and friends.
Smashed Potatoes is a versatile dish that can be served with almost anything. You can add different herbs and spices to change the flavors, or even top them off with some grated cheese for a more indulgent experience.
So why not try making this dish at home? With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create a side dish that everyone will love.
Variations of Smashed Potatoes
Smashed Potatoes are a versatile and easy-to-make side dish that can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Garlic and Herb Smashed Potatoes, spicy Jalapeno Smashed Potatoes or something a little different like Smashed Sweet Potatoes, there’s a recipe out there for you. Let’s take a closer look at some variations of the classic recipe.
Classic Garlic and Herb Smashed Potatoes
This version of Smashed Potatoes is a classic that everyone loves. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the garlic, milk, butter, and herbs to the potatoes. Mash them with a potato masher or fork until they’re mostly smooth, with a few chunks remaining.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
This classic recipe is a great side dish for any occasion, and the fresh herbs give it a delicious and savory flavor.
Spicy Jalapeno Smashed Potatoes
If you’re looking to spice things up a bit, try this recipe for Spicy Jalapeno Smashed Potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and jalapeno peppers and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the garlic, milk, butter, and hot sauce (if using) to the potatoes. Mash them with a potato masher or fork until they’re mostly smooth, with a few chunks remaining.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
This recipe is perfect for those who love their food spicy and flavorful. The jalapenos and hot sauce give it a nice kick, while the creamy potatoes help balance out the heat.
Smashed Sweet Potatoes
If you have a sweet tooth, then Smashed Sweet Potatoes may be just the thing for you. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the butter, milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon to the sweet potatoes. Mash them with a potato masher or fork until they’re mostly smooth, with a few chunks remaining.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
This recipe is a great alternative to traditional mashed sweet potatoes. The brown sugar and cinnamon give it a sweet and spicy flavor that pairs well with roasted meats and vegetables.
Overall, Smashed Potatoes are a great and easy-to-make side dish that can be customized to suit any taste. Give these variations a try and see which one becomes your new favorite!
Time to Say Goodbye
We hope you enjoyed reading our article on smashed potatoes recipe ideas and have found some inspiration to unleash the flavors of comfort in your own kitchen. Whether you are a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, there is always room to experiment with new recipes and ingredients. So go ahead and try out our ideas or come up with your own!
We appreciate your time and interest in our article and would like to thank you for reading. If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to drop us a line. And don’t forget to visit us again for more food-related articles, tips, and tricks. Until next time, happy cooking!
FAQ
Q: Can I use other types of potatoes for smashed potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use any type of potato that you like. However, some types may require slightly different cooking times or methods, so keep that in mind.
Q: Can I make smashed potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make smashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave later. Just be sure to store them in the fridge until ready to use.
Q: Can I add cheese to my smashed potatoes?
A: Yes, cheese is a great addition to smashed potatoes. You can sprinkle it on top before baking or mix it in with the potato mixture.
Q: Can I freeze smashed potatoes?
A: Yes, you can freeze smashed potatoes. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
Q: Can I add herbs to my smashed potatoes?
A: Yes, herbs are a great way to add flavor to smashed potatoes. You can use fresh or dried herbs, depending on your preference.
Q: Can I use a potato masher instead of a fork?
A: Yes, a potato masher is a great tool to use for smashing potatoes. It will give you a smoother texture than a fork.
Q: Can I make smashed sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for smashed potatoes. They will have a slightly sweeter taste and softer texture.
Q: Can I add bacon to my smashed potatoes?
A: Yes, bacon is a great addition to smashed potatoes. You can fry it up and crumble it on top before baking or mix it in with the potato mixture.
Q: Can I make smashed potatoes without butter?
A: Yes, you can make smashed potatoes without butter. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, or any other type of oil that you prefer.
Q: Can I use a food processor to smash my potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use a food processor to mash your potatoes, but be careful not to overprocess them or they will become gluey.