Name: Herby Smashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2-2 lbs thin-skinned potatoes (red, purple, golden, Yukons, fingerlings), steamed and cooled; 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 6 garlic cloves, smashed; 1/4 cup mixed herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, etc.); Salt and pepper to taste; Chili pepper or Aleppo chili flakes to taste

Herby smashed potatoes are not just a side dish; they’re a delightful experience! With their crispy edges and fluffy centers, these potatoes bring flavor and comfort to any meal. This recipe combines basic ingredients with a few herbs and spices to create a dish that’s both simple and satisfying.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

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Why Make This Recipe

There are so many reasons to make herby smashed potatoes! They are versatile and can be served with various main courses. Plus, the combination of fresh herbs and garlic adds a burst of flavor that enhances the potatoes’ natural taste. They’re also fun to make, giving you the chance to get hands-on as you smash and fry them to perfection.

How to Make Herby Smashed Potatoes

Ingredients

1 1/2-2 lbs thin-skinned potatoes (red, purple, golden, Yukons, fingerlings, etc.), steamed and cooled
4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
6 garlic cloves, smashed
1/4 cup herbs – rosemary, thyme, sage, or a combo
Salt and pepper to taste
Chili pepper or Aleppo chili flakes to taste

Directions

Place whole potatoes in a large pot and cover with an inch of salted water. Bring to a boil, cover, lower the heat, and simmer until fork-tender, about 20-30 minutes depending on size. You want these fairly tender, so they are easy to smash. Drain and let cool. You can do this a night or a few days before and store the potatoes in the fridge. Chilling potatoes after cooking actually increases health benefits.
When ready to fry, heat the oven to 400°F (to keep the potatoes warm). Smash the potatoes until relatively flattened, about 3/4 inch thick, using a potato masher or the bottom of a skillet, and set aside.
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and swirl the oil around until fragrant and garlic is golden. Add the herbs and cook for 45-60 seconds to infuse the oil. Set both aside for garnish at the end.
Season the fragrant rosemary garlic oil in the pan with salt and pepper, then swirl it around. Add the smashed potatoes, working in batches to leave room to maneuver. Season the top of them with salt and pepper.
Fry each side of the potatoes until crispy and deeply golden, about 5-7 minutes. Resist the urge to fiddle too much so they can get nice and crispy. Add more oil if needed when you flip them.
Keep the first batch warm in the oven while you’re doing the second batch. When done, pile them up in the skillet.
Chop up the caramelized garlic cloves and sprinkle them along with the herbs over the potatoes. Add chili flakes if you like and serve.

How to Serve Herby Smashed Potatoes

Herby smashed potatoes make a fantastic side for almost any main dish, from roasted chicken to grilled steak or fish. They can also be a delightful addition to a vegetarian meal, paired with sautéed greens or a salad. Serve them hot, straight from the skillet, for the best flavor and texture.

How to Store Herby Smashed Potatoes

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, simply reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to regain that crispy texture.

Tips to Make Herby Smashed Potatoes

Choose small or medium-sized potatoes for even cooking.
Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite flavor combination.
Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the potatoes to ensure they crisp up nicely.

Variation

Feel free to add cheese! A sprinkle of parmesan or crumbled feta can add an extra layer of flavor to your herby smashed potatoes.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use various thin-skinned potatoes like red, Yukon, or fingerlings. Each type adds a unique flavor and texture.

Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook and chill the potatoes in advance and then smash and fry them when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with herby smashed potatoes?
They pair well with meats like roasted chicken, pork chops, or steaks, but they can also complement a variety of vegetarian dishes quite nicely.