Best Ever Smashed Potatoes with Herbed Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy, golden potatoes smashed to perfection and tossed in a garlic-herb butter sauce, making them the undisputed favorite side dish. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 40 minutes pairs baby potatoes, unsalted butter, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add 1 tsp salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for 18-20 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart.
  2. Step 2: Drain potatoes well and let steam dry for 2 minutes. While potatoes are hot, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and press each potato gently with the bottom of a glass until flattened to 1/2-inch thickness.
  3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 2 tbsp butter and stir until melted.
  4. Step 4: Remove sauce from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley, chives, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until combined.
  5. Step 5: Brush the herb butter mixture evenly over the smashed potatoes. Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy around the edges.
  6. Step 6: Check for crispness by gently lifting a potato; it should have a golden crust. Serve immediately with remaining fresh herbs sprinkled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Ever Smashed Potatoes with Herbed Butter take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Ever Smashed Potatoes with Herbed Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep baby potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Ever Smashed Potatoes with Herbed Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Ever Smashed Potatoes with Herbed Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Ever Smashed Potatoes with Herbed Butter?

American quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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