Crisp-Tender Best: Crispy Smashed Potatoes
The ultimate potato side dish where each piece achieves perfect golden crunch while remaining tender inside, elevated by garlic and herbs. This french-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs baby potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place 2 lbs baby potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart.
- Step 2: Drain potatoes thoroughly, then return to the pot. Add 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp chopped rosemary, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Gently smash each potato with the bottom of a glass until flattened to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Step 3: Transfer potatoes to a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side up, and drizzle with any remaining oil from the pot.
- Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are golden brown and crispy and potatoes feel firm when pressed.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow crispiness to set.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisp-Tender Best: Crispy Smashed Potatoes take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Crisp-Tender Best: Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
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 Crisp-Tender Best: Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
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 Crisp-Tender Best: Crispy Smashed Potatoes 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 Crisp-Tender Best: Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
French vegetarian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
