Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes

The beauty of smashed baby potatoes lies in their contrast—fluffy inside and irresistibly crisp on the outside. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, these golden morsels are a guaranteed hit on your dinner table.

Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme, they come out of the oven sizzling with crisp perfection. Whether paired with a meaty main, served as a rustic appetizer, or eaten straight off the pan (guilty!), these potatoes are simplicity at its tastiest.

Full Recipe:

12 baby Yukon Gold potatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or dried)
½ teaspoon thyme or Parisien herb blend (optional)
Cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
Steam or boil the baby potatoes until fork tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Drain and allow them to cool for 5 minutes.
Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
Drizzle 1½ tablespoons of olive oil over the pan.
Arrange potatoes on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Using a potato masher, gently press each potato to flatten without breaking them apart.
Drizzle remaining olive oil over smashed potatoes.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, rosemary, and optional thyme or Parisien herbs.
Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and crispy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 191 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Recipe Overview

If you’re looking for the perfect side dish that strikes a balance between comfort food and gourmet flair, Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes are your answer. These delightful little golden bites offer everything we love about potatoes—crispy edges, tender centers, and a canvas ready for herbs, spices, and flavorful oils. They’re simple to make yet elegant enough for a holiday spread. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests over the weekend, smashed potatoes are the kind of universally loved recipe that never fails to impress.

What makes them so special is their texture: unlike mashed potatoes, which are creamy and smooth, smashed potatoes retain the best of both worlds. They’re gently pressed to crack open their skins and expose the fluffy interior, then roasted at high heat until they turn irresistibly golden and crisp. The result? A satisfying bite that’s crunchy on the outside and buttery-soft inside.

History and Origin

While potatoes themselves have ancient roots tracing back to the Andes in South America—where they’ve been cultivated for more than 7,000 years—the technique of “smashed potatoes” is a more recent innovation. This modern preparation likely originated in food-loving regions like Australia and the United States, where home cooks and chefs alike began looking for ways to reinvent the humble spud.

Unlike traditional mashed potatoes, which require milk, butter, and rigorous mixing, smashed potatoes emphasize simplicity and texture. They probably gained traction in the early 2000s as part of the growing farm-to-table movement. The method celebrates the natural flavor and structure of baby potatoes, especially when paired with fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil. Today, they’re beloved across the globe and often appear in upscale restaurants as a rustic yet refined side dish.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the most exciting aspects of smashed potatoes is how adaptable they are. You can dress them up or keep them rustic—either way, they’re always delicious. Here are a few popular variations:

Loaded Smashed Potatoes: Add a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and chopped scallions after baking for a fully-loaded experience reminiscent of a classic baked potato.
Spicy Smash: Toss the potatoes in chili flakes, smoked paprika, or a drizzle of sriracha for a fiery twist.
Garlic Parmesan Smash: Infuse olive oil with minced garlic and top the potatoes with grated parmesan before baking.
Indian-Style Aloo Smash: Mix in turmeric, cumin, and coriander, then serve with a dollop of yogurt and fresh cilantro.
Mediterranean Touch: Add crumbled feta, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano after roasting for a Greek-inspired take.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or just a curious cook, smashed potatoes are a recipe you can modify endlessly to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Nutritional Information

Although potatoes sometimes get a bad rap, they’re actually quite nutritious when prepared the right way. In a serving of about 3–4 smashed baby potatoes (approximately 190–200 kcal), you’re getting a solid mix of carbohydrates for energy, fiber for digestion, and essential micronutrients.

Here’s a general breakdown:

Calories: ~191 kcal
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g (mostly from olive oil)
Fiber: 4g
Vitamin C: ~33mg (over one-third of your daily value!)
Potassium: ~700mg (more than a banana)
Iron and Calcium: Present in smaller but notable amounts

Using olive oil instead of butter or heavy creams keeps the fat content heart-healthy, and if you add herbs like rosemary or thyme, you’re also boosting the dish with antioxidants.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Crispy smashed potatoes are endlessly versatile. Their neutral yet savory profile means they can pair beautifully with both bold and delicate dishes. Here are a few serving ideas:

Protein Pairings: Serve them alongside roasted chicken, seared salmon, grilled lamb chops, or even a juicy steak. Their crispy texture complements tender meats wonderfully.
Vegetarian Mains: Plate them next to a hearty lentil stew, baked tofu, or a rich mushroom ragù for a balanced plant-based meal.
Brunch Star: Top with a poached egg and hollandaise for a luxurious brunch plate.
Dips and Sauces: Smashed potatoes love being dunked in creamy aioli, garlicky yogurt sauce, tangy ketchup, or spicy harissa mayo.

As for drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager works beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemon water or herbal iced tea makes a refreshing pairing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

To make the most delicious smashed potatoes every time, keep these tried-and-true tips in mind:

Choose the Right Potato: Baby Yukon Golds are ideal—they have a buttery flavor and thin skin that crisps beautifully. Red potatoes work well too.
Steam, Don’t Boil (if possible): Steaming keeps the potatoes from getting too waterlogged, which helps them crisp better in the oven.
Let Them Dry: After cooking, let the potatoes cool and dry before smashing. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Don’t Over-Smash: A gentle press with a potato masher is enough. You want them cracked, not crumbled.
Generous Oil Use: Don’t skimp on olive oil—it’s what helps them develop those golden, crunchy edges.
Rotate Your Pan: Halfway through baking, rotate your tray for even browning on all sides.

Potential Health Benefits

Despite their reputation as a carb-heavy food, potatoes—especially when prepared with the skin on—offer a range of health benefits:

High in Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart function.
Rich in Vitamin C: Supports immune health and skin vitality.
Dietary Fiber: Aids in digestion and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Antioxidants in the Skin: Flavonoids and carotenoids in potato skin help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.

Using extra virgin olive oil also brings in healthy monounsaturated fats, which support cardiovascular health and improve nutrient absorption. Add anti-inflammatory herbs like rosemary and thyme, and you’re looking at a dish that’s as good for you as it is satisfying.

Conclusion

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes are a foolproof addition to your culinary repertoire. They’re rustic, crave-worthy, and endlessly customizable. From casual dinners to fancy feasts, they hold their own on any table.

So the next time you’re staring down a bag of baby potatoes, skip the mash and go for the smash. You’ll be rewarded with a side dish that’s not only easy to make but also irresistibly good. Give it a try, get creative with toppings, and most importantly—enjoy every crunchy, golden bite.