🧠 DEFINITION:
What Are Smashed Potatoes?Smashed potatoes are like the rebellious cousin of mashed potatoes.
Instead of mashing them to a creamy pulp, you gently smash them (like they broke your heart), drizzle them with oil and seasonings, then roast them until the edges are crispy and golden, like potato chips and roasted potatoes had a baby.
Think: crunchy outside, fluffy inside. Now imagine that with garlic butter and flaky sea salt. Yeah, now we’re talking.
🥔 My (Very Real) Obsession with Crispy Potatoes
Look, I’ve always been a potato girl. French fries? Yes. Mashed? Absolutely. Hash browns? Don’t even get me started.
But the day I scrolled past that TikTok of someone aggressively smashing boiled baby potatoes with the bottom of a glass — and then roasting them until they looked like crunchy little potato armor discs — I knew.I had seen the future of potatoes.
Cut to me: 2AM, fridge light on, leftover cold potatoes in one hand, smartphone in the other, whispering “just one more crunch” like some sort of starchy goblin. This recipe? It changed me. And it’ll change you too.
🧄 The Secret to TikTok-Worthy Crispy Smashed Potatoes
You’ve seen the videos: the smash, the sizzle, the crunch. But what’s the actual secret?
✨ Here it is: Let the potatoes steam dry and use a lot of oil.
✨Here’s the breakdown
- 1. Steam Drying = Crispy Magic
- After boiling your potatoes, don’t skip the drying step. Let them sit in the colander for 5–10 minutes. The less moisture, the crispier the outcome
- .2. Rough Smash, Not Total Annihilation
- You want craggy edges, not mashed potato pancakes. Use the bottom of a glass or mug and press gently
- .3. Generous Oil = Crispy Crust
- Don’t skimp. Olive oil or avocado oil work best. It’s not the time for diet thoughts — the potatoes deserve better
- .4. Hot Oven + Time = Bliss
- Roast at 425°F (or 220°C) for at least 30–40 minutes. You’re looking for deep golden edges and visible crisp.
- 5. Garlic Butter GlazeThe TikTok twist? Brush with garlic butter halfway through roasting. You’re welcome.
🥔 The Secret to Crispy Smashed Potatoes (TikTok Was So Right About This)
4
servings15
minutes45
minutes350
kcalIngredients
1.5 lbs baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional but magical)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, but it makes you feel fancy)
Flaky salt for finishing (don’t skip this)
Directions
- 1. Boil the Potatoes
Place potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
2. Steam Dry
Drain and let them sit in the colander for 5–10 minutes. This removes excess moisture. Resist the urge to skip!
3. Preheat Oven
Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
4. The Smash Moment
Place each potato on the baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass to press down gently. You want them smashed but still intact.
5. Drizzle with Oil + Season
Brush or drizzle generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add chopped herbs if using
.6. Roast
Bake for 25 minutes. Meanwhile…
7. Make Garlic ButterMelt butter in a small pan, add minced garlic, cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (but not browned).
8. Brush and Finish Roasting
Brush garlic butter over the potatoes and roast for another 15–20 minutes until edges are crispy and golden.9. Serve Hot with Flaky Salt.Don’t forget the finishing touch — flaky salt is your crispy crown.
Notes
- 🧂 Optional Toppings
- (Make It Extra) Parmesan cheese (add before the final roast for crispy cheese edges)
- Sour cream + chives (loaded potato-style)
- Hot honey drizzle (yes, it’s weird, but yes, it works)
- Crumbled bacon A fried egg on top (brunch goals)
—😅 STORYTIME: The Night I Served Smashed Potatoes at a Dinner Party
So I made these for a group of friends who notoriously do not eat carbs (you know the type — protein shake in one hand, “Are these keto?” in the other).I said nothing. I served them proudly.
The result?The room went silent. Like chefs-judging-a-Michelin-dish silent. Then one of them whispered, “What… is this?” Like he’d just had his first spiritual awakening.They ate them all.
They fought over the last one. One guy tried to lick the baking tray.So no, these are not just potatoes. These are a life choice.
💡 Pro Tips
Use parchment paper — easier cleanup and no sticking.Use a cast iron pan if you want even crispier bottoms.
Don’t overcrowd the pan — give each potato space to crisp.Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- ❓ FAQ: Crispy Smashed Potato Edition
- Q: Can I use larger potatoes?
- A: You can, but they take longer to cook and are harder to smash evenly. Stick to baby potatoes for best results.
- Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
- A: Absolutely. After boiling and smashing, pop them in the air fryer at 400°F for 15–18 minutes. You’ll get ultra-crisp results faster.
- Q: Why aren’t mine crispy?
- A: You may have skipped the drying step, used too little oil, or overcrowded the pan. All sins in the Church of Crunch.
- Q: Can I make these ahead?
- A: Yes! Boil and smash ahead of time. Roast just before serving for max crunch.
- Q: Are they gluten-free?
- A: Yep! Just potatoes, oil, seasoning, and vibes.
💬Reader Comments
> “Made these for a BBQ and people legit asked if I had a secret grandma recipe.” – Gina R
.“I used duck fat instead of olive oil… and I saw heaven.” – Travis M.
“My toddler ate four. FOUR. I didn’t know that was even possible.” – Lindsey W.
🔗 Related Recipes You’ll Love
One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken – Pair with these potatoes for a perfect weeknight meal
5 No-Cook Summer Dinners – For when you love potatoes but hate turning on the stove
🥳 Final Thoughts: Smash That Potato, Baby
Whether you’re a TikTok recipe skeptic or a full-on potato enthusiast, these crispy smashed beauties are a non-negotiable.
They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and they’ll make you feel like a crunchy queen (or king).Remember: the secret’s in the steam dry, the oil, and the roast.
The rest? Just buttery, garlicky, golden perfection.Now go forth and smash.