Delicious Baked Smashed Potatoes
When I’m looking for a side dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor, these Baked Smashed Potatoes are a great choice. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, they always hit the spot. The tender red potatoes, with their buttery crust and melted white cheddar cheese, are baked to golden perfection, creating a dish that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying. I love how versatile this recipe is—you can switch up the cheeses or add your favorite herbs, making it easy to adapt to different tastes or occasions. Plus, the crispy edges and soft insides make for the perfect texture contrast. These potatoes are a hit at any meal, and the best part is that they’re so easy to make, requiring minimal prep.
Did You Know?
Red potatoes, also known as new potatoes, are not only delicious but also rich in potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. They have a thin skin that becomes wonderfully crispy when baked, adding a delightful texture to dishes like these Baked Smashed Potatoes. Including red potatoes in your diet can support heart health, improve digestion, and provide sustained energy. These versatile tubers are perfect for boiling, roasting, and smashing, and they’re a great choice when you want to enjoy the natural flavor of potatoes without needing a lot of additional ingredients.
Yield:
4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds small red potatoes, scrubbed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated white cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare Potatoes:
Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
Personal Tip: Parboiling ensures the potatoes are soft enough to smash without falling apart. Let them cool for a few minutes before smashing.
Smash and Season:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the parboiled potatoes on the baking sheet and gently smash each potato with the bottom of a glass or a potato masher until they flatten and break open slightly. Brush each smashed potato with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
Personal Tip: Smash the potatoes just enough to create cracks, which will help them crisp up while baking.
Bake and Garnish:
Sprinkle grated white cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Bake in the preheated oven until golden and crispy, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Personal Tip: For even crispier potatoes, place them under the broiler for the last few minutes of baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 200 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 25g | Fiber: 3g | Net Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 200mg | Sugars: 2g | Glycemic Index: Medium
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
-
Choose the Right Potatoes: Use small red potatoes for this recipe as they have a tender texture and a naturally buttery flavor. Their thin skins become wonderfully crispy when baked, making them ideal for smashing.
-
Parboil Efficiently: Ensure your potatoes cook evenly by cutting any larger ones in half before boiling. This allows for consistent cooking and helps ensure the potatoes are easy to smash.
-
Butter Alternatives: For a heart-healthier option, substitute olive oil for butter. Olive oil offers a rich flavor while reducing saturated fat, making it a great alternative.
-
Cheese Variety: While white cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyère, or even a sharp yellow cheddar for a different flavor profile.
-
Herb Enhancements: Add extra flavor by sprinkling fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary over the potatoes before baking. Dried herbs can also be used if fresh ones aren’t available, adding depth to the dish.
-
Make Ahead: You can parboil and smash the potatoes ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes preparation faster when you’re short on time.
-
Batch Cooking: Double the recipe if you’re serving a larger group or want leftovers. Smashed potatoes reheat beautifully, and you can even repurpose them into potato cakes by adding a beaten egg and frying them in a skillet.
-
Crispy Edges: For extra crispy edges, place the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. The hot surface will help the potatoes crisp up even more when placed on the sheet.
-
Garnish Creativity: Add more than just parsley! Try garnishing with chives, crumbled bacon, or a dollop of sour cream to create a loaded baked smashed potato version.
-
Serve with Dips: Serve these smashed potatoes with a variety of dips like ranch, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo for added flavor. This turns them into a fun and interactive side dish.
Let's Learn About Potato Varieties
Potatoes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, each suited for different cooking methods. Red potatoes are best for roasting and smashing due to their thin skin and waxy texture. They hold their shape well after boiling, making them perfect for this Baked Smashed Potatoes recipe. Russet potatoes, on the other hand, have a fluffy, starchy texture that’s great for baking or frying, but they can fall apart when boiled. Yukon Gold potatoes are a great middle ground, offering a creamy texture that works well in mashed potatoes, gratins, and even roasting. Fingerling potatoes are small and elongated, ideal for roasting or pan-frying, while purple potatoes add a splash of color to any dish and contain antioxidants that promote health. Each type of potato brings something unique to the table, so knowing which variety to choose can elevate your cooking and help you achieve the best results for your dish.