Ultimate Crispy Smashed Potato Recipe: A Holiday Crowd-Pleaser
One of the best ways to enjoy potatoes and deliver something different to the table than mashed potatoes
When it comes to side dishes that steal the show, these crispy smashed potatoes are in a league of their own. Perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, while fluffy and soft on the inside, this recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner, these potatoes are guaranteed to be super delicious & crispy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super Crunchy: Taking the time to roast them to perfection with skin on makes them ultra unforgettably crispy
Simple Ingredients: Just salt, thyme and oil!
Versatile: Use your favourite herbs or seasonings to customise the flavour profile to your liking
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 15 mins + 2 hours
Serves: 2 (600g can feed more people as a side dish but this is too good so be warned!)
Ingredients
500 - 600g cocktail potatoes, skin on
Salt
Black pepper
Thyme or herbs of your choice
Animal fat (like duck/chicken/beef fat) or extra virgin olive oil
Notes
I’ll recommend to go easy on the salt because you can always compensate flavours later or with dips
Don’t skim on the fat and oil because it’s much needed to crisp up the potatoes, coat them sufficiently
Method
Wash & cut potatoes into similar sizes so they cook uniformly
Preheat oven to 200ºC
Add salt & herb(s) to a pot of water
Parboil potatoes in the pot for about 12 to 15 minutes - you want the potatoes to turn whitish-opaque (they don’t have to be fully cooked)
Prepare your roasting tray with baking paper, fat/oil, salt & black pepper
Add parboiled potatoes to the tray, making sure the oil & seasonings coat the potatoes well
Roast potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes
Take tray out and smash potatoes with anything that has a flat & smooth base
Continue roasting in the oven at the same temperature for another 1.5 hours, or until the desired colour & crispness of your preference is achieved
During the 1.5 hours, check on the potatoes and flip them at least twice at regular intervals
Notes
Our recipe was formulated by cooking in a built-in oven. For tabletop ovens or toasters, results may vary! But as long as you keep a good watch on your potatoes, you should be ok:)
Make it Your Own
Herb Variations: Try rosemary, sage, or even truffle/garlic-infused oil for a different flavour twist
Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle grated parmesan over the potatoes during the last 15 minutes of baking for an extra layer of flavour!
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili flakes, cayenne pepper or paprika for some heat
Why They’re Perfect for the Holidays
These potatoes aren’t just a side dish — they’re a conversation starter and a sure-win with your guests! The prolonged baking time creates an irresistible crunch that will leave your guests asking for seconds, thirds and more. Plus, their rustic charm pairs beautifully with any festive main course.
