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Crispy Garlic Herb Smashed Potatoes with Butter

crispy garlic herb smashed potatoes - featured image

These crispy garlic herb smashed potatoes with butter are a perfect side dish that balances a crunchy exterior with a tender, fluffy inside. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they bring comforting, buttery, and garlicky flavors to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 g) baby Yukon Gold or new potatoes
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: sprinkle of Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Place about 2 pounds (900 g) of baby Yukon Gold or new potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork. Do not overcook.
  3. Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool for 5 minutes so they’re easier to handle but still warm.
  4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
  5. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons (60 g) melted unsalted butter, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon thyme leaves, and 1 teaspoon rosemary. Stir well to blend the flavors.
  6. Place the potatoes on the baking sheet, spacing them out. Use a potato masher or the bottom of a small glass to gently press down on each potato until it’s flattened but still holds together—about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick.
  7. Generously brush the smashed potatoes with the garlic herb butter mixture.
  8. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil evenly over the potatoes to encourage crisping.
  9. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. About halfway through, carefully flip each potato and brush with any remaining butter mixture.
  10. Once baked, sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on top. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dusting of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for best results. Do not overboil the potatoes to prevent them from falling apart. Flip potatoes carefully halfway through baking to achieve even crispiness. For dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based spread and use garlic-infused olive oil. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispiness; reheat in oven or air fryer instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed potatoes, garlic herb potatoes, crispy potatoes, butter potatoes, easy side dish, Yukon Gold potatoes, herb butter, baked potatoes