Smashed potatoes are my new favorite way to make potatoes. They have great flavor and the skins get a perfect crisp to them.
This recipe was adapted from the Pioneer Woman’s Crash Hot Potatoes. I had pinned this recipe quite a long time ago and finally got around to making them a few weeks ago. The first time I made them as a side to go with chicken for a week night dinner. This time, they accompanied steak and lobster (and wine) for our Valentine’s Day meal. They were perfect for both occasions!
Ingredients:
- Small potatoes, cleaned
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Thyme or other herbs
- Shredded cheese (optional)
- Bacon (optional)
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Boil small potatoes for 10-15 minutes until fork tender. I used baby reds.
Generously coat baking sheet with olive oil and place potatoes on baking sheet with some space between them.
Smash potatoes. I used the bottom of a spatula, but a fork works too.
Generously brush the tops of your smashed potatoes with olive oil, then season. I used sea salt, fresh ground pepper and thyme on mine. Be a little liberal with the salt and pepper.
Bake for a total of 20-25 minutes. I like to add cheese (and sometimes bacon) to mine. I bake first for 5-8 minutes, and then add the shredded cheese.
Bake for the remaining time (20-25 minutes total). I didn’t have any bacon made, so I didn’t add bacon bits to this batch.
Remove from oven and use a spatula to transfer to your plate. Don’t expect any leftovers when you serve smashed potatoes, no matter how many you made. They are that good!
We had a laid back evening at home for Valentine’s Day. Todd got me some of my favorite wine from Cakebread Cellars and a chocolate pairing kit from Ghirardelli. He knows me well!
We drank wine while we prepared dinner (and by we, I mean I made the potatoes and Todd did everything else). Carter had already eaten earlier and fell asleep on the couch while watching a movie. We were left to enjoy the rest of the wine and this amazing dinner. Just lobster for me, the steak was for Todd as I’m not much of a red meat eater. Bacon – yes, steak – no… I realize my tastes are weird!
Can you believe the size of those lobsters?! We usually get lobster to make at home at least once a year for either New Year’s Eve or Todd’s birthday. This year we had plans on both occasions, so Valentine’s Day was a perfect occasion to treat ourselves!
What’s your favorite way to make potatoes?
