Easy Smashed Potatoes! (2024)

I present to you: Easy Smashed Potatoes! These crispy, garlicky, delicious little bites are so delectable and easy to make! Perfect as a side dish, game day appetizer, or a quick and easy vegan snack that will please everyone!

Easy smashed potatoes are delicious on their own, but I also like to take things to the next level and pair these with my gorgeously creamy Vegan Green Goddess Dressing. Do this and you may not want to eat anything else ever again. Seriously - forget french fries. The future is smashed and this will be your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes.

These potatoes also pair well with some of my other dips, like my Easy Vegan Tzatziki, Easy Vegan Cheese Sauce (No Nuts), 5-Minute Chimichurri Sauce, or my Vegan Ranch Veggie Dip! You could even make them "loaded potatoes" with some vegan cheese shreds and my vegan sour cream recipe which can be found in my first cookbook, Fuss-Free Vegan!

Common Questions:

How do I get my potatoes extra crispy? To make sure your potatoes come out extra crispy- when finished boiling, drain the potatoes and let them rest in the strainer for about 5 minutes. You want the potatoes to dry off completely so they get extra crispy. Then, spread half of the potatoes evenly over each sheet pan and let the potatoes air dry for another 5 minutes before seasoning for maximum crispiness.

Why are my smashed potatoes falling apart? This could be caused by a few things. Your potatoes may be under-cooked: If the potatoes aren't boiled all the way through, they may not hold their shape when being smashed and then crumble. Your potatoes may be over-smashed: Don't be too aggressive when smashing the potatoes as this can cause them to break apart. Be sure to use a gentle touch to flatten them, as this will ensure they maintain their structural integrity. But don't worry too much as the little broken off bits are sometimes the best part!

What is the difference between mashed potatoes and smashed potatoes? Mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy, and are made by fully mashing boiled potatoes with ingredients like vegan butter and plant-based milk. Check out my vegan garlic mashed potatoes to see what I mean. 😊 While smashed potatoes have crispy edges, skins, and are made on a baking tray or sheet pan in the oven and are also a finger-friendly food.

Do smashed potatoes make for good leftovers? Yes! Just be sure to wait until they are fully cooled to room temperature and then store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Enjoy cold, or gently reheat in the oven or air fryer.

What makes this crispy smashed potatoes recipe so good? It's the combination of the soft, pillowy, creamy potato surrounded by the irresistible alluring crispy edges all wrapped in a salty, garlicky potato skin. These are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven (I started picking at these as soon as they were done cooking and don't know how I managed to photograph these without half the pan missing)! but can also be enjoyed cooled, served in a bowl with a side dipping sauce. This recipe is bursting with flavor and is only 5 ingredients: baby potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. But it can also be made oil-free (check the notes in the recipe) if you prefer!

How to make Easy Smashed Potatoes:

Add the potatoes to a medium or large pot and cover with water. I used Yukon gold potatoes, but any kind will work. Bring the water to a boil, and continue to boil the potatoes until fork tender, 20 - 25 mins. (You might need to boil for longer if you have bigger potatoes). While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 425℉ (220℃). Grease two large baking sheets and set aside.

Drain the potatoes and let them rest in the strainer for about 5 minutes. You want the potatoes to dry off completely so they get extra crispy. Spread half of the potatoes evenly over each baking tray. Use a flat-bottomed drinking glass, or measuring cup to smash each potato. Let the potatoes air dry for another 5 minutes before seasoning for maximum crispiness.

Drizzle or spray the potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 - 30 minutes until dark golden brown around the edges, do not flip them. Serve hot as a side dish, or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce and Enjoy!!

These easy smashed potatoes are...

• Crispy, garlicky and super delicious
• Easy to make
• The perfect side dish, game day snack, or appetizer

Dips that go with this recipe:

Easy Vegan Tzatziki
Easy Vegan Cheese Sauce (No Nuts)
5-Minute Chimichurri Sauce
Vegan Ranch Veggie Dip

If you try this recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.

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