Would you look at those crisp and golden potatoes? Tell me you don’t want to eat those puppies straight off the pan. Yeah, I know you do. I do, too. These crispy smashed potatoes are best when they’re hot and fresh, so right off the pan is actually the best serving method.
Smashed potatoes are fun for brunch or dinner. They’re also perfect any time you get a hankering for some crispy potatoes, but want something a little more redeeming than French fries. They go great with hearty salads, too, when salad-for-dinner feels too austere.
These smashed potatoes are a fun way to use up the bag of potatoes in your pantry. They’re gluten free and vegan, too, for all to enjoy.
Smashed potatoes aren’t the quickest potato option around (you’ll boil them until tender, then smash and bake), but they are not difficult to make. Will you try them this weekend?
How to Make the Best Smashed Potatoes
Choose small potatoes, rather than large. You can use this technique on potatoes of any size (even Russet potatoes!) but for crispy potatoes, choose potatoes around the size of a golf ball or two.
Smaller potatoes are usually available in red or yellow varieties. Both are delicious, but the red potato skins have more flavor, so the reds were my favorite.
Use a large baking sheet. In my dream world, everyone owns a half-sheet pan (affiliate link), because that’s what us recipe testers are always baking on. You need a large baking surface to accommodate all the potatoes, while leaving a little breathing room around each one. If necessary, use two pans instead.
Brush the baking sheet with olive oil. I generally use parchment paper for its non-stick surface and easy clean-up factor, but baking the potatoes against an oiled baking sheet makes them even more crispy. It’s worth the clean-up, if you ask me.
Add a little garlic and onion powder. These are my secret ingredients when I’m working with potatoes. They add a subtle savory note that sends potatoes over the top! They’re especially great when you’re baking potatoes, since you run the risk of burning your garlic in the oven (burnt garlic is the worst flavor).
Watch How to Make Smashed Potatoes
Smashed Potato Topping Suggestions
I was surprised to find that I liked my crispy potatoes best when baked without cheese. You could always add a dusting of cheese after baking, though, such as grated Parmesan or crumbled feta or goat cheese.
Creamy or herbed sauces contrast deliciously with these golden, craggy potatoes. Here are some ideas:
- Easy Romesco Sauce
- Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce)
- Green Goddess Dressing
- Tahini Sauce
- Basil Pesto or Kale Pesto
- Vegan Sour Cream or regular sour cream thinned with a splash of water and pinch of salt
Craving more potatoes? Here are a few of my favorite recipes:
- Best Baked Potato
- Ultra Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
- Delicious Crispy Hash Browns
- Roasted Breakfast Potatoes
- Perfect Roasted Potatoes
- Herbed Red Potato Salad (no mayo!)
Please let me know how your smashed potatoes turn out in the comments! I love hearing from you.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Author:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 side servings 1x
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
These smashed potatoes are baked to crispy perfection! You’re going to love this smashed potatoes recipe, which is both vegan and gluten free. Recipe yields 4 side servings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds small-to-medium red or yellow potatoes
- 1 tablespoon plus ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, chives and/or green onion
Instructions
- To prepare the potatoes, scrub them clean if dirty and rinse under running water. Remove and discard any nubby sprouting areas. Place the potatoes in a large Dutch oven or soup pot.
- Fill the pot with water until the potatoes are submerged and covered by 1 inch of additional water. Add 1 tablespoon of the salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and continue cooking until the potatoes are very easily pierced through by a fork (smaller potatoes are done around 20 minutes, and medium around 25 minutes).
- While the potatoes cook, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and drizzle 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over a large, rimmed baking sheet. Brush the oil so it’s evenly distributed over the sheet.
- When the potatoes are done, drain them in a large colander and let them cool for about 5 minutes, until they can be handled safely.
- Evenly distribute the potatoes over the prepared baking sheet, and use a potato masher or a serving fork to gently smash each potato to a height of about ½ inch. (Thinner potatoes are more crispy.)
- Drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the smashed potatoes. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt over the potatoes. Finally, sprinkle them lightly with freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake until the potatoes are nice and golden on the edges, about 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle them with chopped fresh herbs, and serve hot.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Stephanie
Made this the first time tonight- it was absolutely delish !
Will make again (and again…and again !)
★★★★★
Aurora Walker
Made these – wow!! Thought I made enough for several days leftovers, but my family gobbled them all up. I broiled mine for 2 minutes at the end to get them extra crispy
★★★★★
Gabrielle
New favorite!
★★★★★
Kate
Great, Gabrielle!
julie
I’ve made these a few times now and everyone loves them. I served them with some vegan quinoa sausage patties and a big salad. I like sour cream with them. Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
Yes! Sour cream would be delicious.
Jenny
Could I do the boil part at home, and then bake a few hours later at my in-laws for Thanksgiving? If so, would I just smash them then cover them then bake them there?
Thanks!
Kate
These are best right away. Sorry for my delay! I hope you were able to enjoy them.
ted
I smash season then store in the fridge covered, then pop in the oven that evening, works fine but a longer cook time. The heat chill heat increases the amount of resistive starch in them, which is gut healthy. Enjoy
★★★★★
Nancy
Absolutely perfect. I used those tiny baby potatoes, and shortened up the boiling time accordingly – maybe 12 minutes or so? They were crispy and fluffy on the inside, and I’m still thinking about them although they’re all gone. Loved them, thanks.
★★★★★
Sandy T
Delicious with fresh chives (instead of parsley) and a dollop of sour cream! Also if you save the fat from frying bacon use that instead of olive oil. Yum!
★★★★★
Kate
That sounds delicious, Sandy! Thank you for sharing.
Helen Starkweather
Love this recipe. I have a question, can I boil the potatoes and then smash them when cool enough and flavor them and wait about a half hour to an hour before I put them in the oven to crisp?
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Helen, for best results I recommend as stated. The cooling process could impact the crispy result at the end.
Helen
Thank you. I will proceed as directed. They are soooooo great!
★★★★★
Carrie
Helen did you boil them ahead and cook later? I’d love to know how it turned out if you did.
Dianne
I tried these tonight and they were so tasty. I didn’t have onion powder, so I used a little bit of smoked paprika. My husband and son loved them!
★★★★★
Kate
That’s great! Thank you for sharing, Dianne.
Judith Levak
These were delicious. I used both yellow and dark potatoes the size of golf ball, tripled the recipe and used two baking trays. I used a silicon brush to infuse the butter, olive oil and powdered garlic and onion. I finished with dusting of fresh ground pepper and sea salt.
They were crispy and scrumptious. ❤️
★★★★★
Grace
First many of your recipes are great, these little potatoes are a favorite, but you did not mention what the dipping sauce is in the picture…? Unless I missed it somewhere.
It looks too orange for beans….? Could you share what you like as a dip please? Thanks
★★★★★
Kate
Easy Romesco Sauce is delicious with them!
Dr. Greg Bell
Great website. A lot of very easy and usable recipes. Great Job. Keep up the great work.
Betty Sawyer
Smashed potatoes are fantastic….loved the receipt!! Will be my go to potato receipt,
★★★★★
Anita from Vancouver British Columbia
When I made these, (along with the Romesco sauce that you suggested further below and photographed), it occurred to me that I don’t eat potatoes much for some arbitrary reason, and I am missing out!
It’s hard to decide what to make sometimes with all of your fantastic recipes!
Megan
So tasty & easy!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy you enjoyed it, Megan! I appreciate your review.
Nancy
Oh my goodness, what a treat! They were so good! To the sprinkle mix I added some crushed pepper flakes, yum. I loved them without anything, but, they were also good with ketchup! Thank you so much! ❤️
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Nancy! Thank you for your review.
Christine Cohen
The recipe was easy and the potatoes turned out great. Ive also heard you can sauté them rather than bake, but this takes more time and attention. Will be making them again.
Anne Marie
Did I miss where the print function was? Thanks. These sound delish!
Kate
Hi Anne, It’s currently not working. But, I’m actively working to find a resolution. I apologize for any frustration and appreciate your patience!
Anne Marie
Ok, thanks so much! Love ur recipes! ❤️
Wendy Say
These things are the bomb! We are retired now and this recipe is dinner for us! We first put the potatoes in the microwave uncovered on “baked potato” setting. The micro we have senses when they are done. We cover them and leave them for about 15 to 20, then do the cutting in half, seasoning and smashing thing! We change it up by using different ingredients like sauteed mushrooms, onions, olives, etc, with cheese usually! We have added crumbled sausage. We dip them in ranch or avacado or whatever! All finely chopped! So yummy and surprisingly not too crazy on the calories! We like them crispier, and give them a couple extra minutes. Thanks for this recipe!
CHRIS B.
I made this dish and it was awesome. The broiler is the key, to just enough crusty to soft potatoes ratio, to make them perfect.
Side Note: Watch the smashed potatoes when under the broiler, they can go from great to burnt in a matter of 15 to 30 seconds.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you loved it! Thank you for your review.
KRIS ESKELIN
My new brunch favorite – it was a hit for new years morning
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful, Kris!
Marion
I’ve had them in my mind for months, and finally tried them for a family meal on January 1st.
They were an absolute hit with everyone: thank you Kate !
And a happy new year to you and yours :)
Kate
You’re welcome, Marion!
Cierra
Ok so heh I did not know that I was not suppose to put the parsley on before baking so now they are in the oven and I’m a little nervous that it will burn but I hope not!
★★★★★
Richard T
Shamefully delicious with a light sprinkling of grated Parmesan, or at least, don’t show this recipe to diabetic people.
The potatoes I had were on the large side, so I cut them in half after boiling; I crushed them down a little too, but perhaps I didn’t need to.
★★★★★
Jennifer
Love the flavor, but I can’t seem to get them crispy. Maybe I’ll try without the parchment paper, and under the broiler at the end as another reader mentioned. I also don’t have a baking sheet that can take 425, so had to reduce to 400. Could that affect it?
Kate
Changing the temperature likely impacted your results, Jennifer.
The wellness evolution
So easy and amazing and crispy!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you!
Gaetanne Leduc
Hi Kate, thank you for this, delicious! Do you think these would work as appetizers, served at room temperature? I want to bring some to an event, but the only means of re heating would be a microwave oven, and a small one at that. There will be 25 people. Any suggestions?
thanks again! Love your recipes.
Kate
You could try it! They are best immediately so they loose some of their crispy texture.
Nikki
Trying this today
★★★★★
Kate
I hope you loved them, Nikki!
HELEN GRANT
Hi Kate, I have just discovered you and looking forward to trying this delicious looking recipe for a small PARTAY on Monday, Anzac Day. I only have garlic salt, I presume i could use that with the onion powder and go easy on the salt. Do you think. I can pick some garlic powder up but thought i might as well use Whats in my pantry, Ill let you know how I go. I’m going to make them for our dinner tonight to and see what i think. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you.
Lela
I’m tempted to try finishing on the grill instead of oven, any thoughts?
Kate
Hi Lela, I recommend the recipe as is. I hope you try it!
Nancy
Oh my goodness, what a treat! They were so good! To the sprinkle mix I added some crushed pepper flakes, yum. I loved them without anything, but, they were also good with ketchup! I am clean eating & I can have this!Thank you so much! ❤️
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Nancy! I appreciate your review.
Kayla
These are so good. I added Parmesan cheese on top before baking, yummm
★★★★★
Chelsea
Do you think these would work with small russets cut in half? They look amazing! Can’t wait to try.
Kate
This works best with the potatoes recommended. I hope you try it!
Manda
These are fantastic and even better heated and crisped up the next day in the in the airfryer! Definitely worth making extra just for this.
Pamela
Made these tonight for a quick side dish. YUMM!!! Next time I will try some smaller potatoes.
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful to hear, Pamela!
Lizzie
I followed your recipe and totally love it! What a great way to make potatoes. So so so crispy! Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Lizzie!
Natalie
So good & so easy! Love the crispy!
Hibiscus's
Did not go as planed. they did not turn our crispy as expected and no flavor, considering i added more salt and seasonings then recommended.
★
Kate
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this recipe. Thank you for your feedback.
Julie
Am going to make these tonight and thought about making some garlic oil to drizzle on top instead of garlic powder. What do you think? Would love your insight.
Kate
That may be nice! Let me know if you try it.
Susan
I may never do potatoes any other way! These are delish!!! Like Katherine says, it takes a bit of preplanning but buy the prewashed potatoes ready to steam in bag, toss them in water to cook as soon as you walk in the door. By the time you have changed into comfy clothes and are ready to go into kitchen, they are cooked and ready to go in the oven. Then prep rest of meal, we did veggie burgers, and potatoes are done by the time burgers are. Awesome recipe. Love, love, love!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you love it, Susan! Thank you for sharing how you served these potatoes.
T. Otter
Instant Success! My husband loved these! Crispy, crunchy but a soft
Inside. I used Rosemary from the garden they were absolutely delicious! Have to make them at least once a week! Hahaha!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad these potatoes were a hit, T! Thank you for your review.
Gloria
Made these today servered with wrapped salmon and salad. Sprinkeled potatos with dry rub mix ground fennel, cummin, coriander and pepper seeds with salt.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for your review!
Dale
Any make ahead suggestions?
Kate
Hi Dale, I find these are best made right away. Sorry!
Dan
Family loves these! I sprinkled some Parmesan cheese last couple minutes. Very good!
★★★★★
Janet
These potatoes are so good! So crispy and fluffy and all the yummy things. I’m hooked and will be making these often!
★★★★★
Kate
That’s great, Janet! I appreciate your review.
Linda
Can these be prepared ahead, up to point of baking?
Kate
Hi Linda, this recipe turns out best without a rest period. I don’t know if you will be able to achieve the same crispy texture otherwise.
Linda
I tried it and potatoes were not as crispy as before.
★★★★
Nean
Delish..new fav….yum
★★★★★
Kate
Great to hear, Nean! I appreciate your review.
Denise Duquette
I love this recipe. Can these be made in a muffin pan?
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Denise, I’m not sure how that would work here. Sorry!
kim
These are lovely and the extra effort it took to boil the potatoes before roasting was minimal but made all the difference. I frequently roast potatoes but the boiling process gave them a wonderful creaminess that shined with all the crispy crunch from roasting. Truly a win, win, flavorful and savory. I’m adding this to my potato rotation!
I used small white potatoes that I had on hand but look forward to using red potatoes next week.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you noticed a difference, Kim! I appreciate you taking the time to review.
Allison
How to speed up the recipe: I cover small potatoes with a towel or napkin then microwave for a few minutes. Then I press the potato under the cloth — no need to let it cool— until it smashes and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
★★★★★
Bert A.
I made these for our family 2 nights ago and everyone loved them. Definitely will be making these again and again. I put garlic powder, shredded cheddar cheese and smoked paprika on before baking-yummy! Thanks for sharing this recipe!!!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Bert! I’m glad they were a hit.
G
Tip: Use a dough cutter to smash the potatoes.
I used teeny potatoes and they were falling apart smashing them with my masher/fork. The pastry cutter was fast on got them quite thin.
& of course, this was delicious.
★★★★★
Karen
I followed your recipe and the potatoes were amazing. Definitely a keeper.. thank you for what you do.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Karen! I appreciate your review.
Sherry
It was delicious. I noticed my husband went back to eat a few more off the pan. Great finger food.
★★★★
Anne
Made this for the fam tonight and served with baked pork chops and fried apples.
The smashed potatoes was the star. They almost didn’t make it to the table, as my daughter and grand-daughter started picking at the crispy bits when my pan came out of the oven. Adding this to our family collection of recipes. So good!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m so glad it was a hit with your family, Anne!
Paulette
As one person said these are the BOMB! Am expecting a crowd in December and planning to make as much as possible ahead of the day. Is it at all possible to make these the day before and reheat the next without compromising the flavour?
Kate
Hi Paulette, these are really best same day. Sorry!
Sandy
One word. Delicious. Couldn’t stop picking at them before I served them as a side. Would make a great hot appetizer. Can’t wait to make them again. I used mini yellows.
★★★★★
Sam
Making these again right now! I’ve had some not-crispy missteps in the past, but I’m following all the steps to the letter this time. Don’t get me wrong—even the less-crispy results are delicious, but this time I’m hoping for some greatness lol! I don’t recommend what I’ve tried before—I’ve used my instant pot to cook the potatoes through & they’ve gotten too soft. Boiling them on the stovetop the “old fashioned way” today. Doesn’t really save any time to use the instant pot imo… and if they don’t get crispy enough in the oven, you can always use a skillet to correct any earlier mistakes. That’s what I’ve done so far. Thanks for the awesome recipes—I always seem to land on this site when I’m searching time & temp for oven-cooked food. :)))
★★★★
Sam
Making these again right now! I’ve had some not-crispy missteps in the past, but I’m following all the steps to the letter this time. Don’t get me wrong—even the less-crispy results are delicious, but this time I’m hoping for some greatness lol! I don’t recommend what I’ve tried before—I’ve used my instant pot to cook the potatoes through & they’ve gotten too soft. Boiling them on the stovetop the “old fashioned way” today. Doesn’t really save any time to use the instant pot imo… and if they don’t get crispy enough in the oven, you can always use a skillet to correct any earlier mistakes. That’s what I’ve done so far. Thanks for the awesome recipes—I always seem to land on this site when I’m searching time & temp for oven-cooked food. :))) aaaaand they’re done—they’re perfect! (I’m not sure why I’m still so surprised that my food tastes good, but by now, even my neighbors know when I’ve made some amazing food (thin walls…lol). I hope they can smell the delicious aromas that (for the most part) come from my kitchen…) so yay! & thanks! Happy to give this 5 stars bc as soon as followed the recipe perfectly, the potatoes came out just as crispy & amazing as promised. *happy!*
★★★★★
Satya preuss
Made theses potatoes for thanksgiving dinner
THEY CAME OUT AMAZING
Thank you
Rosanne
These smashed potatoes are delicious! Enjoyed by kids, parents, and grandparents alike!
Jason Gordon
Great recipe! Finally got to making this. I have always used fresh chopped garlic when roasting potatoes… it worked on these even at 425… it turns out candied and delicious. Fresh shaved parm for last 5-10 adds even more flavor! thanks
★★★★★
Kelly
Delicious but each time I made them, the potatoes fall apart i to more of a crumble. What am I doing wrong?
★★★
Kate
Hi Kelly! I’m sorry to hear that. Are they falling apart after baking or when you smash them?
Kelly
Hi Kate, thanks for responding. They fall apart at the smash. Pressing down, they crumble into pieces.
★★★
Kate
They may have needed a bit more time before smashing. Let me know if you try again!
Christy
Hi! When I smash mine, they crumble all over the place vs staying as a blob. Any ideas? Not boiled enough?
★★★★★
Kate
They may have not been cooked long enough. Were they easily pierced by a fork?
Elizabeth
What is the dip in the photo?
★★★★★
Kate
It’s my Easy Romesco Sauce. I hope you try it!
Deven
Umm the potatoes just burst apart and turned into a mash potatoe with this recipe… How tf are y’all doing this?
★
Kate
Hi Deven, I’m sorry to hear you didn’t have great results. Did you follow the boiling instructions? What were the size of the potatoes you used?
Sarah
Made these potatoes with steaks tonight and they were delicious. My husband said this is the only way he’ll eat potatoes from here on out! The recipe was simple and easy to follow. They turned out great. My only problem, and it’s possible it’s all in my head, was the I lined pan with foil and brushed that with the olive oil. My bad. I think they would have been a smidge crisper if I had just used baking pan. So next time I’ll take your advice. You did say it was worth the cleaning.
Thanks for sharing. I’ll be making these again and again!
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! I’m glad these potatoes were a hit.
Jeannie Valandingham
Definitely worth the work. Delicious
★★★★★
Dave
Great recipe. I made them tonight, followed the recipe to a T and they were perfect
Thank you for the recipe.
★★★★★
AnnMarie
Delicious! Easy. Can’t wait to make them again.
★★★★★
Lynn Warnicke
Great easy – so many options recipe- has been a great hit at pot lucks and really works well at grilling parties- just make ahead on sheet pan – and briefly reheat on grill!!!
Joanne Robertson
Wow these turned out so good. I used little baby red potatoes and pressure cooked them in the instant pot for 7 minutes, threw them in a bowl with the EVOO and seasoning. Placed them on a parchment covered sheet pan and smashed them with my glass measuring cup. They were so delicious and crispy. We had them with stuffed chicken breasts and asparagus. Top notch
★★★★★
Jean
Delicious and easy.
Really took a plain chicken dinner up a notch!
★★★★★
Kate
Great to hear, Jean! Thank you for your review.
Stephanie
Tried it for the first time tonight and they were DELICIOUS!! You should definitely make them for yourself and your family.
★★★★★
Kate
Great to hear, Stephanie! I appreciate your review.
Nyltieack
Made these last night and they are delicious. I didn’t have garlic powder so in order to prevent burnt garlic, I minced a couple cloves very fine and put a small amount under the potato on the baking sheet. I also used flaky sea salt on the tops instead of table salt. They cooked perfectly and had nice crispy bits and soft bits and were delightfully buttery, garlicky, and salty.
sadie
This looks great! Yet, I’m averse to cooking on/with aluminum. Which prompted me to wonder: Have you ever done a product review? Meaning: Which pots/pans/tools you find to be best? I will give this recipe a go (with parchment :).
Love your content! Thank you for all the good info!
Kate
Hi! You can find all my kitchen essentials on my shop page.
Jacquie
Love these, leftovers are great with fried eggs and kale!
★★★★★
Kate
That sounds delicious, Jacquie! Thank you for your review.
Evelyn
They did not turn out. Not crispy at all, just soft like a baked potato. I was generous with oil, though I used grapeseed since we do not have olive oil.
Kate
I’m sorry to hear that, Evelyn. Did you have them too crowded on the pan?
Sylvia W
Yum! I am definitely making these ASAP – depends on getting a cool enough night to have the oven on (Florida, ya know!). Reheating in the toaster oven will keep the leftovers from being a heat issue too!
★★★★★