Go Back
A close-up of crispy baked smashed potatoes, seasoned and golden brown

Classic Garlic Herb Smashed Potatoes

These classic garlic herb smashed potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect as a side dish, they are easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 people
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Glass or potato masher
  • Clean kitchen towel

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 2 lbs Small to medium-sized potatoes Yukon Gold, red new potatoes, or fingerlings
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Coarse sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder optional
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder optional
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika optional
  • 1 tsp Dried rosemary or thyme optional
  • 2 cloves Minced fresh garlic for serving
  • 2 tbsp Chopped fresh parsley for serving
  • 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice for serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Wash potatoes thoroughly; optionally peel them for a different texture.
  • Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold, salted water, bring to a boil, then simmer until fork-tender (15-20 minutes).
  • Drain potatoes, then let them air dry or pat them with a towel for extra crispiness.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
  • Arrange boiled potatoes on the baking sheet and gently smash each potato to about 1/2-inch thick.
  • Drizzle generously with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and desired optional seasonings.

Cooking

  • Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy; flip halfway through if desired.
  • Remove from oven and toss with fresh minced garlic, parsley, and lemon juice.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

For even crispier results, ensure potatoes are thoroughly dry before smashing and baking. You can also experiment with different herbs like dill or oregano for varied flavors.