Ah, the humble potato. Who would’ve thought something so ordinary could transform into a crispy, golden masterpiece that has me sneaking bites straight off the pan? These Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes—imagine the crunch of a potato chip, but with the heartiness of a baked potato—are the comfort food I never knew I craved. It’s like that unexpected plot twist in a movie that leaves you craving more, but you never saw it coming.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water by an inch, and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes, until they are tender. Drain them and let them cool slightly on a baking sheet.
- While the potatoes are cooling, combine butter, garlic, and olive oil in a baking dish. Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning, until the garlic is golden and the butter starts to brown.
- Mash the roasted garlic into the butter using a fork and stir in oregano, parsley, basil, and cayenne pepper. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the potatoes have cooled, use a flat-bottomed cup to press down and smash them. Drizzle them with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes until they start to get crispy.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and spoon the garlic butter over each one. Return them to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs and sea salt.
Ingredients
- Potatoes (amount not specified, but enough to serve 8 people)
- Water (enough to cover potatoes by 1 inch)
- Salt (a handful, plus more for seasoning)
- 1 stick of butter
- Garlic cloves (amount not specified, peeled)
- Olive oil (for drizzling and roasting)
- Fresh oregano (amount not specified)
- Fresh parsley (amount not specified)
- Fresh basil (amount not specified)
- Cayenne pepper (amount not specified)
- Sea salt (for finishing)
- Black pepper (for seasoning)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1928 kcal | Total Fat: 139 g | Saturated Fat: 54 g | Trans Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 220 mg | Sodium: N/A | Total Carbohydrates: 167 g | Dietary Fiber: 18 g | Sugars: 7 g | Protein: 18 g
FAQ
- Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
- Yes, you can boil the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to smash and roast them. This can help save time when you’re ready to serve them.
- What herbs can I use besides oregano, parsley, and basil?
- You can use any herbs you prefer or have on hand. Thyme, rosemary, and chives are excellent alternatives that can complement the roasted garlic butter flavor.
- Can I make these potatoes without an oven?
- While the oven is recommended for achieving the best crispy texture, you can use an air fryer if you have one. Adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure they become crispy.
- Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
- Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil, and ensure that any additional toppings or ingredients are plant-based. The results will still be deliciously crispy and flavorful.
- How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
- Keep a close eye on the garlic while it’s roasting with the butter. If you notice it browning too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature slightly or cover the dish with foil to slow down the cooking process.
Tips
- Boil or Pressure Cook First: Begin by boiling the potatoes until they are fork-tender. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture before smashing. Alternatively, use an Instant Pot to speed up the process.
- Roast Garlic with Butter: Instead of roasting a whole garlic bulb, peel the cloves and roast them with butter. This ensures even caramelization and infuses the butter with a rich garlic flavor, enhancing the potatoes.
- Smash and Crisp: Use the bottom of a flat glass to smash the potatoes, which helps them achieve a crispy edge when baked. Drizzle with olive oil before returning to the oven for additional crispiness.
- Herb and Spice Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like oregano, parsley, and basil into the garlic butter. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper for an added flavor boost, and spoon over the potatoes before the final bake.
Equipment
- Instant Pot – Useful for quickly cooking the potatoes if you prefer not to boil them on the stove.
- Rimmed Baking Sheet – Essential for baking and crisping the potatoes in the oven.
- Flat-Bottomed Drinking Glass – Handy for smashing the potatoes to achieve the desired texture.
- Garlic Roaster – Although not necessary, it can be useful for evenly roasting garlic cloves if you want to explore other roasting techniques.