Flavorful Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe Everyone Loves

My kitchen adventures with rosemary garlic smashed potatoes always spark unexpected culinary excitement.

Crispy edges and soft centers make these little bites irresistible.

Sarah’s grandmother first shared this simple technique from her Italian countryside kitchen.

Herbs freshly picked from the windowsill add magical depth to each golden morsel.

Salt and pepper become more than seasonings – they’re flavor boosters that awaken every bite.

Perfectly crushed and roasted, these potatoes bring a rustic charm to any meal.

One taste and you’ll want to recreate this delightful dish for everyone you know.

Reasons to Love Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes

• Unlock Effortless Flavor: Combine simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering side dish that transforms basic potatoes into a restaurant-worthy experience.
• Customize with Ease: Swap herbs or add cheese to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for adapting to personal taste preferences or pantry ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crunch: Achieve perfectly crispy edges that everyone loves, making these potatoes a guaranteed hit at family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: Require just a few basic steps to deliver maximum flavor, ideal for home cooks wanting delicious results without complicated techniques.

Essential Ingredients for Rosemary Smashed Potatoes

• Baby Potatoes: Small, tender potatoes perfect for creating crispy, smashable sides.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds rich flavor to the potatoes.

• Rosemary, Garlic: Aromatic herbs that provide a robust and fragrant flavor profile to the potatoes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste and bring out the natural potato flavor.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps achieve a crispy texture without burning the potatoes.
• Large Pot: Necessary for boiling the potatoes until they become tender and easily smashable.
• Potato Masher or Fork: Used to gently flatten the boiled potatoes, creating a rustic and textured surface.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a flat surface for roasting the potatoes to crispy perfection.

Simple Steps for Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil Baby Potatoes

Drop baby potatoes into a large pot of salted water.

Cook for 15-20 minutes until they’re fork-tender and easily pierced.

Make sure the potatoes are soft but not falling apart.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

This prevents sticking and helps create extra crispy edges.

Heat your oven to 450F (230C) while preparing the potatoes.

Step 3: Smash Potatoes

Carefully drain the boiled potatoes in a colander.

Let them cool for a few minutes to handle safely.

Using a fork, potato masher, or the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each potato to flatten to about 1/2 inch thickness.

Don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

Arrange the smashed potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching.

Generously drizzle with olive oil.

• Minced fresh garlic
• Chopped rosemary leaves
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through cooking.

Look for golden brown edges and crispy surfaces.

The potatoes should have a crunchy exterior and creamy interior.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the rosemary garlic smashed potatoes to a serving platter.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

These make an incredible side dish that everyone will love.

Tips for Creamy Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes

• Select uniform baby or small potatoes to ensure even cooking and consistent smashing results.
• After boiling, use a clean kitchen towel to completely dry potatoes, which helps achieve extra crispiness during roasting.
• Leave enough room between smashed potatoes on the baking sheet to allow edges to crisp up without steaming each other.
• Opt for fresh rosemary instead of dried for more vibrant, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Drizzle olive oil sparingly and evenly to prevent soggy potatoes while ensuring a golden, crisp exterior.

Ways to Change Up Rosemary Smashed Potatoes

• Herb Garden Delight: Replace rosemary with thyme, basil, or oregano for a fresh herbal twist on the classic smashed potatoes.
• Spicy Kick Edition: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to bring heat and excitement to the crispy potato surface.
• Vegan Power Version: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil and ensure all seasonings are plant-based for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly option.
• Cheesy Comfort Style: Sprinkle grated parmesan or nutritional yeast over potatoes after roasting for extra flavor and richness.

Ideas for Serving Rosemary Smashed Potatoes Creatively

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange these golden smashed potatoes on a large wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs, creating an eye-catching appetizer spread for gatherings.
• Gourmet Side Companion: Pair these crispy potatoes with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or pan-seared salmon for a restaurant-quality meal experience.
• Dipping Delight: Serve alongside herb-infused aioli, garlic sour cream, or tangy ranch dressing to elevate the potatoes' flavor profile and add extra excitement to each bite.
• Brunch Star: Include these rosemary garlic potatoes on a weekend breakfast plate with scrambled eggs, bacon, and a fresh green salad for a complete morning feast.

Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potato Storage Tips for Later

• Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring they cool completely before sealing.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to preserve for 2-3 months, preventing freezer burn.
• Spread potatoes on a baking sheet, sprinkle with a little olive oil, and warm at 375F for 10-12 minutes until crispy edges return.
• Pan-fry smashed potatoes in a little butter or oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, restoring their original crunchiness.

FAQs

• How do I know when the potatoes are properly boiled?

The potatoes are ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork and they feel tender throughout without falling apart.

• Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Baby potatoes work best, but small red potatoes or new potatoes can also be good alternatives that maintain the crispy texture.

• Why smash the potatoes instead of just roasting them whole?

Smashing increases the surface area, creating more crispy edges and allowing the herbs and seasonings to better coat each potato.

• How crispy will these potatoes get in the oven?

By roasting at a high temperature and drizzling with olive oil, the potatoes develop a golden, crunchy exterior while remaining soft inside.

Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rustic rosemary garlic smashed potatoes bring Mediterranean comfort to your plate with crispy edges and herbal charm. Golden potato perfection delivers irresistible flavor you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) baby potatoes
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Oils and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Submerge baby potatoes in a generously salted water bath, simmering for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender and easily pierced.
2. Activate the oven to a blazing 450F (230C), positioning a parchment-lined baking sheet inside to prepare the cooking surface.
3. After carefully draining the potatoes, allow them to rest momentarily and cool slightly. Using a robust fork or potato masher, delicately flatten each potato to approximately 1/2 inch thickness, creating rustic, uneven surfaces.
4. Strategically arrange the smashed potatoes across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring minimal overlap and maximum exposure.
5. Lavishly cascade olive oil over the potatoes, then generously dust with minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper for maximum flavor infusion.
6. Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven, roasting for 20-25 minutes. Midway through cooking, expertly flip each potato to guarantee uniform golden-brown crispiness and even caramelization.
7. Transfer the aromatic, herb-crusted potatoes to a serving platter, presenting them immediately while maintaining their irresistible crunch and temperature.

Notes

• Choose small, uniform baby potatoes for even cooking and consistent smashing results.
• Ensure potatoes are thoroughly dried after boiling to achieve maximum crispiness when roasting.
• Salt the boiling water generously to infuse potatoes with flavor from the start of cooking.
• Use a sturdy fork or flat-bottomed glass for perfect potato smashing without breaking them apart.
• Drizzle extra olive oil between smashed potatoes to enhance golden, crispy edges.
• Allow enough space between potatoes on the baking sheet for proper air circulation and crunchiness.
• Try alternative herbs like thyme or oregano for different flavor profiles.
• Consider adding grated parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting for extra richness.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg