Crispy Herb-Infused Smash Potatoes
This delightful recipe for Crispy Herb-Infused Smash Potatoes comes from the creative kitchen of the Pioneer Woman, inspired by Trish. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these potatoes offer a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior that melts in your mouth. While I've tried various potatoes, the Golden Baby Dutch variety stands out for its delicious creaminess, though red potatoes work excellently as well for those who prefer a firmer texture. The key to achieving the perfect smash is to ensure the potatoes are boiled until fork-tender. A fine mist of olive oil spray not only helps crisp the potatoes but also makes this recipe lighter on the fats without sacrificing flavor. It's a versatile side dish that compliments a variety of entrees, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
New potatoes
8 (washed and left whole)
Olive oil
as needed (for drizzling or spraying)
Kosher salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
Fresh rosemary (or desired herb)
to taste (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling the small potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are fork-tender, ensuring they are very tender for easy smashing.
2
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) while the potatoes boil.
3
Generously drizzle a sheet pan with olive oil to promote crisping and prevent sticking.
4
Once the potatoes are tender, carefully transfer them to the sheet pan, spacing them out sufficiently to allow for even cooking.
5
Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each potato until slightly flattened. Rotate the masher 90 degrees and press again to create a textured surface that will crisp up nicely.
6
Lightly brush the tops of the smashed potatoes with olive oil or use an olive oil spray for an even layer.
7
Season the tops generously with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and your choice of herbs, such as rosemary or thyme.
8
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Herb-Infused Smash Potatoes?
They are small potatoes that are boiled until fork-tender, gently flattened, seasoned with herbs, and then baked at a high temperature to achieve a crispy exterior and creamy interior.
What variety of potatoes is recommended for this recipe?
Golden Baby Dutch potatoes are highly recommended for their delicious creaminess, though new potatoes or red potatoes also work excellently.
Can I use red potatoes instead of Golden Baby Dutch?
Yes, red potatoes work very well if you prefer a potato with a firmer texture.
What is the secret to getting the perfect smash?
The key is to ensure the potatoes are boiled until they are very fork-tender, which allows them to flatten easily without breaking apart too much.
What temperature should I set the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure the potatoes become golden brown and crispy.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?
Generously drizzle the sheet pan with olive oil before placing the potatoes on it to promote crisping and prevent sticking.
What tool can I use to smash the potatoes?
You can use a standard potato masher or the bottom of a heavy glass to gently press down on each potato.
How do I create more texture on the surface of the potatoes?
After the initial press, rotate your masher 90 degrees and press again to create a textured surface that will crisp up nicely in the oven.
Should I use olive oil or olive oil spray?
You can use either. Using an olive oil spray provides an even layer and makes the recipe lighter on fats, while brushing with olive oil also works well.
Which herbs are best for seasoning these potatoes?
Fresh rosemary and thyme are excellent choices, though you can use any finely chopped herb you prefer.
How long do the potatoes need to bake?
Bake the potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as it uses potatoes, olive oil, and herbs.
Should I salt the boiling water?
Yes, boiling the potatoes in a large pot of salted water helps season them from the inside out.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the potatoes should be washed and left whole with the skins on for the best texture.
How do I know when the potatoes are fork-tender?
They are ready when a fork can easily pierce through to the center of the potato with no resistance.
Can I use black pepper for seasoning?
Yes, freshly cracked black pepper is a core seasoning for this recipe alongside kosher salt.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is from the Pioneer Woman, inspired by Trish.
What type of salt should I use?
Kosher salt is recommended for seasoning the tops of the potatoes.
Why is it important to space the potatoes on the sheet pan?
Spacing them out sufficiently allows for even cooking and ensures the edges can crisp up properly without steaming.
What is the texture of the finished potato?
The finished potatoes have a crispy, crunchy exterior and a soft, creamy interior.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme are suggested, you can use your choice of herbs, including dried ones if fresh are unavailable.
Does this recipe use a lot of fat?
By using an olive oil spray for the tops, this recipe can be lighter on fats without sacrificing any of the flavor.
Is it better to boil or steam the potatoes first?
The recipe recommends boiling the potatoes in salted water to ensure they are tender enough for smashing.
Can I use large potatoes for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 8 small new potatoes or baby potatoes for the best results.
What can I serve these with?
They are a versatile side dish that compliments a variety of entrees, from roasted meats to vegetarian mains.
How do I ensure the potatoes are golden brown?
The combination of the 450°F oven temperature and the olive oil on the pan and potatoes will create that golden brown finish.
Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?
You can boil the potatoes in advance, but for the best crispy texture, it is recommended to smash and bake them right before serving.
Is the rosemary finely chopped?
Yes, it is recommended to finely chop the fresh rosemary before seasoning the potatoes.
Do I need to flip the potatoes while they bake?
The recipe does not require flipping; the high heat and oil on the bottom of the pan will crisp the undersides while the tops crisp in the oven air.