Description
Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic are a flavorful and crunchy side dish featuring tender red potatoes with a golden crisp exterior, infused with roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and plant-based butter. Perfect for weeknight meals or festive gatherings, this recipe is simple, versatile, and plant-based friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds small red potatoes, uniform-sized
Garlic Herb Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter, melted
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced or roasted
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Natural gelling agent (for optional creamy dip)
- Smoked paprika or chili flakes (for spicy twist)
- Vegan sour cream (plant-based) for loaded style
- Chives, chopped (plant-based)
- Crumbled plant-based cheese
- Dill or basil (herb swap)
- Fresh lemon zest
- Plant-based mayonnaise (natural) for garlic aioli dip
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Start by washing your red potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes depending on size. Drain and let cool slightly for handling.
- Prepare the Garlic and Herb Mixture: While potatoes are boiling, combine melted plant-based butter with minced fresh garlic, finely chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Add a little olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will infuse the potatoes with deep, aromatic flavor.
- Smash and Season the Potatoes: On a baking sheet, gently press each potato with the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to flatten it to about half an inch thick. Drizzle or brush each smashed potato generously with the garlic herb butter mix, ensuring every nook is coated.
- Bake to Crispy Perfection: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the potatoes for 25-30 minutes or until edges turn golden brown and crisp. Flip halfway through baking for even crispness on both sides.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle a bit more fresh parsley on top for color, and serve hot. These crispy smashed red potatoes with garlic shine best fresh but hold up well if made ahead.
Notes
- Choose uniform potatoes for even cooking and consistent smashing results.
- Pat potatoes dry before baking to help them crisp up beautifully.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; space allows hot air to circulate for better crispness.
- Use a sturdy glass or masher to flatten potatoes evenly without breaking them too much.
- Customize your herbs; fresh or dried herbs can be used depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Contemporary
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: crispy smashed potatoes, red potatoes, garlic potatoes, plant-based side dish, crispy potato recipe