Discover the 6 best smashed potato recipes that are ultra-crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with flavor. This complete guide shows you exactly how to make smashed potatoes perfectly every time.
Why Smashed Potato Recipes Are a 2026 Comfort Food Obsession
Smashed potato recipes have officially earned their place as one of the most loved comfort food sides in 2026. They are simple, rustic, and incredibly satisfying, yet they deliver restaurant-style texture with minimal effort. Unlike mashed potatoes, smashed potatoes celebrate contrast: crispy, golden edges paired with soft, creamy centers.
What makes smashed potato recipes so popular right now is their versatility. They fit perfectly into busy weeknight dinners, holiday menus, meal prep plans, and even viral social media food trends. Home cooks love them because they use affordable ingredients, require no special equipment, and can be customized endlessly.
At Sadie Recipes, we believe the best recipes are the ones that feel comforting, reliable, and exciting at the same time. This in-depth guide to the 6 best smashed potato recipes will teach you not just how to cook them, but how to master them.
What Are Smashed Potatoes and Why They’re Different
Smashed potatoes are boiled until tender, gently flattened, then roasted or air-fried at high heat. This technique creates rough edges that crisp beautifully while keeping the inside fluffy and tender.
Unlike roasted potatoes, smashed potato recipes maximize surface area, which means:
- More crunch
- Better seasoning coverage
- Deeper caramelization
This is why smashed potatoes feel indulgent even with simple ingredients.
The Science Behind Perfect Smashed Potato Recipes
Before diving into the recipes, understanding the technique will guarantee success.
Best Potatoes for Smashed Potatoes
- Baby potatoes: Ideal size and texture
- Yukon Gold: Creamy interior
- Fingerling potatoes: Naturally buttery flavor
Avoid russet potatoes — they fall apart too easily.
Why Boiling First Matters
Boiling fully cooks the potatoes and allows starches to gelatinize, creating a soft interior that contrasts with the crispy exterior after roasting.
High Heat = Crispy Results
Smashed potato recipes require 425°F (220°C) or higher to evaporate moisture quickly and crisp the edges instead of steaming them.
Garlic Herb Smashed Potatoes (Classic & Foolproof)
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with garlic-herb flavor!
An easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that goes with everything.
💛 Why you’ll love them:
✔️ Ultra crispy edges with soft centers
✔️ Simple ingredients, foolproof method
✔️ Packed with garlic and fresh herbs
✔️ Perfect side for any meal
🛒 Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (700 g) baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: grated parmesan, sour cream, or extra herbs
👩🍳 How to Make Garlic Herb Smashed Potatoes
1️⃣ Boil the Potatoes
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water
- Boil 15–20 minutes until fork-tender
- Drain and let steam dry for 5 minutes
2️⃣ Smash the Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Place potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Gently smash each potato using the bottom of a glass
3️⃣ Season & Bake
- Drizzle olive oil over potatoes
- Sprinkle with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy
4️⃣ Finish & Serve
- Optional: sprinkle with parmesan during the last 5 minutes
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving
🍽️ Serve With
- Steak, chicken, fish, or burgers
- Optional dips: sour cream, garlic aioli, or ranch
Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes (Ultimate Comfort Food)
Crispy smashed potatoes loaded with melty cheese and crispy bacon… comfort food at its best!
Golden, cheesy, and impossible to resist.
💛 Why you’ll love them:
✔️ Crispy edges with fluffy centers
✔️ Loaded with cheese and bacon
✔️ Easy, foolproof, and crowd-pleasing
✔️ Perfect for parties, game day, or cozy dinners
🛒 Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (700 g) baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, chives
👩🍳 How to Make Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes
1️⃣ Boil the Potatoes
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water
- Boil 15–20 minutes until fork-tender
- Drain and let steam dry for 5 minutes
2️⃣ Smash the Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Transfer potatoes to a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Gently smash each potato using the bottom of a glass
3️⃣ Season & Bake
- Drizzle olive oil over smashed potatoes
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Bake 25–30 minutes until crispy and golden
4️⃣ Add Cheese & Bacon
- Sprinkle shredded cheese and bacon over potatoes
- Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
🍽️ Serve With
- Burgers, steak, or roasted chicken
- Optional dips: sour cream, ranch, or garlic aioli
Vegan Olive Oil Smashed Potatoes (Crispy & Dairy-Free)
Golden, ultra-crispy smashed potatoes made with rich olive oil and simple herbs — no butter, no dairy, all flavor!
Perfect as a plant-based side dish everyone will love.
💛 Why you’ll love them:
✔️ Super crispy edges, fluffy centers
✔️ 100% vegan & dairy-free
✔️ Simple, wholesome ingredients
✔️ Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
🛒 Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (700 g) baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red)
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: fresh parsley, rosemary, flaky sea salt
👩🍳 How to Make Vegan Olive Oil Smashed Potatoes
1️⃣ Boil the Potatoes
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with well-salted water
- Boil 15–20 minutes until fork-tender
- Drain and let steam dry for 5 minutes
2️⃣ Smash the Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Place potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Gently smash each potato using the bottom of a glass
3️⃣ Season & Roast
- Drizzle olive oil generously over potatoes
- Sprinkle with garlic, herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
- Bake 30–35 minutes until deeply golden and crispy
4️⃣ Finish & Serve
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh herbs
- Serve hot and crispy
🍽️ Serve With
- Grilled veggies, tofu, or plant-based mains
- Optional dips: vegan aioli, tahini sauce, or steak with chimichurri
Loaded Smashed Potatoes (Baked Potato Style)
All the flavors of a loaded baked potato… but smashed, crispy, and extra irresistible!
Crispy edges, fluffy centers, and piled high with classic toppings.
💛 Why you’ll love them:
✔️ Crispy outside, fluffy inside
✔️ Loaded with classic baked potato toppings
✔️ Easy, fun, and ultra-comforting
✔️ Perfect for parties, game day, or family dinners
🛒 Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (700 g) baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup green onions or chives, sliced
👩🍳 How to Make Loaded Smashed Potatoes
1️⃣ Boil the Potatoes
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water
- Boil 15–20 minutes until fork-tender
- Drain and let steam dry for 5 minutes
2️⃣ Smash the Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Transfer potatoes to a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Gently smash each potato using the bottom of a glass
3️⃣ Season & Bake
- Drizzle olive oil over smashed potatoes
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper
- Bake 25–30 minutes until crispy and golden
4️⃣ Load & Finish
- Sprinkle cheese and bacon over potatoes
- Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts
- Top with sour cream and green onions
🍽️ Serve With
- Steak, burgers, or grilled chicken
- Optional dips: ranch, garlic aioli, or hot sauce
Spicy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Golden, crispy smashed potatoes with a cheesy, spicy kick — the ultimate side dish!
Perfect for adding flavor to weeknight dinners or game day spreads.
💛 Why you’ll love them:
✔️ Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside
✔️ Spicy, cheesy, and full of flavor
✔️ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✔️ Crowd-pleasing side for any meal
🛒 Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (700 g) baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½–1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice level)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
👩🍳 How to Make Spicy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
1️⃣ Boil the Potatoes
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water
- Boil 15–20 minutes until fork-tender
- Drain and let steam dry for 5 minutes
2️⃣ Smash the Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Place potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Gently smash each potato using the bottom of a glass
3️⃣ Season & Roast
- Drizzle olive oil over potatoes
- Sprinkle garlic, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper
- Roast 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy
4️⃣ Add Parmesan & Finish
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan over potatoes
- Return to oven 5 minutes until melted and slightly golden
- Garnish with parsley or green onions
🍽️ Serve With
- Grilled chicken, steak, or burgers
- Optional dips: garlic aioli, ranch, or hot sauce
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes (Fast & Extra Crispy)
Crispy, golden smashed potatoes made in the air fryer — ready in a flash!
Extra crunchy outside, soft and fluffy inside, with minimal oil and fuss.
💛 Why you’ll love them:
✔️ Super fast and easy in the air fryer
✔️ Extra crispy edges with soft centers
✔️ Minimal oil, maximum flavor
✔️ Perfect for weeknights or quick sides
🛒 Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (700 g) baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red)
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, or chili flakes
👩🍳 How to Make Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
1️⃣ Boil the Potatoes
- Place potatoes in a pot and cover with salted water
- Boil 15–20 minutes until fork-tender
- Drain and let steam dry for 5 minutes
2️⃣ Smash the Potatoes
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
- Place potatoes on a cutting board and gently smash each with the bottom of a glass
3️⃣ Season & Air Fry
- Brush or drizzle olive oil over potatoes
- Sprinkle garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket
- Air fry 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy
4️⃣ Finish & Serve
- Optional: sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes
- Serve hot
🍽️ Serve With
- Grilled chicken, steak, or burgers
- Optional dips: garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy ketchup
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Smashed Potatoes
- Overcrowding the pan
- Skipping the steam-dry step
- Using too little oil
Nutrition Facts (Average per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fats: 15g
Final Thoughts
These 6 best smashed potato recipes prove why smashed potatoes continue to dominate comfort food trends. Crispy, fluffy, customizable, and endlessly satisfying, smashed potato recipes belong in every home cook’s collection.
At Sadie Recipes, we focus on recipes that work every time — and these smashed potato recipes deliver exactly that.
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