Smashed Potatoes Recipe Garlic Butter Smash With Chive Confetti

Name: smashed potatoes recipe Garlic Butter Smash With Chive Confetti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs small potatoes (Yukon Gold or Red Bliss); 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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I’ve perfected this method over countless weeknight dinners, making this smashed potatoes recipe Garlic Butter Smash With Chive Confetti a family favorite.

Imagine perfectly crispy edges and a creamy center, radiating a delicious garlic aroma right from the oven. This easy dinner idea is perfect for busy home cooks seeking flavor without the fuss, transforming simple potatoes into an irresistible side dish or a hearty addition to family-friendly meals. Get ready to elevate your dinner table tonight.

Ingredient Matrix (Measurements • Role • Swap)

Small Potatoes (e.g., Yukon Gold, Red Bliss): 1.5 lbs (about 680g) – The starchy-waxy balance creates tender insides and crispy edges. Swap: Fingerling potatoes.
Olive Oil: 3 tbsp (45ml) – Helps achieve that desired golden, crispy exterior. Swap: Avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
Butter: 2 tbsp (28g), melted – Adds rich flavor and aids in browning. Swap: Plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Fresh Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced – The heart of our aromatic garlic butter flavor. Swap: 1 tsp garlic powder for convenience, but fresh is definitely best for this smashed potatoes recipe.
Fresh Chives: 2 tbsp (about 7g), finely chopped – Adds a mild oniony fresh finish and beautiful color. Swap: Finely chopped green onions (white and light green parts).
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste – Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process. Upgrade: Flaky sea salt for finishing.

Tools & Equipment (and Why They Help)

Having the right tools makes preparing this easy dinner idea a breeze. A few essentials ensure your potatoes turn out perfectly.

Large Pot: For boiling potatoes evenly until tender.
Baking Sheet(s): Crucial for spreading potatoes in a single layer, ensuring maximum crispness. I often use two standard 13×18-inch (33x46cm) half-sheet pans to avoid overcrowding.
Potato Masher or Fork: For gently flattening the boiled potatoes. A fork works well for a more rustic texture.
Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing the garlic butter.
Pastry Brush (Optional): Helps to evenly distribute the flavorful garlic butter mixture.

For even easier cleanup and guaranteed crisping, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Always use oven mitts when handling hot baking sheets for safety, and be careful with sharp knives when mincing garlic and chives.

Step-by-Step Method with Sensory Cues

Prep Potatoes: Wash potatoes thoroughly. In a large pot, cover potatoes with cold, salted water (about 1 tbsp salt per quart/liter of water). Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, watching for steady bubbles.
Boil Until Tender: Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender but not falling apart. They should pierce easily with a fork, feeling soft through to the center. Drain well in a colander.
Smash ‘Em Up: Arrange drained potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato until flattened to about 1/2 inch thick, keeping them somewhat intact. You’ll hear a satisfying crunch as the skins break, creating a textured surface ideal for crisping. This step is key for a great smashed potatoes recipe.
Flavor Boost: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, and minced garlic. Drizzle this fragrant mixture generously over all the smashed potatoes, ensuring every potato is coated for maximum flavor. Quick variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick to your smashed potatoes recipe Garlic Butter Smash With Chive Confetti.
Bake to Crispy Perfection: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and gloriously crispy on both sides. You’ll see the edges turn deep gold and smell the delicious garlic aroma filling your kitchen. If your potatoes aren’t crisping up, ensure they aren’t overcrowded and bake a bit longer; sometimes I’ll increase the oven temp to 425°F (220°C) for the last 10 minutes to finish them off.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle generously with fresh chives immediately after removing from the oven, adding a vibrant green confetti-like finish. Your homemade smashed potatoes recipe Garlic Butter Smash With Chive Confetti is now ready. Enjoy this healthy dinner idea warm, savoring the crispy texture and rich garlic butter flavor.

Best Ways to Serve & Store

This smashed potatoes recipe is versatile for weeknight dinners, holidays, or brunch. Pair with roasted chicken, steak, or veggie burgers; add sour cream. Store leftovers refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in oven at 375°F (190°C) or an air fryer for crispness.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Fit for Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and easily dairy-free, this smashed potatoes recipe provides carbs, fiber, and potassium. This garlic butter smash supports healthy, balanced meals and meal prep. Enjoy in moderation for diabetic-friendly meals.

Budget & Time Snapshot

This smashed potatoes recipe is efficient and economical. Total time is approximately 60 min (20 min active). Cost: $1-2 per serving, a family-friendly side. Buying bulk potatoes saves money. It doubles beautifully for batch cooking and meal prep.

Ingredient Sourcing & Smart Buying

For best smashed potatoes recipe results, use fresh, firm small potatoes from local stores. Fresh is essential; avoid frozen or canned. Consider organic ingredients. Grocery delivery offers convenience for busy cooks.

Pro Tips, Adjustments & Safety

Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet for maximum crispness. Season boiling water generously, enhancing your smashed potatoes recipe. Use quality olive oil and fresh butter for best taste.

Flavor Tuning: Adjust garlic to taste. Add rosemary or thyme. Reduce salt for low-sodium needs.
Allergy Notes: Gluten-free. Dairy-free with plant-based butter. Mindful of nightshade sensitivities.

FAQs

Is smashed potatoes good for meal prep or weight goals?

Yes, this smashed potatoes recipe supports meal prep and weight goals when portioned appropriately with lean proteins.

What are the healthiest substitutes for smashed potatoes?

Roasted sweet potatoes or smashed cauliflower offer similar textures; consider smashed radish for a low-carb option.

Can I order smashed potatoes ingredients online or use a meal kit?

Yes, ingredients are available via grocery delivery or in meal kits focusing on fresh, simple sides.

What kind of potatoes are best for smashed potatoes?

Small, waxy varieties like Yukon Gold are ideal; they hold shape and get wonderfully crispy.

Why are my smashed potatoes not crispy?

Overcrowding, insufficient oven heat, or too little oil are common; I’ve found preheating the baking sheet helps kickstart crisping.

Can I make smashed potatoes ahead of time?

Boil and smash up to 2 days prior, refrigerating them. Bake with garlic butter until crispy when ready to serve.

Can I use an air fryer for smashed potatoes?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes after boiling/smashing, shaking until crisp.

Conclusion

You’ve just discovered your new favorite side dish: an easy, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully crispy smashed potatoes. Pin this amazing smashed potatoes recipe now to your favorite board and make it a regular star in your kitchen!