by Traci · Post Updated: Oct 26, 2021

Baked Smashed Potatoes Recipe

4.98 from 49 votes

Total 45

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Baked smashed potatoes are baby potatoes that are cooked, smashed, and roasted. The crispy outside and fluffy inside make them fun, irresistible, and primed for toppings!

crispy smashed baby potatoes on baking sheet

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Table of Contents hide

1) Why you'll love this recipe

2) Ingredient notes

3) How to make smashed potatoes

4) Recipe tips

5) Recipe variations

6) Smashed potato topping ideas

7) What to serve with smashed potatoes

8) More potato recipes

9) 📖 Recipe

10) Baked Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe

Crispy potatoes are irresistible comfort food.
Only 4 ingredients needed.
Easy recipe for any cooking level.
Naturally vegan and gluten free.
Customize the base with toppings (see ideas below).
Serve as a side dish or appetizer.
Great for parties, game day, family dinner, and movie night.

Ingredient notes

baby potatoes - Also called new potatoes, these hold their shape compared to aged potatoes. There's no cutting required for this recipe and they cook quickly since they're small.
extra virgin olive oil - This adds a rich, nutty flavor. Any cooking oil can be used.
salt and pepper - Add these to taste along with other seasonings.
optional toppings - See my recommendations below.

baby potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper in bowls labeled

How to make smashed potatoes

Enjoy these step-by-step photos as a visual guide to accompany the printable recipe below.

Step 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain water and cool potatoes until warm to the touch.

Step 2. Prepare the baking sheet by drizzling half of the olive oil over the surface. Transfer potatoes to the baking sheet. Gently smash with a potato masher or your hand.

vegetable masher smashes baby potatoes on baking sheet

Step 3. Drizzle remaining olive oil over the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Bake the potatoes 20 minutes, or longer until crispy and golden brown.

uncooked smashed baby potatoes on baking sheet with olive oil, salt, and pepper

Serve smashed potatoes warm with your favorite toppings. I've listed some topping ideas below. Or serve them alongside sauteed green beans or baked asparagus for a well-rounded vegetable combination.

Recipe tips

Peeling baby potatoes is not recommended. In fact, doing so can remove nutrients located right below the skin. Also, the peels offer rustic flavor and appearance.
Make sure potatoes reach a fork-tender status when boiling. This helps them smash more easily and makes them creamy and fluffy on the inside.
To prep ahead and bake later, follow the recipe instructions up the point before the potatoes are ready to bake. Cool, cover, and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 days. To bake, resume the recipe instructions.

Recipe variations

Use gold or red potatoes for this recipe. Fingerling potatoes can also be used because they're perfectly sized for smashing and roasting.
Customize smashed potatoes by adding seasonings such as a simple Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning. You can make up your own too!
When seasoning the potatoes, add freshly minced garlic or granulated garlic for even more flavor.

Smashed potato topping ideas

Of course, there are endless toppings for smashed potatoes right out of the oven. Here are some favorites.

Add cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives for loaded smashed potatoes.
Add a dollop of basil pesto or arugula pesto to freshly baked potatoes for a vibrant and comforting topping.
A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese will add a savoriness that no one can resist.
Drizzle crispy potatoes with Ranch dressing or avocado Ranch dressing.

What to serve with smashed potatoes

Serve these potatoes as the perfect side for a grilled Reuben sandwich or juicy NY strip.
Replace the tater tots in tater tot nachos with smashed baby potatoes. Of course I'll recommend a sprinkle of taco seasoning before baking.
Everyone loves crispy potatoes with crustless quiche for breakfast.

More potato recipes

📖 Recipe