Do you love crispy potatoes? This Ina Garten Smashed Potatoes Recipe is perfect for you. It is a very easy side dish. This Ina Garten Smashed Potatoes Recipe tastes like a dream.
Everyone will ask for more. You can find many easy recipes online. But this Ina Garten Smashed Potatoes Recipe is special. It is simple and very delicious.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The flavor of this dish is rich. You will taste butter and salt. The olive oil makes it savory. It has a deep, earthy taste. You will love every single bite.
The texture is the best part. The edges are very crunchy. The middle stays soft and creamy. This contrast is very satisfying. It is like a French fry but better.
This recipe is very easy to make. You do not need hard skills. It takes very little active time. You boil them and then roast them. It is a great comfort food choice.
You save time with this method. You do not have to peel them. The skin adds a nice crunch. It also has a lot of vitamins. This dish fits any busy schedule.

Equipment List
Large Pot: You need this to boil the potatoes. It must hold enough water for them.
Colander: This is used to drain the water. It keeps the potatoes in the bowl.
Baking Sheet: You will roast the potatoes on this. A flat metal tray works best.
Potato Masher: This tool is for smashing the spuds. You can also use a heavy glass.
Small Saucepan: Use this to melt the butter. It keeps the kitchen very clean.
Measuring Spoons: These help you measure the salt. They also measure the pepper and oil.
Kitchen Towel: Use this to dry the potatoes. Dry potatoes become much more crispy.
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Red Potatoes: These are small and very waxy. They hold their shape after boiling.
Unsalted Butter: This adds a very creamy flavor. It helps the skin turn golden brown.
Olive Oil: This oil handles high heat well. It makes the potato edges very crispy.
Kosher Salt: These large grains add great flavor. It makes the potatoes taste very bright.
Black Pepper: This adds a tiny bit of spice. It balances the richness of the butter.
Fresh Thyme: These herbs smell very fresh. They add a nice green color too.
Water: You need this to boil the potatoes. Use enough to cover them completely.
How to Assemble
Step 1:
Wash the potatoes in cold water. Remove all the dirt and small spots. Place them into your large pot now. Do not drop them too hard.
Step 2:
Cover the potatoes with cold water. Add a big pinch of salt. Turn the stove to high heat. Bring the water to a boil.
Step 3:
Lower the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for fifteen minutes. They should be tender but not falling apart. Test them with a small fork.
Step 4:
Drain the potatoes in a colander. Let the steam rise for a minute. Place them on a clean kitchen towel. Pat them dry very gently.
Step 5:
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Put the dry potatoes on the tray. Space them out so they have room. This helps them get very crunchy.
Step 6:
Use your masher to press down. Smash them until they are flat. Do not break them into pieces. They should look like thick pancakes.
Step 7:
Melt the butter in your saucepan. Mix it with the olive oil. Drizzle this mix over every potato. Use a brush if you want.
Step 8:
Sprinkle the salt and the pepper. Add the fresh thyme leaves now. Place the tray in the hot oven. Bake for twenty-five long minutes.
Step 9:
Watch for a deep brown color. Flip them halfway through if you like. Take them out when they are crispy. Serve them while they are hot.
Recipe Notes
- Dry the potatoes well for the best crunch.
- Use a heavy glass if you lack a masher.
- Do not overlap the potatoes on the baking tray.
- Add garlic powder for a very bold flavor.
- Fresh herbs always taste better than dried herbs.
- Space them out to let the steam escape.
- Higher heat makes the skin much crispier.
- Use sea salt for a different texture.
How To Store Leftover
You can store leftovers in a container. Use a lid that fits very tightly. Keep them in the fridge for three days. To reheat, use the oven again.
This keeps them very crunchy and fresh. Do not use the microwave for these. The microwave makes the skin very soft. A toaster oven also works very well.
Sides & Pairings Suggestions
These potatoes go well with roasted chicken. They also taste great with a juicy steak. You can serve them with grilled salmon too.
Add a green salad on the side. This balances the rich and buttery flavors. Some people love them with sour cream. You can also dip them in ketchup. They are a very versatile side dish.
Nutritions
| Nutrient | Value |
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
FAQs about Ina Garten Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Can I use large potatoes for this?
Small potatoes work much better for this. They smash into the perfect size. Large potatoes might break into many pieces.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, you should keep the skins on. The skin gets very crispy in the oven. It also holds the potato together well.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can boil them a day early. Store them in the fridge until you roast. This saves you a lot of time later.
Why are my potatoes not crispy?
They might be too wet before roasting. Always dry them with a clean towel. Also, ensure your oven is very hot.
What is the best oil to use?
Olive oil is the best choice here. It tastes great and helps with browning. You can also use avocado oil.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Smashed Potatoes Recipe is a winner. It is the perfect mix of textures. Your family will love the salty crunch. It is easy enough for a weeknight.
It is fancy enough for a party. Follow these steps for the best results. You can find more cooking tips online. Enjoy your crispy and buttery treats today!

Ina Garten Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot.
- Colander.
- Baking sheet.
- Potato Masher
- Small saucepan
- Measuring spoons
- Kitchen Towel
Ingredients
- 1 lb RED POTATOES
- 2 tbsp UNSALTED BUTTER
- 2 tbsp OLIVE OIL
- 1 tsp KOSHER SALT
- 1/2 tsp BLACK PEPPER
- 1 tbsp FRESH THYME
- 4 cups WATER
Instructions
Step 1:
- Wash the potatoes in cold water. Remove all the dirt and small spots. Place them into your large pot now. Do not drop them too hard.
Step 2:
- Cover the potatoes with cold water. Add a big pinch of salt. Turn the stove to high heat. Bring the water to a boil.
Step 3:
- Lower the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for fifteen minutes. They should be tender but not falling apart. Test them with a small fork.
Step 4:
- Drain the potatoes in a colander. Let the steam rise for a minute. Place them on a clean kitchen towel. Pat them dry very gently.
Step 5:
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Put the dry potatoes on the tray. Space them out so they have room. This helps them get very crunchy.
Step 6:
- Use your masher to press down. Smash them until they are flat. Do not break them into pieces. They should look like thick pancakes.
Step 7:
- Melt the butter in your saucepan. Mix it with the olive oil. Drizzle this mix over every potato. Use a brush if you want.
Step 8:
- Sprinkle the salt and the pepper. Add the fresh thyme leaves now. Place the tray in the hot oven. Bake for twenty-five long minutes.
Step 9:
- Watch for a deep brown color. Flip them halfway through if you like. Take them out when they are crispy. Serve them while they are hot.













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