Are you ready to elevate your side dish game? Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes are here to impress! This simple recipe combines crispy, buttery flavors with the punch of garlic, making it the perfect complement to any meal. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll delight your family and friends at dinner. Let’s dive in and discover how to create these delicious potatoes step by step!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1.5 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Olive oil for drizzling
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use other potato types like red or fingerling potatoes. For a dairy-free option, try using margarine or olive oil instead of butter. If you want more flavor, switch up the herbs. Fresh chives or rosemary can work well. Feel free to add your favorite spices to make the dish your own.
For the full recipe, click here: [Full Recipe].
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
To start, you need to boil the potatoes. Take 1.5 pounds of baby Yukon gold potatoes and put them in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Let the potatoes cook for 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature helps the potatoes get crispy later.
Smashed Potato Technique
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. You want to handle them safely. When they are cool enough, place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Now comes the fun part! Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato until it is about 1/2-inch thick. This creates a nice texture for crisping.
Baking Instructions
Next, we need to prepare the garlic butter. In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter with 4 cloves of minced garlic. If you like a little heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Brush this garlic butter mixture generously over each smashed potato. Make sure to get some garlic on each one! Then, sprinkle salt and pepper over the potatoes to taste.
Now, place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes. You want them to turn golden and crispy. When they are done, sprinkle fresh parsley on top and drizzle with a little olive oil. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Best Flavor
To get the best flavor in your garlic butter smashed potatoes, choose fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives a strong, rich taste. You can also use herbs like thyme or rosemary. They add depth and aroma.
For crispiness, make sure you smash the potatoes evenly. This helps them bake evenly. Drizzle a little olive oil before baking. It helps create a nice golden crust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One big mistake is overcooking or undercooking the potatoes. Overcooked potatoes become mushy. Undercooked potatoes stay hard. Aim for fork-tender potatoes for the best texture.
Another mistake is not using enough seasoning. Garlic butter adds flavor, but potatoes need salt and pepper too. Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Taste as you go!
Serving Suggestions
Garlic butter smashed potatoes pair well with many dishes. They go great with meats like chicken or steak. You can also serve them with roasted veggies for a healthy meal.
For a balanced plate, add a fresh salad. The crunch of greens contrasts nicely with the soft potatoes. Think about adding a tangy dressing to brighten the meal.
For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on making these tasty potatoes!
Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can make garlic butter smashed potatoes even more exciting with a few tweaks.
– Cheesy garlic butter smashed potatoes: Add shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan on top before baking. The cheese melts and creates a rich, creamy texture.
– Spicy smashed potatoes with added chili: Mix in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne to add heat. This will give your dish a nice kick.
Dietary Adaptations
If you have specific dietary needs, you can still enjoy this dish.
– Vegan options: Swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
– Gluten-free adaptations: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that all your ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Seasonal Variations
Changing up the herbs and ingredients can bring fresh flavors.
– Using seasonal herbs and ingredients: In spring, add fresh chives or dill. In the fall, try rosemary or thyme for a cozy touch. Seasonal veggies like roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes can also enhance the dish.
For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. Enjoy exploring these variations!
Storage Info
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep your garlic butter smashed potatoes fresh, store them properly. First, let the potatoes cool completely after baking. Then, place them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in flavor and moisture. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.
To freeze, wrap each potato in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t stick together. Frozen smashed potatoes can last for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating correctly is key. The best method is using the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 15-20 minutes. This will help keep them crispy.
If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them for 1-2 minutes. To retain their texture and flavor, cover them with a damp paper towel. This helps to keep them from drying out.
For the best results, always check that they are heated through before serving. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter smashed potatoes! You can find the full recipe [here](Full Recipe).
FAQs
How long do garlic butter smashed potatoes last in the fridge?
Garlic butter smashed potatoes last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for later meals.
Can I prepare smashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make smashed potatoes ahead of time. Cook and smash them, then store in the fridge. Just reheat and add garlic butter before serving.
What is the best way to serve garlic butter smashed potatoes?
Serve these potatoes hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. They go well with roasted meats and grilled veggies. You can also drizzle olive oil for extra flavor.
Can I use another type of potato for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other potatoes. Russet or red potatoes work well too. Just ensure they are similar in size for even cooking.
How do I make garlic butter from scratch?
To make garlic butter, mix melted butter with minced garlic. You can add herbs for more flavor. It’s easy and takes just a few minutes. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes section above.
You learned how to make delicious garlic butter smashed potatoes. We covered the best ingredients, simple cooking steps, and helpful tips. Remember to substitute ingredients as needed. Experiment with flavors to make these potatoes your own. Store them well to enjoy later, and don’t forget the reheating tips. Smashed potatoes can be a great side dish and are easy to share. Now, it’s time to enjoy your tasty creation. Happy cooking!
![- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Olive oil for drizzling You can use other potato types like red or fingerling potatoes. For a dairy-free option, try using margarine or olive oil instead of butter. If you want more flavor, switch up the herbs. Fresh chives or rosemary can work well. Feel free to add your favorite spices to make the dish your own. For the full recipe, click here: [Full Recipe]. To start, you need to boil the potatoes. Take 1.5 pounds of baby Yukon gold potatoes and put them in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Let the potatoes cook for 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender. While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature helps the potatoes get crispy later. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. You want to handle them safely. When they are cool enough, place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Now comes the fun part! Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato until it is about 1/2-inch thick. This creates a nice texture for crisping. Next, we need to prepare the garlic butter. In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter with 4 cloves of minced garlic. If you like a little heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Brush this garlic butter mixture generously over each smashed potato. Make sure to get some garlic on each one! Then, sprinkle salt and pepper over the potatoes to taste. Now, place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes. You want them to turn golden and crispy. When they are done, sprinkle fresh parsley on top and drizzle with a little olive oil. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions! To get the best flavor in your garlic butter smashed potatoes, choose fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives a strong, rich taste. You can also use herbs like thyme or rosemary. They add depth and aroma. For crispiness, make sure you smash the potatoes evenly. This helps them bake evenly. Drizzle a little olive oil before baking. It helps create a nice golden crust. One big mistake is overcooking or undercooking the potatoes. Overcooked potatoes become mushy. Undercooked potatoes stay hard. Aim for fork-tender potatoes for the best texture. Another mistake is not using enough seasoning. Garlic butter adds flavor, but potatoes need salt and pepper too. Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Taste as you go! Garlic butter smashed potatoes pair well with many dishes. They go great with meats like chicken or steak. You can also serve them with roasted veggies for a healthy meal. For a balanced plate, add a fresh salad. The crunch of greens contrasts nicely with the soft potatoes. Think about adding a tangy dressing to brighten the meal. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on making these tasty potatoes! {{image_2}} You can make garlic butter smashed potatoes even more exciting with a few tweaks. - Cheesy garlic butter smashed potatoes: Add shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan on top before baking. The cheese melts and creates a rich, creamy texture. - Spicy smashed potatoes with added chili: Mix in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne to add heat. This will give your dish a nice kick. If you have specific dietary needs, you can still enjoy this dish. - Vegan options: Swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. - Gluten-free adaptations: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that all your ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Changing up the herbs and ingredients can bring fresh flavors. - Using seasonal herbs and ingredients: In spring, add fresh chives or dill. In the fall, try rosemary or thyme for a cozy touch. Seasonal veggies like roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes can also enhance the dish. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. Enjoy exploring these variations! To keep your garlic butter smashed potatoes fresh, store them properly. First, let the potatoes cool completely after baking. Then, place them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in flavor and moisture. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze, wrap each potato in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t stick together. Frozen smashed potatoes can last for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date! When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating correctly is key. The best method is using the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 15-20 minutes. This will help keep them crispy. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them for 1-2 minutes. To retain their texture and flavor, cover them with a damp paper towel. This helps to keep them from drying out. For the best results, always check that they are heated through before serving. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter smashed potatoes! You can find the full recipe [here](Full Recipe). Garlic butter smashed potatoes last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for later meals. Yes, you can make smashed potatoes ahead of time. Cook and smash them, then store in the fridge. Just reheat and add garlic butter before serving. Serve these potatoes hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. They go well with roasted meats and grilled veggies. You can also drizzle olive oil for extra flavor. Yes, you can use other potatoes. Russet or red potatoes work well too. Just ensure they are similar in size for even cooking. To make garlic butter, mix melted butter with minced garlic. You can add herbs for more flavor. It’s easy and takes just a few minutes. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes section above. You learned how to make delicious garlic butter smashed potatoes. We covered the best ingredients, simple cooking steps, and helpful tips. Remember to substitute ingredients as needed. Experiment with flavors to make these potatoes your own. Store them well to enjoy later, and don’t forget the reheating tips. Smashed potatoes can be a great side dish and are easy to share. Now, it’s time to enjoy your tasty creation. Happy cooking!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/90824fbe-a3bb-46cd-98c3-cae883b4ed31-250x250.webp)