Welcome to your next favorite side dish: Garlic Herb Butter Smashed Potatoes! Imagine crispy, buttery potatoes, bursting with garlic and fresh herbs. This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a savory delight. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a cooking newbie, these smashed potatoes will impress everyone at the table. Ready to elevate your meal? Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this mouthwatering dish!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and butter creates a mouthwatering flavor that elevates simple potatoes to a gourmet dish.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Crispy Texture: Baking the smashed potatoes until golden brown gives them a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft interior.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the herbs or add your favorite cheese to make this dish your own!
Ingredients
For Garlic Herb Butter Smashed Potatoes, you need simple ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Olive oil for drizzling
Each ingredient plays a key role. The baby potatoes give a creamy texture. Unsalted butter adds richness, while garlic brings a warm, savory taste. Fresh herbs add bright notes, making each bite fresh and aromatic. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. If you choose to add Parmesan, it boosts the flavor and adds a nice crust. Olive oil at the end makes everything glisten and adds a finishing touch.
Choosing quality ingredients matters. Fresh herbs make a big difference in taste. If you can, buy them from a local market. This dish not only tastes great, but it also looks stunning on your table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Boiling the Potatoes
- Prep the Potatoes: Start by washing 2 pounds of baby potatoes. Make sure they are clean. Place them in a large pot. Add cold water to cover the potatoes and a pinch of salt.
- Cooking time and method: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes. They should be fork-tender when done.
Smashing the Potatoes
- Draining the cooked potatoes: Once cooked, carefully drain the potatoes in a colander. Let them cool for a few minutes.
- Preheating the oven: While the potatoes cool, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This helps the potatoes get nice and crispy.
Making the Garlic Herb Butter
- Melting the butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Be patient to avoid burning the butter.
- Adding garlic and herbs: Once melted, stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it smells great. Remove from heat and mix in 1 tablespoon each of chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Baking the Smashed Potatoes
- Coating with garlic herb butter: On a greased baking sheet, place the cooled potatoes. Gently smash each potato to about 1/2 inch thick. Brush them with the garlic herb butter. Save some for drizzling later.
- Baking time and temperature: Bake the smashed potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. They should turn golden and crisp. If you like cheese, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top in the last 5 minutes.
Final Touches
- Drizzling with oil and butter: Once baked, take the potatoes out of the oven. Drizzle with extra olive oil and any leftover garlic herb butter for more flavor.
- Serving suggestions: Serve warm and feel free to garnish with extra herbs if you want. Enjoy these tasty potatoes as a side or a snack!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Smashed Potatoes
To get the best smashed potatoes, aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch. This allows for a crispy outer layer while keeping the center fluffy. When smashing, use a potato masher or the bottom of a glass. Don't press too hard; a gentle smash is all you need.
For extra crispiness, bake at 450°F (230°C). Place the potatoes on a greased baking sheet, giving them space to breathe. This way, they can get crisp on all sides.
Flavor Enhancements
If you don’t have fresh herbs, use dried herbs instead. One teaspoon of dried herbs equals one tablespoon of fresh herbs. You can also mix and match your favorites. Basil and oregano can add a nice twist.
For seasonings, try adding smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper if you want heat. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors too.
Pairing Suggestions
These smashed potatoes go well with many dishes. You can serve them with roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty meal. They also pair nicely with sautéed greens, adding color and nutrition.
For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic well. A light beer or sparkling water with lemon also works nicely. Enjoy your meal with these tasty pairings!
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: For the best texture, use waxy potatoes like baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold their shape well when boiled and provide a creamy interior when smashed.
- Don't Overcook: Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooked potatoes can become too soft and mushy to smash effectively. Aim for fork-tender, but not falling apart.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix and match your favorite herbs or even add a pinch of spice for a kick. Consider adding fresh basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Perfect Your Crispiness: For extra crispy potatoes, make sure to space them out on the baking sheet and brush them generously with olive oil. This helps them brown evenly.
Variations
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily switch up the butter for a vegan option. Use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. If you need gluten-free options, just skip the Parmesan cheese. The potatoes will still taste great with just the garlic herb butter.
Flavor Fusion Ideas
Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the butter. This gives a nice kick to the dish. You can also mix in different cheeses. Try cheddar for a sharp flavor or feta for a tangy twist. Both options bring a new taste to the classic dish.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use seasonal vegetables to add variety. For spring, toss in some asparagus or peas. In fall, add roasted pumpkin or butternut squash. These veggies pair well with the potatoes. For holidays, think about adding festive spices. Nutmeg and sage can create a lovely winter dish.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your garlic herb butter smashed potatoes fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If you plan to use them later, store the potatoes without the garlic butter. This keeps the flavors better. For meal prep, portion out the potatoes into smaller containers. This makes it easy to grab and heat when you need a quick side dish.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your potatoes, the oven is the best choice. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may get soggy. If you use the microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel. This helps keep some moisture in but be careful not to overcook.
Freezing Potatoes
You can freeze garlic herb butter smashed potatoes before cooking. After smashing, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. For cooked potatoes, let them cool completely first. They can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven for best results. This way, they stay crispy and delicious.
FAQs
What are Garlic Herb Butter Smashed Potatoes?
Garlic herb butter smashed potatoes are a tasty side dish. You start with baby potatoes, boil them, and then smash them flat. After that, you coat them in a rich garlic herb butter. Finally, you bake them until crispy. The garlic, herbs, and butter blend together, creating a savory treat.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, you can use regular potatoes. You will need to cut them into smaller pieces. This helps them cook evenly and faster. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. Check for fork-tenderness before smashing.
How do I make this recipe ahead of time?
To make this dish ahead, cook the potatoes and smash them. Then, store them in the fridge. You can prepare the garlic herb butter too. When you're ready to serve, just bake them. Reheat in the oven at 450°F (230°C) until crispy.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free. Use a dairy-free butter or margarine. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter flavor. The taste will still be great with the garlic and herbs.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To spice up the potatoes, add red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce. These additions will give your dish that extra kick!
These Garlic Herb Butter Smashed Potatoes are easy and delicious. You learned how to boil, smash, and bake them. Using fresh herbs and flavorful butter brings great taste. You can even add cheese or spices for variety. With these tips, you'll create a crisp and tasty side dish. Store leftovers properly or freeze for later. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and find what you love. This dish can fit any meal, making it a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
