Fried Smashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, you’ve got to try these fried smashed potatoes.

I love making this recipe because it’s simple yet incredibly satisfying.

The key to perfect smashed potatoes is boiling them just right—until they’re fork-tender but not falling apart.

After smashing, let them dry for a few minutes to get that extra crispiness when frying.

One trick I recommend is using a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even frying.

These potatoes are versatile and pair well with almost any main dish.

Plus, they’re a hit at any gathering, making them a go-to in my kitchen.

How to Make Fried Smashed Potatoes

Ingredients List

• Gold potatoes (6 large)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Cold water
• Vegetable oil
• Optional flavorings: garlic, dried herbs

Step-by-step Process

Step 1

Start by washing and scrubbing the gold potatoes to remove any dirt.

Leave the skins on for added flavor and nutrients.

Step 2

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with at least 1 inch of cold water.

Add 1 teaspoon salt to the water.

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes until tender (about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes).

Test with a fork to ensure they are fully cooked.

Step 3

Carefully drain the water from the pot and let the potatoes cool for a few minutes until they can be handled.

Step 4

While the potatoes are cooling, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and arrange oiled baking sheets on the lower and center racks.

Step 5

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, use the flat side of a meat mallet, a fork, or the bottom of a cup to press down on each potato to flatten it gently.

Make sure not to break apart the potatoes completely; they should still hold their shape.

Step 6

Transfer the mashed potatoes to the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one.

Brush each potato with vegetable oil, making sure to cover all sides evenly.

Add any optional flavorings, such as garlic or dried herbs, to suit your taste preferences.

Step 7

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven, with one sheet on the lower rack and the other on the center rack.

Bake the potatoes for about 20-25 minutes or until they have a golden and crispy exterior.

You may want to flip the potatoes halfway through to ensure even crispiness.

Step 8

Once the fried smashed potatoes are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Serve them hot alongside your favorite main dishes, and enjoy the delicious taste of crispy fried mashed potatoes.

Side Dishes for Fried Smashed Potatoes

Fried smashed potatoes are a versatile, delicious, and satisfying side dish.

To take your meals to the next level, you may want to pair them with the perfect accompaniment.

Here are a few side dishes that will complement your favorite potato dish, turning it into a more complete meal:

Simple Green Salad

Sometimes, all you need is a light, fresh side dish to balance the flavors of your meal.

A simple green salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette dressing is a great choice to pair with fried smashed potatoes.

The crisp, refreshing vegetables will provide a contrast to the rich, savory potatoes, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Tender, flavorful sautéed mushrooms add an earthy, umami-rich dimension to any potato side dish.

Cook your favorite mushroom variety in butter or olive oil and season with garlic and fresh herbs for a delicious addition to your fried mashed potatoes.

The contrast in textures and the savory, earthy flavors of the mushrooms make this side dish a winner.

By selecting one of these side dishes, you can turn your plate of crispy golden mashed potatoes into a well-rounded and delicious meal.

The key is balancing flavors, textures, and temperatures to create an enjoyable dining experience.

How to Store Fried Smashed Potatoes

Fried smashed potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be easily stored and enjoyed later.

Storing them properly will help preserve their texture and flavor while also ensuring they remain safe to eat.

Here are some tips on how to store your fried smashed potatoes effectively:

Refrigeration:

Place the fried smashed potatoes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, making sure to cover the entire surface area of the potatoes.

Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When you are ready to enjoy them again, reheat the potatoes in the oven or in a skillet to bring back the crispy texture.

Freezing:

For longer storage, you can freeze your fried mashed potatoes.

First, allow the potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to a baking sheet.

Ensure that the potatoes are arranged in a single layer and not touching each other.

Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours or until the potatoes are completely frozen.

Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.

Label the container with the date of storage and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply place the frozen potatoes on a baking sheet and heat in the oven until crisp and heated through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Fried Smashed Potatoes:

Using the wrong type of potatoes

When making fried mashed potatoes, it’s important to use the right type of potato.

Golden potatoes and fingerling potatoes work well for this dish.

Avoid using russet potatoes, as they can become too mealy and fall apart when smashed.

Not boiling the potatoes properly

It’s essential to boil the potatoes in cold water for proper cooking.

Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes in a Dutch oven generously, and then bring the water to a boil.

Boiling them directly in hot water can result in uneven cooking, leaving some undercooked parts or making the outside overly soft.

Overcrowding the baking sheet

Using a rimmed baking sheet gives the potatoes adequate space to spread out and cook evenly.

Without enough room, the potatoes may stick together and not crisp up properly.

Make sure to leave enough space between each potato, and use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Incorrect oven placement

To ensure an even browning and crispy texture, place the oven rack in the middle of the oven.

Cooking at too high a position may cause the potatoes to burn while not being cooked through, and too low a position may result in undercooked or soggy potatoes.

Insufficient cooking time

Fried mashed potatoes should be baked for about 20-25 minutes.

If they are not cooked long enough, the potatoes will not achieve their characteristic crispiness.

Overcooking, on the other hand, can make them dry and tough.

Skipping the added flavors

Adding additional flavors, such as fresh thyme and minced garlic cloves, can elevate the taste of your mashed potatoes.

Don’t miss out on incorporating these delicious ingredients to enhance your dish.

Simply toss the potatoes with the herbs and garlic before placing them on the baking sheet.

Frying on too high or low heat

When frying your smashed potatoes, ensure you’re using medium heat.

Frying them on high heat will cause them to burn quickly, while low heat won’t provide the desired crispy texture.

Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel before frying to prevent excess oil splattering.