Spiced Smashed Potatoes are a classic, super delicious side dish—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. This easy smashed potatoes recipe has baby potatoes with garlic, olive oil, a blend of spices, and parmesan cheese, then bakes them to golden perfection.
Imagine a perfect balance of soft, pillowy potatoes on the inside, paired with the irresistible crunch of a golden, parmesan-coated outer layer.
Traveling to different countries allows you to experience authentic cuisine and gather inspiration.
Table of contents
This ultimate smashed potato recipe comes together in under 50 minutes when made from scratch. Plus, it is super simple, easy to make, and tastes just amazing.
About Spiced Smashed Potatoes
Spiced Smashed Potatoes are crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. These oven-roasted smashed potato bites are soft on the inside, golden and crunchy on the outside, and coated in a delightful garlicky spiced parmesan mix, which makes them absolutely irresistible.
They can be enjoyed as a fun side dish, appetizer, or just as a snack you will keep reaching for. If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delicious side, these crispy, spicy smashed potatoes are here to impress you.
Making them is super easy. Simply boil the potatoes to give them a tender interior, then coat them in a mix of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, and parmesan. Smash them, top with more parmesan for that crunchy exterior, and bake until golden perfection. That’s it.
Your spiced smashed potatoes are ready to be devoured with your favorite dipping sauces.
Once you try them, they will definitely become a staple in your kitchen. Just bake them and see for yourself how fast these potatoes disappear! :)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Spiced Smashed Potatoes
✓ are crispy from the outside and soft on the inside
✓ are beautifully seasoned
✓ are gluten-free & vegetarian
✓ can also be made vegan
✓ are loaded with cheesy goodness
✓ pair well with any dipping sauce
✓ are very versatile
✓ can be served as a side, snack, or appetizer
Ingredients
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Baby yellow potatoes: Potatoes are the star of this recipe. The small yellow potatoes have a creamy texture and thin skin, so they are perfect for smashing and crisping up in the oven.
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Olive oil: Added for richness and to help the potatoes turn golden and crispy. You can also use melted unsalted butter here.
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Parmesan cheese: It is added for that salty, cheesy layer which bakes into a crispy crust. I have coated the potatoes with a spiced parmesan mixture and also topped them with a sprinkle of parmesan for that ideal crispy crust.
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Seasoning: In this recipe, I have used salt in the boiling water and also in the spice mix for a beautiful flavor. Other spices I have used are smoked paprika for a deep smoky flavor and beautiful color, and onion powder to add a touch of sweetness. I have also sprinkled the smashed potatoes with some red pepper flakes for that lovely contrast and heat. But adding red pepper flakes is totally optional here.
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Garlic cloves: Finely chopped or minced garlic infuses the potatoes with piquant and boldly aromatic garlicky flavor.
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Fresh herb: I like to sprinkle the smashed potatoes with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for freshness and deliciousness.
How to Make it
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Boil the Potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare Seasoning Mix: On the baking sheet, combine olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and 1/2 cup of the grated parmesan cheese. Mix well.
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Coat Potatoes: Add the boiled potatoes to the baking sheet and gently toss to coat them in the seasoning mixture.
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Smash the Potatoes: Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each potato to flatten it. Be careful to keep them intact.
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Add Toppings: Spoon some of the remaining seasoning mixture over the smashed potatoes and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese on top.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Other Flavorings
Garlic Herb Butter
You can swap smoked paprika for Italian seasoning and use garlic butter for a rich, herby flavor.
Cheddar Jalapeño
For a spicier version, add shredded cheddar and chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Lemon Za’atar
You can also use za’atar, lemon zest, and olive oil for zesty Middle Eastern flavors.
Indian Masala
For Indian Masala Smashed Potato flavors, toss with turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, chaat masala, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
Ranch & Onion
You can also use ranch seasoning and top the potatoes with crispy fried onions or scallions for a loaded potato feel.
Variations
Vegan Smashed Potatoes
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and swap parmesan with vegan parmesan cheese.
Herb Infusion
For a herby flair, add fresh rosemary, parsley, or thyme to the seasoning mix for an aromatic twist.
Spicier Smashed Potatoes
For a spicier kick, swap smoked paprika with cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Extra Cheesy Potatoes
For a cheesy delight, mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar with parmesan for extra cheesiness.
Serving Suggestions
Just like cajun potatoes, these crispy spiced smashed potatoes pair beautifully with salads, grilled chicken, grilled cheese, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a tapas spread. You can also pair them with a smashed falafel wrap and air fryer garlic bread for a feast.
If serving as a snack, dip them in garlic aioli, sour cream, or a spicy sriracha mayo. You can also pair them with a cuppa cafe mocha, or caramel chai for an evening snack.
Storage Suggestions
These spiced smashed potatoes stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Reheating: To regain crispiness, you can reheat these potatoes in the oven at 375°F/190°C for 10–15 minutes. Do not use a microwave for reheating, as it can make the potatoes soggy.
Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Spiced Smashed Potatoes
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Potatoes: For even and uniform cooking, try to use similar-sized potatoes.
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Cooling: After boiling, let the potatoes cool and dry completely before baking to get maximum crispiness.
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Gentle Pressure: When smashing potatoes, apply gentle pressure. This step will prevent the potatoes from falling apart.
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Temperature: Make sure to watch the potatoes closely, as oven temperatures can vary. Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Spiced Smashed Potatoes (Step-by-step photo instructions)
For making Spiced Smashed Potatoes
- Add hot water to a large pot. Stir in some salt, then add the baby potatoes. Let the water come to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fully tender. This will take around 15 to 20 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes and set them aside.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On the baking sheet, add olive oil or melted butter, chopped garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and 1/2 cup of the parmesan cheese. Mix everything well directly on the tray.
- Add the boiled potatoes to the tray and gently coat them with the spice and cheese mixture. Lightly cut cris-cross on each potato with a knife. Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each potato to smash it. Be careful—they’re soft and can break easily. If any potato gets stuck to the glass, use a knife to gently release it.
- Once all the potatoes are smashed, spoon some of the spice-parmesan mixture from the tray over the tops. Then, sprinkle the remaining parmesan over each potato. Also sprinkle with red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Start checking after 25 minutes, as oven times may vary.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This step is important—the potatoes will firm up and become even crispier as they rest. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Recipe Card
Spiced Smashed Potatoes [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 6 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 45 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Snacks | American | 4 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 309 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Spiced Smashed Potatoes
- 18–19 baby yellow baby potatoes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or melted unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, plus more for for sprinkling
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS:
For making Spiced Smashed Potatoes
- Add hot water to a large pot. Stir in some salt, then add the baby potatoes. Let the water come to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fully tender. This will take around 15 to 20 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes and set them aside.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On the baking sheet, add olive oil or melted butter, chopped garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and 1/2 cup of the parmesan cheese. Mix everything well directly on the tray.
- Add the boiled potatoes to the tray and gently coat them with the spice and cheese mixture. Lightly cut cris-cross on each potato with a knife. Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each potato to smash it. Be careful—they’re soft and can break easily. If any potato gets stuck to the glass, use a knife to gently release it.
- Once all the potatoes are smashed, spoon some of the spice-parmesan mixture from the tray over the tops. Then, sprinkle the remaining parmesan over each potato. Also sprinkle with red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Start checking after 25 minutes, as oven times may vary.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This step is important—the potatoes will firm up and become even crispier as they rest. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice.
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NOTES:
- For even and uniform cooking, try to use similar-sized potatoes.
- After boiling, let the potatoes cool and dry completely before baking to get maximum crispiness.
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/spiced-smashed-potatoes/
