Crispy salt and pepper smashed potatoes

Crispy salt and pepper smashed potatoes is the perfect mix of creamy mashed potatoes and crisp roast potatoes and makes an easy, delicious side dish.

Is there anything more glorious than a crispy, crunchy roast potato? No wait, what about the creamiest, dreamiest, fluffy mashed potatoes? Can’t choose? Well, now you don’t have to. Because THIS my friends, is the perfect mash up (excuse the pun) of crisp roast potatoes and creamy mashed potatoes. Crispy smashed potatoes are going to become your new favorite side dish, in no time!

Smashed potatoes have been a regular at our family gatherings for the longest time. My uncle is the master of all potato cookery and he started making smashed potatoes when I was a little girl. He used to cook them in a deep fryer though which, let’s face it, makes the potatoes completely irresistible but also isn’t the healthiest option. I remember always loving the fluffy, creamy interior of the potato mixed with the super crunchy, golden exterior. I’m not drooling, you are!

I wanted to simplify the process a little and make it easier for people without a deep fryer to make this glorious smashed potatoes recipe. It’s also healthier, obviously.

How to make smashed potatoes

Boil medium-sized potatoes in a large pot of salted water until a sharp knife can easily be inserted. You want them to be pretty much fully cooked otherwise they won’t smash easily. Remove the potatoes from the water and place on a greased rimmed baking sheet. With a potato masher (or even a wooden spoon), smash the potatoes gently, flattening them. Drizzle the potatoes generously with olive oil and season with salt, fresh cracked black pepper and fresh thyme.

Place the potatoes in a hot oven preheated to 230°C/450°F and allow to roast until golden brown and crunchy, approximately 20-30 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve while hot.

What to serve with smashed potatoes

1. Easy lemon-herb roast chicken.
2. Pan-seared garlic lamb chops.
3. Easy grilled steak.
4. Lemon pepper chicken thighs.

Potato recipes

1. Twice baked potatoes.
2. Creamy condensed milk potato salad.
3. Easy spicy garlic baked potato wedges.
4. Hasselback potatoes with sriracha butter.