Why You’ll Love these Crispy Smashed Potatoes
When you’re looking for the ultimate side dish that delivers both simplicity and maximum flavor, these crispy smashed potatoes are about to become your new obsession. I can’t get enough of their incredible textural contrast—that golden, crispy exterior giving way to a fluffy, tender interior with each bite.
What makes them extraordinary? The fennel seeds add an unexpected aromatic twist that elevates them beyond ordinary roasted potatoes. Plus, they’re practically foolproof. You’ll love how they look rustic and impressive on the plate, despite requiring minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, these potatoes steal the show without stealing your time.
What Ingredients are in Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
These crispy smashed potatoes require just a handful of simple ingredients that combine to create something magical in the oven. What I love about this recipe is how it transforms ordinary potatoes into a dish with extraordinary texture and flavor using ingredients most of us already have in our pantry.
The beauty lies in the minimalist approach—letting the natural starchiness of the potatoes create that perfect crispiness when paired with good olive oil and aromatic seasonings.
- 6 baking potatoes (Russets work perfectly)
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
When selecting potatoes for this recipe, try to choose ones that are similar in size so they’ll cook evenly.
The quality of your olive oil matters too—this is one of those dishes where using a good extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor.
And while fennel seeds mightn’t be in everyone’s spice cabinet, they’re worth seeking out for the unique, slightly anise-like flavor they bring.
Can’t find fennel seeds? Rosemary or thyme make wonderful substitutions, though the character of the dish will naturally shift a bit.
The beauty of these smashed potatoes is their adaptability to whatever herbs and spices speak to you.
How to Make these Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Making these crispy smashed potatoes is almost embarrassingly simple, yet the results are absolutely restaurant-worthy. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then place your 6 baking potatoes on a baking tray. No need to get fancy here—just pop them in and let them bake for about 45 to 60 minutes until they’re completely tender. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides easily through the flesh. This first baking step is essential because we need those potatoes perfectly soft before the smashing begins.
Once your potatoes are tender, crank up the heat to 450°F (230°C)—this is where the magic happens. Now comes the most satisfying part: take a potato masher or small plate and push down on each potato until it cracks open and flattens out. You’re aiming to double their diameter while maintaining some thickness. Isn’t there something wonderfully cathartic about smashing perfectly good food?
After smashing, drizzle liberally with 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, making sure to get some on every nook and cranny. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fennel seeds evenly across all potatoes, followed by 1 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Those crispy edges need that seasoning to sing. For an authentic fajita-style presentation, you could serve these alongside your main dish using a cast iron skillet for that sizzling restaurant effect.
Return your flattened, oil-slicked potatoes to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. During this final bake, the exterior of the potatoes transforms into a golden, crispy shell while the interior remains fluffy and tender. The contrast between these textures is what makes smashed potatoes so addictive.
And while they’re baking, your kitchen will fill with the most intoxicating aroma of toasted fennel and olive oil. For a gourmet variation, you could use a cheese grater to add fine shreds of parmesan over the potatoes during the last few minutes of baking. Keep an eye on them toward the end—you want that perfect golden-brown color without burning the seasonings.
Once they’re done, serve immediately while hot and crispy for the full experience.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes Substitutions and Variations
Although the classic recipe for crispy smashed potatoes is absolutely divine, there’s always room for delicious experimentation with substitutions and variations.
I love swapping olive oil for browned butter or duck fat for even crispier results.
Don’t have fennel seeds? Try rosemary, thyme, or za’atar for completely different flavor profiles. You can also add grated parmesan or nutritional yeast during the final bake for a cheesy finish.
For a loaded version, top with sour cream, chives, and bacon bits.
And who says you can’t use sweet potatoes or purple potatoes instead? The colorful twist might just become your new favorite.
What to Serve with Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Crispy smashed potatoes deserve the perfect dining companions to create a memorable meal. I like to pair them with roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty dinner that satisfies every time.
The potatoes’ crunchy edges and fluffy centers complement the savory juices from these proteins beautifully.
For a lighter option, try serving alongside a fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables tossed in similar seasonings.
Fish dishes work wonderfully too—imagine a perfectly seared salmon fillet next to these golden potatoes.
Want to keep it simple? Add a dollop of sour cream, fresh herbs, or grated cheese right on top.
Delicious simplicity at its finest.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve mastered these crispy smashed potatoes, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them in your cooking repertoire.
They’re the perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior, with that aromatic fennel seed adding an unexpected pop of flavor.
I love how versatile these potatoes are—simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for guests. The olive oil creates those irresistible golden edges that everyone fights over.
And honestly, the recipe is practically foolproof. Just remember, don’t rush the initial baking time—those potatoes need to be fork-tender before the smashing begins. These potatoes also pair wonderfully with Mexican cheese blend sprinkled on top for a delicious twist.
If you’re looking for another comforting side dish option, try serving these alongside a classic creamy mac and cheese made with a blend of cheddar and American cheeses.
