Smashed Garlic Potatoes

These Smashed Garlic Potatoes with Crispy Oil are the ultimate side dish for any occasion. Golden baby potatoes are boiled until tender, smashed to create extra surface area, and then roasted to perfection. The result is a potato that is incredibly fluffy on the inside with irresistible, golden-brown crispy edges, all finished with a drizzle of fragrant garlic-infused olive oil and a sprinkle of delicate fleur de sel.

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Transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet side dish is easy with this method. The key is in the double-cooking process—first boiling the potatoes to ensure they are fully cooked, then roasting them at high heat to achieve that signature crunch. The finishing touch of garlic-infused oil ensures every bite is packed with flavor without the garlic becoming bitter in the oven.

Ingredients

• Potatoes: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) baby potatoes, washed; 1 ½ tsp fine sea salt (for boiling)
• Garlic Oil: 80 ml (⅓ cup) extra virgin olive oil; 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
• Finishing: Fleur de sel, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1 ½ tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well.

Step 3

Arrange the cooked potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato to about 1.5 cm (½ inch) thick.

Step 4

Drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil over the potatoes and gently toss to coat.

Step 5

Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are golden and crispy.

Step 6

While potatoes roast, heat the remaining olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and gently cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7

Once potatoes are crisp, remove from oven and immediately drizzle with the garlic-infused oil. Sprinkle with fleur de sel, black pepper, and chopped parsley if using.

Step 8

Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the best results, ensure the potatoes are boiled until completely fork-tender before smashing; this allows them to flatten easily without breaking into small pieces. Draining the potatoes thoroughly after boiling is also essential to ensure they roast rather than steam in the oven.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic oil while it heats. You can also swap the fresh parsley for other herbs such as chives or thyme depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Serviervorschläge

These potatoes are excellent when served with grilled meats or roasted chicken. For a vegetarian option, serve them as a hearty main dish accompanied by a fresh, crisp garden salad.

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With their golden color and aromatic finish, these Smashed Garlic Potatoes are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve them immediately while they are at their crispiest to enjoy the full experience of this simple yet elegant side dish.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I achieve crispy edges on the potatoes?

Smashing the boiled potatoes to about 1.5 cm thick creates a larger surface area that crisps beautifully in the oven. Using enough olive oil and roasting at high temperature ensures a golden finish.

→ Can I prepare the garlic oil in advance?

Yes, gently cooking minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant and storing it in the fridge can be done ahead. Warm the oil slightly before drizzling over the potatoes to preserve flavor.

→ What is fleur de sel and why use it?

Fleur de sel is a delicate sea salt with a mild texture and flavor, perfect for finishing dishes. Sprinkling it on the potatoes enhances the savory notes without overpowering.

→ Are there good herb substitutions for parsley?

Chives or thyme work well in place of parsley, offering a different but complementary herbal brightness to the dish.

→ Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the dish is naturally gluten-free, using baby potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and seasonings without gluten-containing ingredients.