How to Make Delicious Smash Potatoes in Just a Few Steps

Are you tired of the same old boring mashed potatoes? Why not try making smash potatoes instead? They’re just as easy to make and offer a fun twist on your traditional side dish.

To make smash potatoes, start by boiling your potatoes until they’re tender enough to pierce with a fork. Once they’re ready, drain the water and transfer them to a baking sheet. Use a potato masher or fork to gently press down on each potato until they’re slightly flattened. Then, drizzle olive oil and sprinkle seasoning (such as garlic powder, salt, and black pepper) over the potatoes before baking in the oven until they’re crispy and golden. It’s that simple! So why not give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your delicious and innovative side dish?

Section 1: Preparation

1. Choose the Right Potatoes

When it comes to making smash potatoes, choosing the right potatoes is crucial. You want to go for starchy or all-purpose potatoes rather than waxy ones, as they will result in a fluffier texture. Russet potatoes, in particular, are a popular choice for making smash potatoes as they are high in starch and low in moisture.

2. Clean and Peel the Potatoes

Once you have selected your potatoes, it’s time to clean and peel them. Rinse the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a vegetable peeler, peel the skin off the potatoes. This step is entirely optional, and you can leave the skin on if you like.

3. Cut Potatoes into Evenly Sized Pieces

To ensure that your potatoes cook evenly, it’s important to cut them into evenly sized pieces. Large potatoes can be cut into quarters or eighths, while smaller potatoes can be halved. Just make sure that all the pieces are roughly the same size.

4. Boil the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a pot and add enough water to cover them. You can also add salt to the water if desired. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the potato.

Section 2: Making the Smash

5. Drain Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them sit for a minute or two to remove any excess moisture. Make sure to shake the colander around to get rid of as much moisture as possible.

6. Mash the Potatoes

Transfer the drained potatoes to a large bowl and begin mashing them with a potato masher or a fork. Keep mashing until they are broken down into small pieces. You don’t want to over-mash them, though, as this can result in a gluey texture.

7. Add Butter and Milk

Add a generous amount of butter and a bit of milk to the bowl with the mashed potatoes. The butter will add richness and flavor while the milk will make them creamier. Start with a small amount of milk and add more as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

8. Season with Salt and Pepper

Season the mash with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the salt, as potatoes tend to absorb a lot of it. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.

9. Mix in Extras

If you want to take your smash potatoes to the next level, you can mix in all sorts of extras, such as garlic, chives, sour cream, cheese, or bacon. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative.

10. Serve and Enjoy!

Once you’ve added all your desired extras, it’s time to serve your delicious smash potatoes. They go great with just about any meal, from roasted chicken to grilled fish to steak. Enjoy!

Section 2: Spice Up Your Smash Potatoes

If you’re tired of the same old mashed potatoes, it’s time to get creative and add some pizzazz to your dish. In this section, we will share some delicious and easy ways to spice up your smash potatoes.

1. Garlic Lovers Unite

Who doesn’t love garlic? To give your smash potatoes a heavenly garlic flavor, simply saute minced garlic in a pan with some butter until it’s soft and fragrant. Mix the garlic butter into your mashed potatoes, and voila! You’ve got a side dish fit for a king or queen.

2. Parmesan Please

Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful nutty and salty flavor to any dish. Add grated Parmesan cheese to your mashed potatoes for an extra kick of flavor. You won’t be disappointed.

3. Herbivore’s Delight

Fresh herbs make everything taste better, and this is especially true for mashed potatoes. Add some chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thyme to your potatoes for a touch of freshness and color.

4. Spices Galore

Spices can completely change the taste of mashed potatoes. Experiment with different spices like cumin, paprika, or curry powder to add some heat and depth of flavor.

5. Sweet and Savory

Add some sweetness to your smash potatoes by mixing in some maple syrup or honey. For a sweet and savory combo, crumble some cooked bacon on top of the potatoes.

6. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted garlic is an indulgent addition to any dish, and it takes mashed potatoes to the next level. To make roasted garlic mashed potatoes, simply roast a head of garlic in the oven until it’s soft and caramelized, and mix the roasted garlic into your mashed potatoes.

7. Blue Cheese Bliss

If you’re a fan of blue cheese, crumble some into your mashed potatoes for a mouth-watering, tangy flavor. It’s a great way to add a unique touch to a classic dish.

8. Creamy Cauliflower Mash

Want to add some extra nutrients to your mash? Mix in steamed and mashed cauliflower for a low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. The added creaminess will make them just as delicious as the real thing.

9. Bacon and Cheddar Smash Potatoes

Bacon and cheddar are a classic combo that can’t go wrong. Cook up some bacon until crispy, and crumble it into your mashed potatoes along with some shredded cheddar cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest.

10. Truffle Oil Elegance

Truffle oil is a decadent addition to any dish. Drizzle some over your mashed potatoes for a luxurious flavor that will impress your guests. It’s an easy way to add a touch of elegance to a simple dish.

In conclusion, with these creative and delicious ideas, you’ll never get bored with your smash potatoes. Experiment and find your new favorite way to enjoy this classic dish.

Tools and Ingredients Needed to Make Delicious Smash Potatoes

There are only a few tools and ingredients that you need to make perfect smash potatoes. Most of these items can be easily found in your kitchen.

Potatoes

Potatoes are the main ingredient in making smash potatoes. You can use any type of potatoes for making smash potatoes, but it is best to use medium-sized russet potatoes which are perfect for mashing. Ensure that the potatoes are evenly sized so that they cook evenly.

Butter

Butter is a key ingredient to making creamy and delicious smash potatoes. You can use salted or unsalted butter. It is best to place the butter in a bowl or on a plate at room temperature to make it easier to mix with the warm, cooked potatoes later.

Milk or Cream

Milk or cream is used to add richness and creaminess to the smash potatoes. Use whole milk or heavy cream for a creamier texture. Remember to warm the milk or cream before adding it to the mashed potatoes.

Garlic Cloves

Garlic cloves add a delicious and subtle flavor to your smash potatoes. Peel the garlic cloves and add them to the water when boiling the potatoes. Make sure to remove them before mashing the potatoes.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are used to enhance the flavors of your potatoes. Add salt to the water when boiling the potatoes. Once the potatoes are mashed, add pepper to taste.

By using the right tools and ingredients, you can ensure that your smash potatoes will always turn out perfectly. Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started on making delicious smash potatoes!

It’s All About the Smash!

There you have it, folks! Making smash potatoes is a breeze, and you can do it in just a few easy steps. The best thing about them is that you can customize them any way you like—they’re versatile and delicious! Thanks for reading, and I hope you try this recipe soon. Don’t forget to come back and check out our other articles for more tasty treats. Happy cooking!