How to Make Perfectly Smashed Potatoes Every Time

Have you ever tasted smashed potato? If you haven’t, you’re missing out on a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to make. It can be a quick and easy side dish for your meals that will become a new family favourite. Smashed potatoes are versatile, and the recipe can be adjusted to your liking with various toppings. You can make them in different sizes, with different herbs and spices, or even with a different type of potato.

Making smashed potatoes is not complicated, and anyone can get it right with the right recipe. The first step is to boil some potatoes of your choice until they are tender. Then, the fun part begins, where you smash the potatoes using a fork or potato masher. There are various ways to cook smashed potatoes, including frying, baking, or roasting them, and with a few tips, you can make them crispy, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned. So, let’s get started on how to make this simple yet scrumptious dish.

Introduction:

Potatoes are a versatile and beloved food around the world. From french fries to mashed potatoes, there are endless ways to enjoy this starchy and filling vegetable. One popular way to prepare potatoes is by making smashed potatoes. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy this beloved vegetable, then read on for a step-by-step guide on how to make smashed potatoes.

1. Choose the Right Potatoes

The first step to making any potato dish is choosing the right type of potato. For smashed potatoes, you want to use a starchy potato like a Russet potato. Starchy potatoes have a higher starch content, which means they will break down more easily when boiled, resulting in a fluffy and creamy texture.

2. Wash and Boil the Potatoes

Once you’ve chosen your potatoes, it’s time to wash them and boil them. First, wash the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook for about 20-25 minutes or until they are tender when poked with a fork.

3. Drain and Cool the Potatoes

Next, drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. You want the potatoes to be cool enough to handle, but still warm. Cooling the potatoes will also help to dry out any excess moisture, which will make them easier to smash.

4. Smash the Potatoes

To smash the potatoes, place them on a cutting board or a sturdy surface. Then, using a potato masher or a fork, gently press down on the potatoes until they are smashed but still in one piece. You don’t want to overdo it, or the potatoes will become gummy.

5. Season the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are smashed, it’s time to season them. You can use a variety of seasonings, like salt, pepper, garlic, or herbs, to give the potatoes flavor. Be sure to season the potatoes generously, so they are flavorful.

6. Add Butter

Butter is an essential ingredient in making smashed potatoes. It adds richness and creaminess to the dish. Once you’ve seasoned the potatoes, melt some butter in a pan and then pour it over the potatoes. You want enough butter to coat the potatoes but not so much that they become greasy.

7. Roast the Potatoes

To give the potatoes a crispy texture, place them on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven. Roasting the potatoes will also help to caramelize the butter and seasonings, giving the dish even more flavor. Roast the potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

8. Top with Toppings

Smashed potatoes are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by topping them with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings include crispy bacon, shredded cheese, green onions, or sour cream. Get creative and add your favorite toppings to the dish.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Once the potatoes are roasted and topped, it’s time to serve them. Smashed potatoes make a great side dish for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a standalone dish. Serve them hot and enjoy their creamy texture and delicious flavor.

10. Try Different Variations

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of smashed potatoes. You can mix in different herbs or spices to give the dish a different flavor. You can also try using different types of potatoes, like sweet potatoes or Yukon golds, to create a unique and tasty dish. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making smashed potatoes. Have fun and enjoy!

What You Need

To make delicious smashed potatoes, you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients or expensive equipment. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

1. Potatoes: You can use any type of potato, but the most common ones for smashed potatoes are Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes.

2. Salt: You’ll need salt to season the potatoes and the water you’ll boil them in.

3. Butter: Butter is the secret ingredient that enhances the flavor and texture of smashed potatoes. You’ll need 6-8 tablespoons of butter depending on how many potatoes you’re cooking.

4. Milk: Adding milk to the mashed potatoes makes them creamier and smoother. You’ll need around 1/4 cup of milk for every 2 potatoes.

5. Pepper: Pepper is optional, but it adds a nice kick of flavor to the potatoes.

6. Boiling water: You’ll need enough boiling water to cover the potatoes in a pot.

7. A pot: You’ll need a large pot to boil the potatoes.

8. A colander: You’ll need a colander to drain water from the potatoes after boiling.

9. A potato masher: Once the potatoes are boiled, you’ll use a potato masher to smash them.

10. A large mixing bowl: You’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients and create a smooth and creamy texture.

Preparation

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, here’s how to make smashed potatoes:

1. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and peel the skin off.

2. Cut the potatoes into small cubes or slices of around 1 inch each.

3. Fill a large pot with enough boiling water to cover the potatoes and add 1-2 tablespoons of salt.

4. Add the potatoes to the pot and cook them for around 20-25 minutes until they’re tender.

5. Drain the water from the potatoes using a colander and let them cool down for a few minutes.

6. Melt the butter in a large mixing bowl and add the milk, pepper, and a pinch of salt.

7. Add the boiled potatoes to the mixing bowl and mash them using a potato masher until you get a smooth and creamy texture.

8. Mix everything together until the potatoes are well coated with the butter and milk mixture.

9. Taste the mashed potatoes and add more salt and pepper if needed.

10. You can serve the smashed potatoes as a side dish with any meat or vegetables, or you can use them as a base for other dishes like Shepherd’s Pie or potato croquettes. Enjoy!

Tools You’ll Need to Make Smashed Potato

In order to prepare the perfect smashed potato dish, there are a number of tools that you’ll need. Here are the essential items that you’ll need to get started:

Potatoes

The first and foremost tool that you will need in order to make smashed potato is the main ingredient, which is potatoes. Potatoes can be sourced from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Make sure to pick good quality potatoes as they will impact the final dish.

A Pot or Dutch Oven

A pot or a Dutch oven is required to boil the potatoes. The size of the pot will depend on the number of potatoes you will be using to make the smashed potato. When choosing a pot or Dutch oven, try to pick one that is big enough to hold the potatoes with excess room for the water.

A Large Mixing Bowl

After you have boiled the potatoes, you will have to mix them with the other ingredients. That is why a large mixing bowl is necessary, in order to provide enough room for mixing without any spills.

A Potato Masher

The second most important tool that you will need is a potato masher. A potato masher is used to mash the boiled potatoes into the perfect consistency for a mashed potato dish. A potato masher is key as it makes the potatoes light and fluffy.

A Baking Sheet

After the potatoes have been mashed, they are then placed in a baking sheet for baking. A baking sheet is perfect for baking the mixture in the oven and requires minimal clean-up afterward.

A Tablespoon

A tablespoon is a handy tool to help you measure out the ingredients of the final dish before baking to ensure it is perfectly proportionate.

Now that you know the tools of the trade, let’s move on to the next section, which is the step-by-step guide on how to make smashed potato.

Time to Smash!

Now that you know how to make the perfect smashed potatoes, it’s time to get cooking! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to find your favorite combination. Thanks for reading this article, and be sure to come back again for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Happy smashing!