These crispy Smashed Potatoes are easy and loved by all. They taste like little campfire potatoes with their super crispy, salty skins and roasted golden edges.
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See that crisp skin? Imagine it’s salty wonderfulness teasing your taste buds! This Smashed Potato recipe is a must-try. Like our Baked Potato Wedges, these have soft centers and an irresistible cheesy crust.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes Video Recipe:
I hope these smashed potatoes become a smashing hit in your home! Watch the video tutorial and you’ll be a pro in no time. P.S. Don’t miss the fun outtakes at the end.
What are Smashed Potatoes?
Smashed Potatoes are small red or yellow potatoes (baby potatoes) that are simmered until tender then smashed flat, drizzled with olive oil and baked until crispy at the edges. We add parmesan because we can’t resist a cheesy crust.
The kids love these as a snack, dipping their crispy potatoes in ketchup or Avocado Ranch just like a giant French fry; only much healthier because they are baked, not fried!
Simple Ingredients:
We love that this uses basic pantry and refrigerator staples. Often the simplest recipes are the best and this one is budget-friendly also for the win.
- Baby potatoes – we use a combination of red and yellow potatoes. They should be 1 1/2″ to 2″ in diameter and equal in size.
- Olive oil – a light drizzle is all you need to help potatoes crisp up while roasting
- Garlic salt – the dried garlic and parsley add great flavor without scorching in the oven
- Black Pepper – Freshly cracked is best
- Parmesan Cheese – shredded parmesan creates a perfect cheesy crust
- Parsley – add finely chopped herbs at the end for color and flavor
How to Make Roasted Smashed Potatoes:
This process is so simple but produces the most irresistible potatoes side dish. They are creamy on the inside and so crispy on the outside. Get the full print-friendly recipe below.
- Boil potatoes in a pot of water with 2 tsp salt. Simmer 20-30 minutes (depending on the thickness of potatoes), until tender.
- Drain potatoes and transfer to a silpat lined baking sheet and cool for 10-15 minutes. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a drinking glass, gently press down on each potato, pressing to about 1/2″ thickness and being careful not to break potatoes apart.
- Season and Bake: Drizzle half of the olive oil over one side of potatoes and sprinkle with half of the seasonings. Bake, uncovered, for 12 to 15 min or until bottoms are lightly golden.
- Turn potatoes with a spatula, drizzle with remaining oil and sprinkle with remaining seasonings. Bake 12 to 15 min or until potatoes are golden brown and crisp.
- Sprinkle parmesan on potatoes and broil 2 to 3 min to melt the cheese.
Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Smashed Potatoes:
Follow these tips for making the crispiest and best tasting roasted baby potatoes!
- The Right Potatoes – small potatoes have the best ratio of skin to potato and are easier to flatten and crisp in the oven.
- Flatter is Better – the more you can flatten (we aim for 1/2″ thick), the crispier they will be.
- Season Generously – There’s nothing like a crisp and salty potato skin. Don’t skimp on the garlic salt and cheese.
- Broil at the End – Once the cheese is on, we broil for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese and also to get those potatoes extra crispy.
How to Serve Smashed Potatoes?
If you are serving them as a side dish, you should know they are in great danger of becoming an appetizer as folks breeze through your kitchen and “sample”. Smashed potatoes pair well with:
- Cucumber Tomato Salad – so fresh and you’ll love the dressing
- Caesar Salad – or any fresh green salad really
- Avocado Corn Salad – always a crowd-pleasing salad
- Corn on the Cob – our go-to method for boiled corn
Can I Make These Potatoes Ahead?
You can boil the potatoes a day ahead, cool to room temp then cover and refrigerate overnight. Smash, season and bake the following day. Since you are starting with cold potatoes, add 2 minutes to the initial baking time to ensure a crisp exterior.
P.S. You can easily double this recipe to serve a crowd (highly recommended!).
Our Best Potato Recipes:
Roasted smashed potatoes are one of my favorite ways to enjoy potatoes. My children aren’t usually keen on potatoes, but they sure love these! These are the potato recipes that always get rave reviews:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes – our most decadent potatoes
- Potato Soup – creamy and comforting
- Breakfast Potatoes – we love serving these to company
- Oven Roasted Baby Red Potatoes – an easy, excellent side
- Baked Potato Wedges – with parmesan cheese
Smashed Potatoes Recipe (VIDEO)

Ingredients
- 2 lbs small potatoes (12-16 count) , 1 1/2 to 2" diameter*
- 2 tsp salt for water
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil to drizzle
- 1 1/2 tsp Garlic salt, (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped, to garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil and add 2 tsp salt (Note: 8 cups water for 5Qt pot). Once water has boiled, carefully add potatoes then reduce heat to a low boil and cook until potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork then drain (total boiling time is 25-30 minutes depending on potato size).
- Meanwhile preheat the oven to 450˚F. Transfer drained potatoes to a lined rimmed baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Use a potato masher or the flat bottom of a drinking glass to smash the potatoes to about 1/2" thickness. Press gently so you don’t break the potatoes apart.
- Drizzle the tops with olive oil then sprinkle generously with garlic salt and black pepper to taste. Bake at 450˚F for 15 min. Flip potatoes over with a spatula, drizzle the second side with oil and season with more garlic salt and pepper. Bake another 12-15 min or until potatoes are crisp with golden brown edges.
- Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese then return to the oven another 2-3 minutes or just until cheese is melted. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
I cant wait to make these. I know my family will love them. What are the nutritional values. I.e. calorie count, cholesterol amount, fat grams, etc? Thanks
I hope you love them, please let me know what everyone thinks of the recipe! Due to time constraints, I don’t typically include nutritional info, but check out this nutrition analyzer – you can plug in the ingredients from any recipe, select the serving size and it will give you nutritional info, calories, etc. I hope that is helpful to you Laura!
Looking for an easy recipe for the barbeque pork you get at chinese restaurants. Do you have one?
Hi Diane, I don’t have anything like that but it sounds like a great idea! If I come up with something like that in the future, I will be sure to share it 🙂
Yum! They came out great. I didn’t have Parmesan cheese so I used mozzarella and it came out great!! ❤️🥔
I’m glad you love the recipe! Thanks for sharing your excellent review!
Thank you for recipe made them for potatoe bar contest .won first prize
You’re welcome Dan! I’m glad to hear the recipe was such a hit, good job! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks that a picture is posted to recipe when I print it. I will try a recipe almost every time if when I print it out there is a pic of it. I am older, do not use a smart phone so I like the option you give me.
I’m glad you find that helpful Sandra! 🙂
Made these potatoes last night,and my family absolutely loved them! Thanks Natasha for sharing your recipes
My pleasure Dennis! I’m happy to hear that everyone enjoys the recipe. Thanks for sharing your great review!
Everyone loved these potatoes! Thank you for another great recipe
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it Natalya!
We made your smashed potatoes tonight, so delicious!!! Love your recipes and videos 😋
I’m glad the recipe is a hit! Thanks for following and sharing your great review Lynn!
These were wonderful and full of flavor. My picky daughter loved them. The only problem was I didn’t make enough.
I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for sharing your great review!
when is your next recipe coming???
Today!!
Super easy and super delicious!!🤤
I’m glad you love it Yamile! Thanks for sharing your great review!
Made them tonight and it’s a hit with my family!!!! Thank you!! 🤤
You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear the recipe is a hit. Thanks for sharing!
My family loved these potatoes, thanks. I also tried it with green plantains instead of potatoes and they also turned out so good but switched to sharp cheese instead of Parmesan and cilantro instead of parsley before serving. YUM!! to both.
I’m glad to hear everyone enjoys the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great review with other readers!
They turned out yummy for dinner👍🏻 Quick and easy recipe!
My toddler age kiddos loved them too👌🏻
I’m glad to hear the whole family enjoys the recipe. Thanks for sharing your great review Tatyana!
Turned out delicious! Thank you!
If I were to double the recipe in the future, would I need to double the amount of salt that is needed for the boiling water?
Hi Vera, If doubling, you will need more water but probably not double the water. I would do 1 Tbsp salt for about 12 cups water.
Hi Natasha, my kids love watching your videos. And my youngest even brags to others as “we watch Natasha’s Kitchen ha ha and you don’t.” Well, their favorite is about the smashed potatoes. They sang the song for two days and I made the dish. It is very good and my whole family enjoyed it.
Hello Nina! That is so great to hear, LOL! I’m glad your family is enjoying the recipes so much. Tell the kids I said hello and thanks for following! 🙂
It is soo good! I was baby sitting my nephews yesterday and I found a new recipe on your webpage I thought of making it for nephews!
Also they loved it! ME TOOO!!!!
THANK YOU! From my little 5 year old twins and me!!!!
You’re welcome Lena! I’m glad to hear the recipe is such a hit! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review!
Wow they look Delish, Can’t wait to try them! 🙂 I’m sure I will be back to give this 5 stars.
I hope you love them Tami! Please do let me know what you think!
Looks so delicious! They’re even more irrisistable if you add bacon and chedder!
Great suggestion Denae! They really are fantastic!
Love your website😊 Did you try miso soup? Here in California you can order it at a lot of Chinese restaurants. Would love to get a good recipe for the soup.
Hi Tanya, I have tried it and loved it but we don’t normally use tofu or seaweed in our cooking so I haven’t tried making it at home. I have thought about it in the past, but reconsidered when I learned how much salt is in a good tasting miso soup (it’s quite a bit!).
WOW! I am drooling, I am such a potato lover! Love this recipe Natasha, pinning it away! 😀
It’s super easy and super good! I hope you try it! 🙂