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.

Crispy Smashed potatoes with cheese

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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!

These cheesy smashed potatoes are crisp on the outside with a creamy center and irresistible cheesy crust.

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

These cheesy smashed potatoes are crisp on the outside with a creamy center and irresistible cheesy crust.

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.

  1. Boil potatoes in a pot of water with 2 tsp salt. Simmer 20-30 minutes (depending on the thickness of potatoes), until tender.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Sprinkle parmesan on potatoes and broil 2 to 3 min to melt the cheese.

Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

step by step how to make smashed potatoes recipe

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:

These cheesy smashed potatoes served on a baking sheet with cheese and parsley

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:

Smashed Potatoes Recipe (VIDEO)

4.95 from 89 votes
Crispy smashed potatoes on baking sheet with cheesy crust
These cheesy smashed potatoes are crisp on the outside with a creamy center and irresistible cheesy crust.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 as an appetizer
  • 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

*Get baby red or baby yellow potatoes that are even in size and thickness for even cooking. 

Nutrition Per Serving

176kcal Calories24g Carbs7g Protein5g Fat2g Saturated Fat8mg Cholesterol809mg Sodium706mg Potassium2g Fiber2g Sugar215IU Vitamin A14.7mg Vitamin C165mg Calcium1.3mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Smashed Potatoes Recipe (VIDEO)
Amount per Serving
Calories
176
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Cholesterol
 
8
mg
3
%
Sodium
 
809
mg
35
%
Potassium
 
706
mg
20
%
Carbohydrates
 
24
g
8
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
 
215
IU
4
%
Vitamin C
 
14.7
mg
18
%
Calcium
 
165
mg
17
%
Iron
 
1.3
mg
7
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: roasted smashed potatoes, smashed potatoes
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 176
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

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These cheesy smashed potatoes are crisp on the outside with a creamy center and irresistible cheesy crust. | natashaskitchen.com
4.95 from 89 votes (28 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Cindy Freland
    June 28, 2021

    These are so good. I have made them once and making them a second time tonight. Be sure you cool the potatoes at least 15 minutes or they will be too hot and soft and they will break apart. I only have grated parmesan and it works out great. Thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 28, 2021

      Thanks for your great feedback and tip, Cindy. That’s awesome!

      Reply

  • Dee
    June 16, 2021

    I will be doing these tonight with grilled steak.

    I served your strawberry cake at a dinner party everyone loved it the strawberry sauce so good i put the leftover ice cream so good

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 16, 2021

      Sounds good, Dee. I hope they will enjoy this recipe too!

      Reply

  • Paola
    May 10, 2021

    These are delicious! Thank you for all the wonderful recipes.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 10, 2021

      You’re welcome, Paola! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Becky Roussin
    April 20, 2021

    How do you not make hem stick when you smash them!! I got so angry. I am a good cook and nothing worked the potatoes stuck to a pitta toe masher, a glass, a spatula, my hand. I tired water, I tried oil. Nothing helped it not stick

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 22, 2021

      Hi Becky, if you are having a lot of trouble with sticking, you might place a sheet of parchment paper over them and then smash – they will be less likely to get stuck.

      Reply

  • Maria Vanover
    April 15, 2021

    What may I use ,instead of Garlic Salt ,to achieve the crunchy texture?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 15, 2021

      Hi Maria, you could just mix equal parts of salt and garlic powder with a bit of dried parsley to make your own garlic salt, or use a different seasoning salt. This recipe is pretty versatile for seasoning.

      Reply

  • Theresa Ranagan
    April 4, 2021

    today for Easter, I made your garlic-crusted prime rib, your smashed potatoes, and your asparagus alfredo. Everything was excellent we sang your praises during dinner. Every one of your recipes I have made and I have made a lot was delicious. Thank you so much

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 5, 2021

      Wow! That sounds like the perfect Easter Dinner! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Dorothy Lewis
    April 2, 2021

    I watch you all the time on FB and love your presentation and recipes. Made your smashed potatoes and they are a hit. My husband loved them. Thank you! .When do we get a book?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 2, 2021

      I’m so happy you’re enjoying our recipes, Dorothy! I don’t have a cookbook out yet, but it’s on my list of life goals.

      Reply

  • Karen Anthony
    March 21, 2021

    Prepared last night and they were delicious.

    Can you pan fry them if you don’t have enough space in the oven (my oven is small and planning to cook a stuffed boned leg of lamb).

    Thank you

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 22, 2021

      Hi Karen, I have only tried this in the oven, so I can’t advise this would work on a pan. If you happen to experiment, I would love to know how you like that.

      Reply

  • Jim
    March 14, 2021

    I made the smashed potatoes for the family last night it was a hit with everyone. Thanks so much.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 14, 2021

      Glad to hear that, Jim. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Karen Daigler
    March 8, 2021

    These look awesome! I will be making these this summer at out cottage! Our friends always like my new dishes I make!! This will be one for sure!!! Loved your Chicken Pot Pie!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 8, 2021

      I’m so happy to hear that, Karen! Thank you for your wonderful review.

      Reply

  • Lynn
    March 5, 2021

    I bet these would be great with real bacon bits with a side of sour cream, YUM!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 5, 2021

      Yum! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Gay Darst
    February 9, 2021

    I would love to see you make raspberry chicken breasts!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 9, 2021

      Thanks for your suggestion!

      Reply

  • Robin
    February 8, 2021

    It turned out great, made them the second time now… love it!

    Curious about the nutritional information though, it says “per serving”. How many potatoes to a ‘serving’?

    Thank you,
    Robin

    Reply

    • Natasha
      February 8, 2021

      Hi Robin, it depends on how many potatoes you have and how you are serving them. For the nutrition label, it is about 2 smashed potatoes as a side dish. This calls for 12-16 potatoes so it really depends on how many you have.

      Reply

  • vinnie
    February 1, 2021

    Can’t wait to try this recipe these Taters look absolutely
    Delicious MMmmmmmmgood

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 1, 2021

      I hope you try this recipe soon, Vinnie!

      Reply

  • Patricia
    January 17, 2021

    I tried this recipe and it was amazing, thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  • Ralph M Lewis
    January 17, 2021

    Love to see your work. Don’t miss a one of them. Wondering if we might see you work with a pork belly. Time to see them coming out of storage.

    Reply

  • Susan
    January 17, 2021

    Hello Natasha, I thank you so much for all your amazing recipes and I totally love the videos. I’ve tried many of them, they are so easy to follow and so delicious. One video I’d love to see is a recipe for Shepard’s Pie. I have not made this for a long time, but I don’t really have a good recipe. If you can add this one day I would greatly appreciate it.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 18, 2021

      Hi Susan, thank you so much for that suggestion! I am adding it to our list.

      Reply

  • Janet Vaughn
    January 16, 2021

    You are the best! Enjoy so much all of your recipes.

    Reply

  • kristine
    January 11, 2021

    My favorite recipe for smashed potatoes. I think you need a little bit more oil but everything else is perfect – crispy and really good!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 11, 2021

      Thank you, Kristine! I’m happy that you liked this recipe.

      Reply

  • Sandra M
    January 9, 2021

    Instead of coarse salt I sprinkled everything bagel topping right before baking and brushed them with butter when they came out. They were just right! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 9, 2021

      Yum – that sounds so good with everything bagel seasoning! Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

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