The perfect side dish, snack, or appetizer, these Smashed Potatoes are extra crispy on the outside yet soft and fluffy on the inside. Topped with tons of cheese, they’re absolute perfection. Serve with your favorite sauce for a crowd-pleasing recipe!

Why We Love Smashed Potatoes

Just when you thought potatoes couldn’t get any more delicious, we’re bringing you this smashed potatoes recipe! If you’ve never tried them, prepare for your life (and tastebuds) to be changed forever. Seriously, they’re so delicious that our kids ask for them by name. Honestly, there are so many reasons we love this recipe that we lost count! To name a few, these smashed potatoes are:

Made with 5 ingredients and bursting with flavor

Budget-friendly and great for meal prep

Super easy to make

Versatile and easy to serve as a side, appetizer, or snack
What’s the Difference Between Mashed and Smashed Potatoes?

The difference between mashed and smashed potatoes is in the method of preparation. For instance, mashed potatoes are made by cooking potatoes and using a potato masher to create a smooth, creamy texture.

Meanwhile, smashed potatoes are cooked whole and then flattened or smashed. As a result, they maintain a potato-like appearance and crisp exterior.

Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

This smashed potatoes recipe is a great option to have on hand because you’re almost guaranteed to have the ingredients you need on hand!

Potatoes – We prefer to use golden potatoes for this recipe because they have a soft texture that is easier to smash and an extra buttery taste.

Seasonings – We use everything but the bagel seasoning, salt, and pepper, for a bold, onion and garlicky taste. However, feel free to experiment with whatever seasonings you like best and have on hand!

Olive Oil – Used to coat the potatoes, this is key to creating the crisp exterior we’re looking to achieve. Plus, it adds a boost of healthy fats and a savory taste.

How to Make Smashed Potatoes in the Oven

Smashed potatoes look super fancy, but they’re actually pretty easy to make! Take a look at an overview of the instructions below, and scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for the complete details.

Preheat the oven.
Boil the potatoes in a large pot until tender.
Place the potatoes on a lined baking sheet in an even layer.
Use the back of a fork to flatten the potatoes.
Add a drizzle of olive oil, and sprinkle the seasonings on top.
Bake for 15 minutes. Then, add the cheese, and bake again until it has melted and the potatoes are golden and crispy.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Want to enhance the taste and texture of your potatoes even more? Take a look at a few of our favorite tips and tricks below!

Use Small Potatoes. You can make this smashed potatoes recipe with any type and size of potatoes. However, the extra small varieties will create the crispiest texture. Plus, they make for a great finger food option!

Brush the Baking Sheet with Oil. It creates a little more to clean up after, but trust us, it’s so worth it! Brushing a thin layer of oil on top of the baking sheet before adding the potatoes will create a richer taste and even crispier texture.

Keep the Skins On the Potatoes. Without the skins, the potatoes will not be able to be smashed while staying intact, and they definitely won’t have a crunchy exterior!

Storage Options

This recipe is best when served fresh from the oven. However, you can also make them ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled first!

Or, if you want to freeze them, boil and smash the potatoes. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and place them in the freezer for 3-4 hours or until solid. Next, transfer the potatoes to a sealable bag. Store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and bake as instructed in the recipe!

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, we struggle to not eat these potatoes right off the baking sheet. It’s pretty rare they make it to the table! However, if they do, they’re great dipped in your favorite sauces like ketchup or Ranch. Then, pair them with all your favorite main dishes such as:

More Potato-Filled Side Dishes

Looking for more family-friendly sides? Take a look at more of our favorite ways to prepare potatoes!

These Baked Sweet Potatoes are delicious, nutritious, and hit the spot every single time.
Boiled to perfection and tossed with a refreshing lemon dressing, these Lemon Greek Potatoes are a tantalizing side dish.
The perfect combination of potatoes, cheese, and seasoning, these Crispy Air Fryer Potato Nuggets are a life-changing, kid-friendly recipe.
Full of flavor, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are all about the flavor! If you don’t have an air fryer, check out these oven-baked parmesan potatoes.