Easy Smashed Potatoes

$- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Optional garnishes: crumbled feta cheese or crispy fried onions To make easy smashed potatoes, start with baby Yukon Gold potatoes. They are small and creamy, perfect for smashing. You will need about 1.5 pounds. Next, gather four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Melt it down for a rich flavor. Garlic is a must in this recipe. You need four cloves, finely minced. This will give your potatoes a creamy garlic delight. For that extra creaminess, use 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Add 1/4 cup of fresh chives for a burst of color and taste. Finally, don't forget salt and freshly ground black pepper. These seasonings will bring out the best in your dish. If you want to make it special, consider optional garnishes like crumbled feta cheese or crispy fried onions. These add a nice touch to your potatoes. You can find the full recipe for these delightful smashed potatoes, making it easy to follow along. First, gather your baby Yukon Gold potatoes. Place them in a large pot. Cover them completely with cold water. Next, add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This salt enhances the flavor of the potatoes. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes. Check if they are tender by piercing them with a fork. If it goes in easily, they are ready. Once cooked, drain the potatoes carefully. Return them to the pot for a moment to cool slightly. While they cool, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispiness later on. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and heavy cream. Use a whisk to mix until well combined. The aroma will make your mouth water! Now it’s time to smash! Take the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher. Gently press down on each potato until they flatten a bit. They should still hold their shape. After smashing, drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the potatoes. Make sure each potato gets a good coating. Transfer the smashed potatoes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking. Place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want the edges to turn crispy and golden brown. Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chives over the potatoes. This adds color and flavor. If you want, you can also add crumbled feta cheese or crispy fried onions. These optional toppings give a nice touch to the dish. Enjoy your Easy Smashed Potatoes Creamy Garlic Delight! For the complete guide, check the Full Recipe. Using salt in the water is key. It helps the potatoes absorb flavor. This step makes a big difference. After baking, taste your potatoes. You might want to add more salt or pepper. Adjusting seasoning after baking keeps your dish tasty. Presentation matters. Serve your smashed potatoes on a colorful platter. This makes the dish pop. Garnish with extra chives or your favorite toppings. It adds a fresh look and taste. Use a white or bright platter for contrast. For smashing, a sturdy glass works great. A potato masher is also good. Both tools help create that perfect texture. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps with cleanup. A rimmed baking sheet keeps everything in place as they bake. {{image_4}} You can mix up the flavor of your smashed potatoes easily. Adding cheese can take them to a new level. Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick. Just sprinkle it on top before baking. You can also try other cheeses like cheddar or gouda. Herbs make a great addition, too. Fresh rosemary or thyme can give your potatoes a fresh taste. Chop them finely and mix them in with the garlic butter. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor. If you want to make these smashed potatoes dairy-free, it’s simple. Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a nut-based cream. This keeps your dish rich and creamy without dairy. For gluten-free options, you’re in luck! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check any toppings you use, like fried onions, to ensure they do not contain gluten. You can use different types of potatoes for unique flavors. Red potatoes are great for a sweeter taste. They also have a nice, creamy texture. Sweet potatoes can add a hint of sweetness, too. Just remember, cooking times may change slightly based on the potato type. Experiment with these variations to find your perfect smashed potato delight! For the full recipe, check out the Sassy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Chives. To store your smashed potatoes, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents odors. You can also cover the dish with plastic wrap. The shelf life in the fridge is about 3 to 5 days. Make sure they cool down before storing to avoid extra moisture. To freeze smashed potatoes, let them cool completely. Then, spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about 1 to 2 hours until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. For reheating, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This helps keep their texture crisp. Use leftover smashed potatoes to make tasty potato cakes or fritters. Just mix in some eggs and breadcrumbs, then fry until golden. You can also add them to soups or casseroles for extra flavor and texture. They work great in a creamy potato soup or as a topping for shepherd’s pie. These ideas help reduce waste while enjoying new meals! Yes, you can prepare smashed potatoes ahead of time. Cook and smash them. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven to regain that crispy texture. To make your smashed potatoes crispy, first, ensure they are dry after boiling. After smashing, drizzle them with that flavorful garlic butter mixture. Bake them at a high temperature, around 400°F (200°C), for 20-25 minutes. This will give them a nice golden crust. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk or almond milk. These substitutes will change the flavor slightly, but they will still taste great. I recommend using baby Yukon Gold potatoes. They are creamy and hold their shape well when smashed. Their natural buttery flavor makes them perfect for this recipe. You could also use red potatoes if you prefer. Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme. For toppings, crumbled feta cheese or crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch. Experiment with your favorite flavors to make them your own. The prep time is about 15 minutes, and the total time is 50 minutes. This recipe serves four people. It’s simple and quick, making it a great side dish for any meal. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Smashed potatoes are fun and delicious. We covered key steps, from boiling the potatoes to baking them until crispy. You learned tips to enhance flavor and variations to try. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly or use them creatively. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and share your tasty results! Smashed potatoes can fit any meal, so get cooking today!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of Sassy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Chives for your next meal! This simple recipe combines tender Yukon Gold potatoes with a flavorful garlic butter drizzle, ensuring every bite is packed with taste. Perfect as a side dish or a star on its own, these crispy and creamy potatoes are a crowd pleaser. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dining experience!

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Ingredients

1.5 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional: Crumbled feta cheese or crispy fried onions for garnish

Instructions

Begin by placing the baby Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot and covering them completely with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the potatoes.

Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow the potatoes to cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork.

Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot, allowing them to cool for a few minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the smashed potatoes.

Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until they are slightly flattened but still hold their shape, creating rustic, chunky smashed potatoes.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and heavy cream until well combined.

Drizzle the flavorful garlic butter mixture over the smashed potatoes, ensuring each potato is generously coated for maximum flavor.

Season the potatoes with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preference.

Carefully transfer the smashed potatoes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the potatoes are crispy and golden brown, creating a delightful texture.

Once finished baking, remove the potatoes from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chives for a burst of color and flavor. If desired, enhance your dish with crumbled feta cheese or crispy fried onions for an extra layer of taste and texture.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | Serves 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the smashed potatoes on a vibrant serving platter, garnished with a sprinkle of extra chives and your choice of optional toppings. This will create an eye-catching presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy edges and creamy centers!