Garlic Smashed Potatoes

These Garlic Smashed Potatoes are full of flavor and really tasty. Perfectly browned and deliciously crispy, they're just the side dish you want to add to your dinner table.

Potatoes are so wonderfully versatile! They can be served in so many ways and with so many flavor combination. One of my favorite recipes is Garlic Smashed Potatoes because I love the pungent garlic and hint of heat from the red pepper flakes along with these crisp, golden brown potatoes. The rich taste of the plant butter is an additional touch that I never skip.

This recipe has a lot of health benefits as the potatoes are full of nutrients and antioxidants. It also has the bonus of being very filling. So even though this can be served as a side dish, it also makes a yummy light dinner or lunch. Though potatoes can take a while to cook, Garlic Smashed Potatoes are super easy with little active prep time. So you can set them in the oven and take care of other things. You have to love food that's as convenient as it is delicious! Let's take a look at the main ingredients.

Video Tutorial

What you'll need

• Potatoes. Yukon Golds work best for this recipe. Other kinds could be used as well.
• Oil. Grapeseed and olive oil are my favorite kinds.
• Plant Butter. For extra flavor.
• Spices. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

How to make these Garlic Smashed Potatoes

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the potatoes until they are soft (around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size). Drain the water and place the potatoes on a large baking sheet.

2. Using a potato masher, smash the potatoes, but keep them in one piece. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.

3. Dip a pastry brush into the oil and brush the oil onto the potatoes.

4. Place a thick slice of plant butter on top and sprinkle on a few red pepper flakes.

5. Bake at 400°F for about 45 minutes, until the smashed potatoes are crispy on the outside and slightly browned.

Flavor Variations

• Chimichurri Sauce. Serve these Garlic Smashed Potatoes with a healthy spoonful of this sauce for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Garam masala or curry. Try these potatoes with a South Asian flair by using curry sauce or spicing them with garam masala. You can even use a tikka masala spice mix.
• Vegan sour cream, cheese, and chives. You can dressed these smashed potatoes up as a baked potato with these traditional add-ons.
• Lemon juice and vegan Feta. For a bright acidic flavor, vegan feta cheese crumbles with some lemon juice make a delicious contrast to the crispy, salted garlic smashed potatoes.

How to Store and Reheat

To store any leftovers, place the Garlic Smashed Potatoes in an airtight container once cooled, laying some parchment paper between each layer to keep them from sticking together. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat, place the Garlic Smashed Potatoes on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven on low. This will allow them to heat and keep the outside crispy.

Can these Smashed Potatoes be Frozen?

Yes, you can freeze these potatoes for a later meal. Just cook them as directed and let them cool. Then place the cooled Garlic Smashed Potatoes on a baking sheet in the freezer for 3-4 hours, until fully frozen. Transfer them to a ziplock freezer bag and label it. You can keep these in the freezer for up to 4 months. Allow them to defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.

What to Serve them with

• By themselves. These Smashed Potatoes are both tasty and filling so you can enjoy them for a snack or a light meal on their own.
• With Cauliflower Steaks. These delicious "steaks" would pair well with smashed potatoes and you could even use the same chermoula sauce on both.
• Alongside a bowl of soup or chili. Try Garlic Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Broccoli Soup and Lentil Chili.
• With your favorite veggies. Serve them with Easy Sautéed Napa Cabbage, Simple Roasted Broccoli, Easy Fajita Vegetables or Roasted Cabbage Steaks.
• With Sauce. Try my Vegan Cheese Sauce or my Mushroom Sauce!

These Garlic Smashed Potatoes are a flavorful and easy side to make for any meal. Crispy and browned to perfection, they have just the right taste and texture to go well with anything. They're also versatile and offer great health benefits. You'll love the addition of this recipe to your meal times.

Psst! I think you'd really enjoy this Roasted Cabbage!