Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

Why Make This Recipe

Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes are not just another side dish; they’re a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. These potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and pack a flavorful punch thanks to the additions of garlic, butter, and herbs. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just enjoying a quiet meal at home, this recipe elevates your dining experience without requiring lots of time or complicated techniques.

By making Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes, you offer your family and friends a comforting yet impressive dish. They are perfect for all occasions, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations. The crispy edges combined with the buttery garlic flavor makes it hard to eat just one! Plus, the recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your personal twist to suit your tastes.

How to Make Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

Making Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes is easy and straightforward. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious dish that your entire family will love. Let’s break down the process step by step.

Ingredients

To prepare Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs fingerling potatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary or thyme) for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is ideal for getting those crispy edges.

2. Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, fill it with salted water and add the fingerling potatoes. Bring to a boil and let them cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. This means that you should be able to easily insert a fork into the potato without much resistance.

3. Drain and Cool: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool slightly. Be careful as they will be hot!

4. Smash the Potatoes: Place the cooled potatoes on a baking sheet. Using the bottom of a flat object (like a glass or a potato masher), gently smash each potato. You want them to break apart a bit but not fall apart entirely.

5. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for a couple of minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Do not let it brown, as burnt garlic can become bitter.

6. Drizzle the Potatoes: Pour the melted garlic butter over the smashed potatoes, ensuring each one gets a bit of that delicious flavor. Then, drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and season them with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Bake for Crispiness: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and take them out when they develop a beautiful golden-brown color and are crispy on the edges.

8. Garnish and Serve: After removing the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, over the top for an added touch of flavor and color. Serve the Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes hot, and watch as everyone digs in!

How to Serve Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes make a fantastic side dish to pair with various main courses. They can accompany grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian dish. You can serve them alongside:

• Steaks: The crispy texture and garlic flavor pair beautifully with a juicy steak.
• Roast Chicken: The buttery potatoes complement the savory flavor of roasted chicken perfectly.
• Grilled Fish: Adds a comforting touch to grilled salmon or other fish.
• Salads: Serve them with a hearty salad for a vegetarian spread.

These potatoes can also be an enjoyable appetizer when served with dipping sauces like ranch or garlic aioli. The crunchiness provides a fun texture, making them irresistible nibbles before the main course.

How to Store Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

If you happen to have leftovers (which may be unlikely given how delicious they are), you will want to store them properly to maintain their taste and texture.

Storing Leftovers

1. Cooling: Allow the potatoes to cool down to room temperature after baking.
2. Storage Container: Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge.
3. Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lay the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through and crispy again.

You can also reheat them in a microwave, but be aware that they may lose some of their crispness.

Tips to Make Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

Creating the perfect Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes is easy, but here are some handy tips to make them even better:

• Choose Fresh Potatoes: Always opt for fresh, firm fingerling potatoes when shopping. Avoid any that are soft or have visible blemishes.

• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs for garnishing. Parsley, chives, or dill can all bring a unique flavor to the dish.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: If you have a lot of potatoes, use more than one baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than baking, resulting in less crispiness.

• Adjust the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to increase the amount of garlic! On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce it or even omit it.

• Experiment with Cheese: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some grated cheese (like Parmesan or cheddar) on top of the potatoes during the last few minutes of baking.

Variation

Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes are versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences.

• Cheesy Garlic Version: Add shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in some red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for those who enjoy a little heat.
• Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest before baking for a fresh, bright flavor that enhances the potatoes.
• Bacon Crumbles: For a savory mix, sprinkle crispy bacon crumbles on top before serving.

Feel free to get creative and substitute or add ingredients based on what you and your guests enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of fingerling potatoes?

Yes, you can use regular potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since larger potatoes may take longer to boil and cook through.

Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can boil the potatoes a few hours ahead of your planned meal. After boiling, let them cool completely, and refrigerate them until you are ready to smash and bake them.

Can leftover smashed potatoes be frozen?

While it’s best to consume Baked Smashed Fingerling Potatoes fresh, you can freeze them. To freeze, allow them to cool completely, then lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the oven for the best texture.