If crispy potatoes are your thing then this recipe is the one for you. If they aren’t then a) what’s wrong with you and b) read on so they become your thing ASAP! These crispy potatoes are so easy and work out perfectly everytime.
A little history for ya!
Being from Ireland naturally potatoes are a big part of our lives. Or so everyone in the world automatically assumes! In a nutshell the biggest crop in Ireland way back in the 17th century was potatoes. Most of the cattle or sheep would have been sent to England during this time so Irish people survived on potatoes. The same way as many Asian communities survive on rice. When the potato famine hit most of the crops were destroyed. In turn many people died due to lack of food, disease and illness. Since then and probably forever more Ireland will be known as a potato eating country – oh, and drinking one too!!
Present Day
I would say 9 times out of 10 my wife asks what kinda potatoes we are having with dinner. Don’t get me wrong, I love them too but trying to find new & interesting ways is the challenge. Growing up whenever we had our Sunday roast at home my little sis would always insist I would cook the potatoes as Mum’s were never crispy enough. I haven’t made these ones for her yet but I’m confident they will get here seal of approval.
The key to crispy potatoes isn’t in some magical extra ingredient nor is it in some chant or spell. It’s simply in having fluffy and broken edges. Hence why these ones work so damn great. When making regular roast potatoes next time instead of just taking them from boiling water and sticking them in a pan. Let them dry out a bit and then bash/bruise the sides. All will be explained below so read on my friends.
Benefits of Potatoes
- high in potassium
- no fat, sodium or cholesterol
- low in calories
- high in vitamin B6
- a good source of vitamin c
- and most importantly their versatility and deliciousness!
Enjoy these guys any day of the week but to me you can’t beat them on a Sunday with a roast, some veg and family!
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes or similar fluffy potatoes
- 100 g butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes and cut into equal sized pieces. Make sure not to cut them too small.
- Boil in salted water for approx 15 minutes or until you can pierce easily with a knife/fork
- Drain the potatoes and leave for 5 minutes - see tips. Meanwhile melt the butter and stir in the garlic.
- Break the potatoes using a fork or potato masher. The goal is to have some bigger chunks and smaller fluffier bits too
- Brush the potatoes with the garlic butter, drizzle with olive oil and hit them with some salt & pepper too
- Bake in the oven at 180c for 35 - 45 mins, depending upon your level of crispiness!
Notes
Essential Tools
- chopping board
- sharp knife
- large saucepan
- baking tray
- microwaveable container
- colander
- basting brush / pastry brush
Tips/Tricks
- leaving the potatoes for 5 mins after draining allows for the steam to disappear and helps make the potatoes less soggy. This is something that should be done for all roast potatoes or mashed potatoes
- Any type of potato will work for this recipe but a fluffy potato I find is better than a waxier one
Alternatives
- make loaded crispy potatoes by adding BACON, CHEESE & SPRING ONIONS and grilling for a minute
- sprinkle CHILI FLAKES on 5 mins from the end to add some spice or add a little CAYENNE or PAPRIKA to your butter
- add some herbs like ROSEMARY or THYME to add a lovely aromatic flavour
Crispy potatoes are my favourite! I have Irish heritage, so I guess that is no surprise 😉
Thanks for your tips on perfecting a smashed crispy potato!
Can’t beat a good potato w/ crisp edges and some garlic butter 😉😉
Queste patate croccanti sono la fine del mondo! Mangerei patate cucinate in ogni modo possibile! Grazie per la ricetta!
I love smashed potatoes, they always end up crispy and so delicious it is hard to only have a few.
Always looking for a good, comforting, potato recipe!! Love this one! I somehow can’t ever get my potatoes to be as crispy as yours and love your tips!! Thanks!
Give it a go. I’m pretty confident you will get them nice & crispy. Send me some pics when you do 😉
I love all potato dishes!! This one just ups the game. Definitely trying it out over the weekend!!
Fantastic and thanks so much. Would love to see some pics
Now these sound like they would be amazing! What a delicious idea of something just a little different to to do with potatoes.
Thanks Sarah – and so simple too. Give them a shot 😎
Mmmm I’m going to try and make these at work for the girl I support…I am sure she will love them. Thank you 🙂
I know I’d love these. I am a huge fan of potatoes. Carbs are my favorites. This would be a perfect side dish!
Oh it is – the perfect balance of crunch and a touch of fluffy goodness too
Just today I was looking for some new recipe with potatoes!!! You just read my mind!! i will try this one. Thanks!
Awesome – looking forward to seeing the results. Don’t forget to tag @another_food_blogger
Yummy!!!!! Especially the little broken off bits…!!
Oh yum! I’m going to make these tomorrow. I have everything I need in my fridge!
AWESOME – tag or send me a pic if you don’t mind 😉
Bravo for crispy potatoes!! I have never seen smashed and crispy, great idea. They look absolutely scrumptious!
Oh they are!! The ladyfriend always requests them
I love potatoes in any way! These look very delicious! Might just give them a try this evening!
Please do!!! Don’t forget to send me some pics 😉😉
Omg these potatoes looks so crisp and delicious, my mouth is already watering. Need to try this recipe soon!
Thanks!!! I hope you like them and let me know how you get on
Wow! It looks easy to prepare and I love the benefits they have! Kids would love this for sure. Yummy!
I like simple recipes as you’ve shared here. Smashed crispy potatoes look so delicious. My kids would love it.
Potatoes are a complete food. I know people avoid it for the carb content. But they are just delicious!
Damn right they are!! Everything in moderation (sometimes……..)
I havent’t tied smashed crispy potatoes, looks delicious, I am going to give it, may be I will added little spices. Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe.
This looks so delicious and easy to make. I’d love to try it and make my friends taste it. You’re right, it’s simple but damn good.
this looks good.My daughter loves anything potato and she will like this for sure.
Awesome!! Let me know how you get on. Happy Cooking
These look fantastic – the more crispy bits of potato the better!
Hell yeah 😉😉
These look so good! My son loves his potatoes in all forms so I will definitely be trying this out with him. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure! Send me some pics when you have made some
Nice work! Looks delish and honestly, can’t go wrong with potatoes!
Sure can’t!!