Crispy Smashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Healthier French Fry Alternative
Smashed Potatoes have emerged as a trendy, healthier alternative to traditional French fries, offering a delightful culinary experience that combines crispy texture with nutritional benefits. These versatile potatoes are created by boiling and gently flattening potatoes, then roasting them with minimal oil and a variety of herbs and spices. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also provide a customizable dish that caters to different dietary preferences, from vegetarian to gluten-free. Nutritionally superior to deep-fried options, smashed potatoes retain more nutrients by keeping the potato skin and using less oil, making them a smart choice for health-conscious food lovers. With their golden, crispy edges and creamy interior, these potatoes are a simple yet impressive dish that can be enjoyed as a side, snack, or appetizer, proving that healthy eating can be both delicious and exciting.
Ingredients
For Smashed Potatoes
- 15-20 baby potatoes
- salt to taste
- olive oil as needed
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dry minced garlic
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper powder optional, for spice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
For the Dip
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp red chili flakes adjust to taste
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper powder optional
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
Boil the Potatoes
- In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil. Add the 15-20 baby potatoes along with a generous pinch of salt. Cover the pot with a lid and cook the potatoes for 10–15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and fork-tender. Drain the water and set the potatoes aside to cool slightly.
Smash and Season the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the boiled potatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Using the bottom of a small glass or cup, gently press down on each potato to flatten them. Be careful not to smash them too hard—they should hold their shape while being slightly broken open.
- Drizzle olive oil generously over the smashed potatoes to ensure they crisp up in the oven. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, 1 tsp dry minced garlic, ½ tsp cayenne pepper powder (if using), and 1 tsp dried oregano. Top each potato with ½ cup cheddar cheese cheese and garnish with 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves for a fresh touch.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake the seasoned potatoes in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy around the edges. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Prepare the Dip
- While the potatoes are baking, prepare your dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup tomato ketchup, 1 tsp red chili flakes, ½ tsp cayenne pepper powder (if using), salt, black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the crispy smashed potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack and pair wonderfully with dips like sour cream or garlic aioli. Enjoy!