Smashed Garlic Herb Potatoes

Experience the ultimate comfort food with these Smashed Garlic & Herb Potatoes. These creamy, buttery baby potatoes are gently crushed and baked until they reach a perfect golden-brown crisp. Infused with the deep, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic and a vibrant blend of fresh parsley, chives, and thyme, this side dish is a masterpiece of aromatic flavor and irresistible texture.

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The secret to these potatoes lies in the double-cooking process. First, boiling them ensures they are tender all the way through, while the high-heat roasting stage creates those coveted crispy bits. The addition of heavy cream to the garlic butter mixture adds a luxurious touch that elevates this simple dish to something truly special.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (700 g) baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes
• 1 head garlic
• 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional)
• 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Prepare the garlic by slicing the top off the head, drizzling it with a little olive oil, and wrapping it in aluminum foil. Roast for 30 minutes until soft and golden.

Step 3

While the garlic roasts, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and allow to cool slightly.

Step 4

Arrange the potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a potato masher or a sturdy glass, gently smash each potato until it is about ½ inch thick.

Step 5

Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a small bowl. Add the melted butter, 2 tbsp olive oil, heavy cream (if using), salt, and pepper. Mash the mixture together until smooth.

Step 6

Brush or spoon the roasted garlic butter mixture evenly over each smashed potato.

Step 7

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the freshly chopped parsley, chives, and thyme. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil if desired.

Step 9

Serve hot and enjoy.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Ensure the potatoes are completely dry before smashing them; this helps achieve maximum crispiness in the oven. When mashing the roasted garlic with the butter, make sure the mixture is well-combined so every potato gets an even distribution of flavor.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an extra savory kick, sprinkle the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese before the final bake. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute with dried herbs, though you should reduce the quantities as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Serviervorschläge

These potatoes are delicious when topped with a dollop of cold sour cream just before serving. They make an excellent companion to a Sunday roast or a simple pan-seared steak.

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Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a comforting weeknight side, these smashed garlic and herb potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit. Simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful, they bring a gourmet touch to any meal.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of potatoes work best?

Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal as they hold shape well and offer creamy texture after boiling and smashing.

→ How is the garlic prepared?

The garlic head is roasted whole until soft and golden, which mellows its flavor and creates a creamy texture when mashed into the butter mixture.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but reduce the amount by half since dried herbs are more concentrated compared to fresh ones.

→ What is the purpose of smashing the potatoes?

Smashing creates a rough surface that crisps beautifully in the oven, allowing the garlic butter and herbs to cling for maximum flavor.

→ Is olive oil necessary for the finish?

Olive oil is brushed on before and after baking to promote a crispy golden crust and enhance richness.

→ Can heavy cream be omitted?

Yes, the cream is optional and adds extra creaminess, but the dish remains flavorful without it.