The Crispiest Oven Roasted Smashed Potatoes
The Crispiest Oven Roasted Smashed Potatoes is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by That Savage Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $4.75 total, $1.19 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes (washed, skins left on)
- 1 tsp Baking Soda (added to boiling water to soften skins)
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground if possible)
- 0.5 tsp Dried Rosemary
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Salt
- 0.5 tsp Red Chili Flakes (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
- 2 cloves Fresh Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp Chili Oil (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it fully preheat while you prepare the potatoes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 425°F
Boil Potatoes with Baking Soda
Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tsp baking soda, bring to a boil, then add the baby Yukon Gold potatoes. Boil for about 20 minutes, or until a fork slides in easily.
Time: PT20M
Make Herb‑Oil Seasoning
In a mixing bowl combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp dried rosemary, ½ tsp garlic salt, and ½ tsp red chili flakes. Whisk until well blended.
Time: PT5M
Drain and Coat Potatoes
Drain the boiled potatoes and let them sit for 2 minutes to steam‑dry. Transfer them to the bowl with the seasoned oil and toss gently until each potato is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Arrange and Smash
Spread the coated potatoes on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Using the bottom of a glass, a spatula, or a potato masher, press each potato down until it’s about ½ inch thick.
Time: PT5M
Bake Until Crispy
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden‑brown and crisp.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 425°F
Prepare Garlic‑Chili Butter
While the potatoes bake, melt 2 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ½ tsp red chili flakes, and 1 tbsp chili oil; cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
Time: PT5M
Finish and Serve
Remove the crispy smashed potatoes from the oven, drizzle the garlic‑chili butter over the top, and serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Dairy (butter)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: Red fingerling potatoes, new potatoes
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning
- Instead of Onion Powder: granulated onion
- Instead of Garlic Powder: granulated garlic
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika
- Instead of Dried Rosemary: fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Instead of Garlic Salt: regular salt + extra garlic powder
- Instead of Red Chili Flakes: crushed red pepper
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, ghee
- Instead of Fresh Garlic: garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Instead of Chili Oil: regular olive oil + extra chili flakes
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Flat Glass
- Small Saucepan
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Add baking soda to the boiling water to soften potato skins.
- Smash each potato to an even thickness without breaking it apart.
- Coat potatoes thoroughly with the seasoned olive‑oil mixture.
- Bake at a high temperature (425°F) until edges are golden and crisp.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a glass cup or a sturdy spatula to smash the potatoes uniformly.
- For extra herb flavor, add a pinch of fresh thyme to the oil mixture.
- If you like extra heat, increase the red chili flakes in both the seasoning and the butter topping.
Troubleshooting
Potatoes are soggy after baking.
Make sure the oven is fully preheated to 425°F and give the potatoes enough space on the sheet. Flip them halfway and bake a few minutes longer if needed.
Potatoes stick to the baking sheet.
Line the sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and lightly oil the surface before placing the potatoes.
Garlic turns bitter in the butter sauce.
Cook the garlic just until fragrant (2‑3 minutes) over medium heat and avoid letting it brown.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven to regain crispness.
Freezer: Not recommended, as texture will become soggy after thawing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Boil and smash the potatoes up to a day ahead; keep them covered in the fridge and bake when ready.
- The garlic‑chili butter can be prepared in advance and reheated gently before drizzling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of smashed potatoes in American comfort food cuisine?
Smashed potatoes originated as a rustic way to stretch small potatoes, turning them into a hearty side that’s both fluffy inside and crispy outside. Over time they became a popular American comfort dish, often served at family gatherings and casual dinner parties.
What are the traditional regional variations of smashed potatoes in the United States?
In the Pacific Northwest, smoked paprika and rosemary are common, while Southern versions may add cheddar cheese and bacon. The basic technique stays the same—boil, smash, and bake—but seasonings reflect local tastes.
How is smashed potato traditionally served in American home cooking?
They are typically served hot as a side alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fish. A drizzle of herb‑infused butter or a sprinkle of fresh herbs finishes the dish, making it a crowd‑pleasing accompaniment.
What occasions or celebrations are smashed potatoes associated with in American culture?
Smashed potatoes are popular at backyard barbecues, Thanksgiving side spreads, and casual weekend family meals because they’re easy to make in large batches and pair well with many main dishes.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional smashed potatoes versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional recipes rely on baby potatoes, olive oil, and simple herbs like rosemary and oregano. Substitutes can include other small potatoes, vegetable oil instead of olive oil, or dried thyme in place of rosemary without compromising the dish’s character.
What other American dishes pair well with crispy smashed potatoes from That Savage Kitchen?
They pair beautifully with grilled steak, roasted chicken, pan‑seared salmon, or a hearty meatloaf. A simple green salad or coleslaw balances the richness of the potatoes.
How does the smashed potato dish fit into the broader American side‑dish tradition?
It exemplifies the American love for texture contrast—soft interiors with crunchy exteriors—similar to dishes like fried green beans or cornbread. The recipe’s reliance on pantry staples also reflects the practical, home‑cooked ethos of American cuisine.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy smashed potatoes from That Savage Kitchen?
Common errors include over‑smashing the potatoes (making them too thin), not drying them after boiling, and baking at a temperature lower than 425°F, which prevents crisp edges. Also, avoid burning the garlic in the butter topping.
Why does this recipe use baking soda in the boiling water instead of plain water?
Baking soda raises the water’s pH, which helps break down the potato skins, making them softer and easier to smash while also promoting a slightly crispier exterior when baked.
What does the YouTube channel That Savage Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel That Savage Kitchen focuses on bold, flavorful home‑cooking tutorials that often feature quick, approachable recipes with a modern twist, emphasizing technique and tasty results for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel That Savage Kitchen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
That Savage Kitchen blends straightforward, no‑fuss instructions with occasional high‑energy commentary, prioritizing flavor‑forward seasoning combos and practical tips that help home cooks achieve restaurant‑level texture without complex equipment.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
