Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 360 calories per serving. Recipe by Evergreen Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 22 min | Cook: 47 min | Total: 1 hr 24 min
Cost: $4.10 total, $1.02 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Fingerling Potatoes (small fingerling potatoes, washed and dried)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt, plus extra for garnish)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted, for garlic butter glaze)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (provides garlic flavor without burning)
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion Powder (optional, adds depth)
- 0.5 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt (optional garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme (leaves only, optional garnish)
Instructions
Wash and Dry Potatoes
Rinse the fingerling potatoes under cold water, trim any blemishes, and pat completely dry.
Time: PT5M
Boil Potatoes Until Tender
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, bring to a boil, add the potatoes and cook 10‑15 minutes until fork‑tender.
Time: PT12M
Drain and Transfer
Drain the potatoes in a colander and immediately spread them on an unlined rimmed baking sheet.
Time: PT3M
Smash the Potatoes
Using the bottom of a cup, press each potato until it flattens to about ½‑inch thickness.
Time: PT5M
Oil and Season
Brush both sides of each smashed potato generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Time: PT4M
First Bake
Place the baking sheet in a pre‑heated oven and bake at 425°F until the edges turn golden brown, about 25 minutes.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 425°F
Prepare Garlic‑Butter Glaze
While the potatoes bake, melt the butter in a small mixing bowl, then stir in garlic powder and onion powder until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Second Bake with Butter
Remove the potatoes, brush the tops with the garlic‑butter mixture, return to the oven and bake another 10 minutes until deeply crispy.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 425°F
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle flaky sea salt and fresh thyme leaves over the potatoes, serve hot with your favorite dip.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 360
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Fingerling Potatoes: baby potatoes, new potatoes
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, melted butter
- Instead of Salt: table salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine
- Instead of Garlic Powder: granulated garlic
- Instead of Onion Powder: granulated onion
- Instead of Flaky Sea Salt: coarse kosher salt
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: dried thyme (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Cup (for smashing)
- Pastry Brush
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Oven
- Tongs
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Smash the potatoes evenly to a uniform thickness.
- Do NOT line the baking sheet; a bare pan creates the crispiest edges.
- Add the garlic‑butter glaze halfway through the second bake to avoid burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a sturdy glass cup or a small pot for smashing; it provides even pressure.
- For extra herb flavor, toss a few sprigs of thyme onto the sheet during the first bake.
Troubleshooting
Potatoes are soggy after baking.
Make sure the baking sheet is not lined; increase oven temperature to 440°F and bake an extra 5‑7 minutes.
Garlic‑butter glaze burns.
Apply the glaze only during the final 10‑minute bake and keep the oven temperature at 425°F.
Potatoes stick to the sheet.
Use a well‑seasoned sheet and brush a thin layer of olive oil on the sheet before placing the potatoes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a hot oven to regain crispness.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture deteriorates when frozen.
Room temperature: Best served immediately; will become soggy after 30 minutes at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Smash and oil the potatoes up to 2 hours ahead; keep uncovered in the fridge and bake when ready.
- Prepare the garlic‑butter glaze in advance and store refrigerated; bring to room temperature before brushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of crispy smashed fingerling potatoes in American cuisine?
Crispy smashed potatoes are a modern American twist on classic boiled potatoes, popularized by gastropubs and food blogs for their contrast of crunchy edges and fluffy interiors. They reflect the American love of comfort food elevated with simple techniques.
What are the traditional regional variations of smashed potatoes in the United States?
In the Pacific Northwest, smoked paprika and rosemary are often added; in the South, a touch of cayenne and buttermilk are used. The Evergreen Kitchen version sticks to garlic‑butter for universal appeal.
How is the authentic traditional way to serve smashed fingerling potatoes in American gatherings?
They are typically served hot straight from the oven on a platter, garnished with flaky sea salt and fresh herbs, and paired with dips like aioli, tzatziki, or a simple ketchup.
What occasions or celebrations are crispy smashed fingerling potatoes traditionally associated with in American culture?
They are a popular side at casual gatherings, game‑day parties, barbecues, and holiday buffets because they are easy to share and pair well with a variety of main dishes.
What makes crispy smashed fingerling potatoes special or unique in American cuisine?
The technique of smashing boiled potatoes creates a larger surface area for crisping while keeping the interior soft, delivering a textural contrast that is both comforting and indulgent.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy smashed fingerling potatoes at home?
Common errors include lining the baking sheet (which traps steam), using too much butter early (causing burning), and not smashing the potatoes evenly, which leads to uneven crispness.
Why does this Evergreen Kitchen recipe use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for the butter glaze?
Garlic powder distributes evenly and doesn’t burn at high oven temperatures, whereas fresh garlic can scorch quickly, leaving a bitter taste.
Can I make crispy smashed fingerling potatoes ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. After smashing and brushing with olive oil, keep the potatoes uncovered on a baking sheet in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. Bake as directed when ready, or reheat in a hot oven to restore crispness.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the potatoes are done?
The edges should be deep golden‑brown and crackly, while the tops are lightly browned with a glossy butter glaze. The interior should be soft and fluffy when pierced with a fork.
What does the YouTube channel Evergreen Kitchen specialize in?
Evergreen Kitchen focuses on approachable, wholesome home‑cooking recipes that emphasize fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and seasonal flavors for everyday meals.
How does the YouTube channel Evergreen Kitchen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Evergreen Kitchen prioritizes minimal equipment, clear step‑by‑step visuals, and practical tips like avoiding parchment for extra crispness, setting it apart from channels that rely on elaborate gadgets or overly complex methods.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
