The Crispiest Smashed Potatoes That Will Change Your Life

The Crispiest Smashed Potatoes That Will Change Your Life is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 45 min

Cost: $14.06 total, $3.51 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg Baby New Potatoes (small potatoes, can use cocktail potatoes)
  • to taste Salt (for boiling and seasoning)
  • 1 large Egg (room temperature, use pasteurized if concerned about raw egg)
  • 15 ml White Vinegar (distilled)
  • 30 g Dijon Mustard (smooth, divided between mayo base and flavoring)
  • 150 ml Neutral Oil (vegetable or canola oil)
  • 50 g Honey (raw or clover honey)
  • 20 g Whole Grain Mustard (or American mustard if preferred)
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder (divided between mayo and potato seasoning)
  • 1 tsp Sweet Paprika
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (cracked, about 15 cracks)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Ground Fennel
  • 0.25 tsp Mustard Powder (optional)
  • 30 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzling on potatoes)
  • 2 tbsp Flat Leaf Parsley (chopped, optional garnish)
  • to taste Sea Salt Flakes (for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Boil Potatoes

    Place the baby potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water about 1 inch above the potatoes, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rapid boil over high heat. Cook 20‑25 minutes until a fork slides in easily.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: high heat

  2. Make Honey Mustard Mayonnaise

    In a tall mixing bowl combine 1 large egg, 15 ml white vinegar, 10 g Dijon mustard, and 150 ml neutral oil. Blend with the immersion blender until thick and glossy. Add 50 g honey, 20 g Dijon mustard, 20 g whole‑grain mustard, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp sweet paprika, salt and about 15 cracks of black pepper. Blend again until fully incorporated. Transfer to a serving dish or keep in the bowl.

    Time: PT7M

  3. Prepare Potato Seasoning

    In a small bowl combine 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground fennel, ¼ tsp mustard powder (optional), a pinch of salt, and about 15 cracks of black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Drain and Cool Potatoes

    When the potatoes are fork‑tender, turn off the heat and drain them in a colander. Let them sit for 10 minutes to steam off excess moisture; pat the tops lightly with a clean towel if needed.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Flatten Potatoes

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place each potato on the sheet and press down with a lightly oiled flat glass plate (or the bottom of a pan) until the potato is flattened to about ¼‑inch thickness.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Oil and Season

    Drizzle a thin stream of extra‑virgin olive oil over each flattened potato. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix generously over all pieces. (Optional: flip and drizzle the other side.)

    Time: PT5M

  7. First Bake

    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the potatoes for 40‑50 minutes, or until the top side is golden and crisp.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 180°C

  8. Flip and Finish

    Remove the tray, gently flip each potato piece, and return to the oven for an additional 10‑15 minutes until both sides are crispy and the edges are deep golden.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 180°C

  9. Garnish and Serve

    Transfer the crispy smashed potatoes to a serving board, sprinkle with sea‑salt flakes and chopped flat‑leaf parsley. Serve immediately with the honey mustard mayonnaise on the side.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Egg, Mustard, Honey

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

The Crispiest Smashed Potatoes That Will Change Your Life

Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens

Crispy smashed potatoes are boiled, flattened, and oven‑roasted until golden and crunchy on the outside while staying fluffy inside. Served with a tangy homemade honey mustard mayonnaise, this side dish is perfect for parties, dinner tables, or a comforting snack.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
37m
Prep
1h 20m
Cook
14m
Cleanup
2h 11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.06
Total cost
$3.51
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Boil potatoes until fork‑tender
  • Emulsify honey mustard mayonnaise
  • Dry potatoes thoroughly before flattening
  • Flatten potatoes to uniform thinness
  • First bake to set crust
  • Flip and finish bake for full crispness

Safety Warnings

  • The mayonnaise contains raw egg; use pasteurized eggs if concerned about salmonella.
  • Handle hot oil and hot baking sheets with oven mitts.
  • Be careful when using the immersion blender near hot liquids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of crispy smashed potatoes in American cuisine?

A

Crispy smashed potatoes are a modern twist on classic boiled potatoes, popularized in American gastropubs and home kitchens as a comfort side. The technique of flattening boiled potatoes for extra crispness became trendy in the 2010s, reflecting a love for texture contrast in contemporary American comfort food.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of smashed potatoes exist within United States cuisine?

A

In the Northeast, smashed potatoes are often tossed with rosemary and garlic; in the South, they may be seasoned with Cajun spices or served with a cheese‑crusted topping. The basic method stays the same—boil, smash, and bake—but the seasoning reflects local flavor preferences.

cultural
Q

How is honey mustard mayonnaise traditionally served in American meals?

A

Honey mustard mayo is a classic dip for chicken tenders, salads, and vegetable platters. It also appears as a spread on sandwiches or as a topping for baked potatoes, offering a sweet‑tangy balance that complements rich or fried foods.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are crispy smashed potatoes typically associated with in American culture?

A

They are popular at casual gatherings like backyard barbecues, game‑day parties, and potlucks because they can be made in large batches and served warm. Their finger‑food nature also makes them a hit at holiday appetizers and brunch spreads.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional honey mustard mayonnaise versus common substitutes?

A

Traditional honey mustard mayo uses egg yolk, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a neutral oil. Substitutes such as lemon juice for vinegar, maple syrup for honey, or olive oil for neutral oil work, but they slightly alter the flavor and texture.

cultural
Q

What other American side dishes pair well with crispy smashed potatoes and honey mustard mayo?

A

They pair nicely with grilled chicken, roasted pork chops, or a fresh green salad with vinaigrette. A side of coleslaw or baked beans also complements the sweet‑tangy mayo dip.

cultural
Q

How has the technique of smashing potatoes evolved over time in American cooking?

A

Originally, potatoes were simply boiled and mashed. The “smashed” method emerged with the rise of rustic, high‑temperature ovens and a focus on texture. Today, many chefs use a press or glass plate to achieve uniform thinness, followed by a high‑heat bake for extra crunch.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy smashed potatoes?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the potatoes (they become mushy), not drying them before baking (resulting in soggy skins), overcrowding the baking sheet, and using too little oil, which prevents proper browning.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use an immersion blender for the honey mustard mayonnaise instead of a traditional whisk?

A

An immersion blender creates a rapid, consistent shear force that quickly emulsifies the oil and egg, producing a thick, stable mayo in seconds. A whisk can work but requires more effort and may not achieve the same smooth texture.

technical
Q

Can I make the crispy smashed potatoes ahead of time and store them?

A

Yes. Boil and cool the potatoes, then refrigerate them uncovered for up to 24 hours. When ready, flatten, oil, season, and bake as directed. Reheating in a hot oven restores crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens focuses on approachable, home‑cooked comfort food with clear step‑by‑step tutorials, emphasizing classic techniques, quick weeknight meals, and occasional gourmet twists.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Chef Jack Ovens combines detailed explanations of why each step matters with minimal equipment requirements, making dishes like crispy smashed potatoes accessible to beginners while still delivering restaurant‑quality results, unlike many channels that rely on high‑end gadgets.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

The Crispiest Oven Roasted Smashed Potatoes
17

The Crispiest Oven Roasted Smashed Potatoes

These oven‑roasted smashed baby Yukon Gold potatoes are pillowy inside and ultra‑crispy outside, tossed in olive‑oil‑herb seasoning and finished with a garlic‑chili butter drizzle. A simple, crowd‑pleasing side that comes together in under an hour.

1 hr 20 minServes 4$5
American
Roasted Corn Ribs at Home
2

Roasted Corn Ribs at Home

A fun, meat‑free twist on classic BBQ ribs using fresh sweet corn. The ears are quartered into "ribs," tossed in a smoky dry‑rub, then broiled until caramelized and finished with melted butter. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a tasty side dish.

45 minServes 4$4
American
The Easiest Pickled Onions
9

The Easiest Pickled Onions

A fast and easy way to make tangy pickled red onions at home. Perfect for tacos, burgers, salads, or any dish that needs a burst of flavor. This recipe uses a simple 1:1 vinegar‑water brine with sugar and salt, and can be ready in just a couple of hours.

25 minServes 4$2
American
Pickled Onions: How to Make Them & 10 Ways to Use Them 🧅
10

Pickled Onions: How to Make Them & 10 Ways to Use Them 🧅

A fast and easy recipe for bright pink pickled red onions that add a tangy crunch to sandwiches, tacos, salads, and more. Made with apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and optional aromatics, these onions are ready in a few hours and keep in the fridge for weeks.

55 minServes 4$2
American
Make these pickled onions and be amazed at the results.
7

Make these pickled onions and be amazed at the results.

A fast and easy way to make tangy pickled onions at home using a simple brine of sugar, salt, pepper, and apple (or grape) vinegar. Ready in just a few minutes of prep and 7 hours of resting, these crunchy, colorful onions are perfect for tacos, burgers, salads, and sandwiches.

30 minServes 4$1
American
I've been roasting potatoes ALL WRONG! ...until now
4

I've been roasting potatoes ALL WRONG! ...until now

Crispy, crunchy, golden roast potatoes with a fluffy interior – the ultimate side dish. This recipe uses parboiled Dutch‑cream (Yukon Gold) potatoes tossed in lard for maximum flavor and crunch.

1 hr 32 minServes 4$4
British
Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
7

Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a sweet‑tangy honey‑balsamic glaze. Simple, flavorful, and perfect as a side for any meal.

50 minServes 4$5
American
Bomb honey balsamic glazed brussels sprouts
3

Bomb honey balsamic glazed brussels sprouts

Crispy oven‑roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a sweet‑tangy honey‑balsamic glaze. Perfect as a stand‑alone side or paired with your favorite main. Quick, flavorful, and ready in under an hour.

50 minServes 4$5
American