Yasmin Fahr’s Smashed Garlicky Potatoes

published Nov 2, 2021
thanksgiving
Serving bowl of smashed potatoes with serving spoon on table. Bright blue tablecloth, some kosher salt in a small bowl, a plate with a serving of potatoes, and a bottle of wine and a glass of wine peeking in
Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Jesse Szewczyk; Prop Styling: Andie McMahon

Potatoes are boiled then roasted to get a mixture of browned, super-crunchy bits and creamy spuds in every bite.

Serves6

Prep5 minutes

Cook1 hour 5 minutes

Jump to Recipe
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Serving bowl of smashed potatoes with serving spoon on table. Bright blue tablecloth, some kosher salt in a small bowl, a plate with a serving of potatoes, and a bottle of wine and a glass of wine peeking in
Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Jesse Szewczyk; Prop Styling: Andie McMahon

Thanksgiving Food Fest is an exciting virtual event that takes us inside five star chefs’ home kitchens as they cook through five cohesive, fascinating, and delicious Thanksgiving menus. Tune in each night from November 7 to 11 to see their holiday visions come to life — and chat LIVE with the chef. See the schedule and get more details here.

Inspired by the restaurant Barbuto, these crispy smashed potatoes are first boiled and then roasted to get a mixture of browned, super-crunchy bits and creamy potatoes. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary, but I purposefully left this more neutral so it can fit into any meal, whether at Thanksgiving or not. If you are making my complete New Classic Thanksgiving dinner, then you can cook both these and the Brussels sprouts at the same time. It also works wonderfully alongside roast chicken or as part of a weeknight meal. 

Smashed Garlicky Potatoes Recipe

Potatoes are boiled then roasted to get a mixture of browned, super-crunchy bits and creamy spuds in every bite.

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 1 hour 5 minutes

Serves 6

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds

    small Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2-inches wide)

  • 2 teaspoons

    kosher salt, divided

  • 5

    unpeeled cloves garlic

  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup

    olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    red pepper flakes

Instructions

Show Images
  1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 450ºF. Meanwhile, place 2 pounds small Yukon Gold potatoes in a medium pot, add enough cold water to cover by 1 inch, and season with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cook until the potatoes can easily be pierced with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes.

  2. Drain the potatoes and let sit for about 10 minutes, until cool enough to handle. Meanwhile, place 5 unpeeled garlic cloves on a cutting board. Place the flat part of a chef’s knife over a clove and use the heel of your palm to firmly press down on the flat part of the knife to smash it. Remove the skin and repeat with remaining cloves.

  3. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet, then use the heels of your palms or the bottom of a measuring cup to smash them into irregular chunks. (You can also wrap your hand in a clean dish towel to do this if they are still hot.) They can be funky shaped and messy — it all adds to the fun. Add the smashed garlic to the baking sheet.

  4. Pour about 1/3 cup olive oil over the potatoes and garlic, then season with the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. You want to be generous with the oil, so if any part looks a little dry, then add the remaining oil.

  5. Roast the potatoes until the bottoms and skin are crispy and golden-brown, 25 to 35 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Recipe Notes

Make ahead: The potatoes can be boiled and refrigerated up to 1 day ahead. They may need a few more minutes of roasting time.

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.