What's the difference between smashed potatoes and mashed potatoes?

While both are popular potato side dishes, the two are prepared with a few differences. For example, smashed potatoes, like this recipe, are boiled until fork tender, then smashed and baked until creamy in the center with crispy outsides. Mashed potatoes on the other hand are often made with peeled potatoes that have been boiled then fully mashed until creamy and fluffy. To see the visual difference, check out our Vegan Mashed Potatoes recipe!

Why are my smashed potatoes falling apart?

This can happen if the potatoes are smashed too quickly or if you use waxy potato varieties like small red potatoes, russet potatoes, or fingerling potatoes. For the best results, please use Yukon golds. They're high starch content keeps them extra creamy in the center and prevents them from falling apart.

What equipment do I need to smash the potatoes?

To make the best, crispy smashed potatoes you will need something with a flat bottom to smash the potatoes. We find this easiest to do with the bottom of a cup or drinking glass, but it will also work with the back of a flat spatula, measuring cup, or even a potato masher. If you are using a potato masher, just be sure to press down on the potatoes gently or place a piece of parchment paper between the potato and the potato masher. This will help keep the top surface of the potato flat and smooth.

The Best Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Name: The Best Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 pounds small yukon gold potatoes; 3 tablespoons olive oil, avocado oil or melted vegan butter; 5 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely minced; 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely minced; 1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon salt (or as desired); 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or as desired); Optional: 2-3 tablespoons vegan parmesan cheese

Description

These Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes are about to change your life! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and infused with garlic and herbs for an appetizer that’s down-right delicious. Have them ready to devour in less than 1 hour.

Ingredients

2 pounds small yukon gold potatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil, avocado oil or melted vegan butter
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely minced
1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely minced
1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon salt (or as desired)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or as desired)
Optional: 2-3 tablespoons vegan parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Add the potatoes to a large pot and fill with cold water. Set on stove over medium heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add in 1 tablespoon of salt then cook the potatoes for 15- 20 minutes, or until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes, so we recommend checking on them every 10 minutes by piercing the largest potato with the tip of a sharp knife. You will know when it’s ready when the knife slides in easily with no resistance.
Preheat oven to 450°F and lightly grease a baking sheet OR line it with parchment paper/a silicone mat.
In the meantime, grab a small bowl and mix together the oil/butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper until uniform. Set aside.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and then spread them evenly on your baking sheet. Using a drinking up, measuring cup, or potato masher, press down on the potatoes to “smash” them until they are about 1/2-inch thick (the thinner the potatoes the crispier the result). Be sure to press down on them slowly so that they don’t break! Evenly distribute oil mixture onto the potatoes, trying your best to cover the whole top surface of each.
Place the potatoes in the oven for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisped up.
Remove the potatoes from the oven and top them with vegan parmesan cheese as desired. Serve warm with your dipping sauces of choice!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Side
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-free, Soy-free