Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and absolutely delicious! These baby potatoes are made by boiling, smashing and then broiling for that rustic texture. They only take 15 minutes of your time, but can easily feed a crowd.

What Are Smashed Potatoes
Smashed potatoes are baby potatoes that have been precooked (boiled), smashed flat and then broiled. They result in crispy tops and edges, while maintaining soft and fluffy inside.
Make a big batch for meal prep throughout the week, just bake them when you are ready to eat. Or, scroll down to learn how to make these potatoes in advance! These potatoes are enough to impress a dinner party.
How to Make Smashed Potatoes
It is so easy to make crispy, smashed potatoes. Just boil, smash, and bake! Here are the simple steps:
- Boil Potatoes: Add the small potatoes to a pot of salted water and boil the potatoes until they cook (fork tender).
- Smash Potatoes: Add cooked potatoes to a parchment-lined baking sheet and smash each potato with a potato masher. Brush the smashed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt.
- Broil Potatoes: Broil the potatoes until golden brown and crispy. Top with bacon, cheese and herbs.
Hot Tip: If you don’t have a potato masher, you can also use a glass or bottom of a mug to press down the baby potatoes.




Recipe Variations
There are so many ways you can customize this crispy smashed potatoes recipe. Whether you like them cheesy, herby or loaded up, here are some ways you can serve this dish:
- Loaded Potato – bacon, cheese, and green onions on top of the crispy potatoes.
- Garlic Herb Infused – a drizzle of melted butter, some chopped dill and fresh minced garlic.
- Cheesy – you can sprinkle just a little Parmesan cheese (or other shredded cheese of choice) or load them up so the cheese melts and forms a crispy, cheesy layer.
- Salt and Pepper – prefer simpler flavors to pair with your meal? Just drizzle with olive and season with salt and pepper. This is a great vegan/dairy-free option.
Hot Tip: You can sprinkle the potatoes with your favorite spices or seasonings. Like spice? Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or your favorite cajun seasoning blend. The options are endless!
Serving Smashed Potatoes
Crispy smashed potatoes are the perfect side dish! Serve alongside your favorite protein such as air fryer chicken thighs or baked steak. Or pair with some other sides like quick pickles or a pickled salad. The best part about this potato recipe is that it is so versatile, especially when you make different variations.
Hot Tip: The thinner you smash the baby potatoes, the crispier they will get.
Making Smashed Potatoes Ahead
To make the smashed potatoes ahead of time, you can boil the baby potatoes a day or two in advance. Store the boiled potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, just smash the pre-boiled potatoes and bake according to the recipe. You may need to add an extra minute or two since the potatoes are cold.
You can also prep the toppings in advance. The bacon can be cooked and crumbled a couple days ahead of time. The fresh herbs can be washed and chopped the day before.
More Potato Recipes to Try
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes – the crispiest skin paired with a super tender inside.
- Cream Mushroom Potatoes – rich, creamy, and made with just several simple ingredients.
- Air Fryer Potato Skins – a healthy spin on loaded potato skins.
- 3 Ingredient Roasted Potatoes – only 3 ingredients for an easy side dish.
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges – crispiness of your favorite french fries without the frying!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 small potatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup bacon crisps
- 1/4 cup herbs chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic parsley salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse potatoes. Place them in a pot of salted water and boil until they are cooked. To check for doneness, gently poke a potato using a fork.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place cooked potatoes on the baking sheet, leaving plenty of space between each one.
- Use a potato masher to smash each potato flat.
- Brush each smashed potato with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt. Broil the potatoes in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Top each potato with bacon crisps, cheese and herbs.
One of my favorite ways to serve potatoes! I just love the fluffy centers and the extra crisp edges.
Right?! Easy and delicious!
Turned out really delicious! Thanks!
I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Delicious idea & so easy!! Love that it requires little ingredients, but the flavor is perfect!!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, thank you for your feedback!
I did them once and it was gone really fast!!! My son loves bacon so he ate everything on his plate and left potatoe with bacon to enjoy it last!!!:) but how do u keep it together cause when I smashed it, it didn't hold together!!! But thank you for wonderful recepie! God bless!
Me and your son could be friends, have bacon parties. 🙂 I guess I dont smash them, lol.. More of gently pressing them, some of them still fall apart. Overcooking potatoes could effect it too.
My husband has been talking about making smashed baby potatoes for the past month. he was on to something! 😉 I love that you put bacon on these. Everything is better with bacon 🙂 Pinning this one for sure!
Thank you Natasha. Your husband has some great ideas. I agree that bacon makes everything way better. I try not to buy it, otherwise my body will have way too much bacon lol 😉
I love this!!!
Thank you! 🙂
pretty awesome 🙂
Natasha, I am making them today. I got all the ingredients. YUM!!!