Smashed Fingerling Potatoes Recipe

Golden Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes Recipe for Summer Joy

Crispy golden smashed fingerling potatoes dance with irresistible charm on your dinner plate.

Rustic and delightful, these little potato gems promise a crunchy exterior with a creamy interior.

Home cooks adore their simple preparation and crowd-pleasing results.

Salt and herbs turn ordinary spuds into something magical and extraordinary.

Textural contrasts make this dish a standout side that steals the spotlight from main courses.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that keeps people coming back for more.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience potato perfection that will wow everyone at the table.

Why Smashed Fingerling Potatoes Are Crispy, Buttery, And Fun

  • Unbelievably Simple Cooking: These fingerling potatoes require minimal kitchen skills, making them perfect for beginner cooks who want to create a delicious side dish without complicated techniques.
  • Lightning-Fast Preparation: From start to finish, this recipe takes just about 20 minutes, offering a quick and convenient solution for busy home cooks looking to serve a tasty potato dish in a flash.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Smashed fingerling potatoes are universally appealing, making them an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone loves a classic, satisfying potato side.
  • Versatile Serving Option: These potatoes can easily complement multiple main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian dishes, providing flexibility for different meal plans and dietary preferences.

Everything You Need To Make Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

Fresh Produce:
  • Fingerling Potatoes: Small, elongated potatoes with a buttery texture and thin skin, perfect for smashing and creating crispy edges. Choose firm, unblemished potatoes with smooth skin and no sprouts.
Seasoning:
  • Salt: Enhances the natural potato flavor and helps in the cooking process. Kosher or sea salt works best for even flavor distribution.
Cooking Liquid:
  • Water: Essential for boiling and softening the potatoes, allowing them to become tender and easily smashed.

How To Make Golden Smashed Fingerling Potatoes Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Potato Bath

Grab your fingerling potatoes and plop them into a spacious pot. Fill the pot with cool water until the potatoes are completely submerged. Sprinkle in a generous handful of salt to infuse some flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Boil to Perfection

Crank up the heat to medium-high and let the water come to a rolling boil. The potatoes will dance and bubble, cooking until they’re super soft. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in smoothly with zero resistance – typically around 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Drain and Rest

Carefully pour the potatoes into a colander, letting the hot water wash away. Give the potatoes a few moments to cool down and dry off slightly. They should feel warm but not scorching hot to the touch.

Step 4: Smash and Flatten

Place each potato on a flat baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato. You want them slightly flattened but not completely obliterated – think rustic and uneven.

Step 5: Crisp and Season

Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil, ensuring each potato gets a nice coating. Sprinkle with:
  • Coarse sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Chopped fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme work wonderfully)

Step 6: Roast to Golden Crispiness

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 425°F. Roast for 20-25 minutes, watching for those edges to turn beautifully golden and crispy. The potatoes should look irresistibly crunchy on the outside while remaining soft inside.

Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, flavor-packed smashed fingerling potatoes!

Tips For The Best Texture In Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

  • Boost Salt Flavor: Use kosher or sea salt when boiling potatoes to enhance their natural taste and create a more robust seasoning base.
  • Master Perfect Texture: Gently press potatoes with a fork or potato masher after boiling to create crispy edges while maintaining a creamy interior.
  • Choose Quality Potatoes: Select firm, unblemished fingerling potatoes with smooth skin for the best roasting and smashing results.
  • Customize Herb Blend: Experiment with fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley to add aromatic dimensions and personalize your potato dish.
  • Prevent Sticking Trick: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil the surface to ensure potatoes don't stick during final roasting.

How To Store Smashed Fingerling Potatoes The Right Way

  • Refrigerate leftover smashed fingerling potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Cool the potatoes completely before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
  • Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness and maintain their delicious flavor.
  • Avoid microwaving, which can make the potatoes lose their crisp exterior and become mushy.

Perfect Pairings For Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

  • Elevate with Herbal Drizzle: Complement the crispy smashed potatoes with a zesty chimichurri sauce made from fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar for a bright, tangy kick.
  • Match with Creamy Companion: Pair these golden potatoes with a cool, tangy herb-infused sour cream or Greek yogurt dip that balances the potatoes' crispy exterior and soft interior.
  • Serve alongside Protein Perfection: Combine with grilled rosemary chicken or pan-seared salmon to create a well-rounded meal that highlights the potatoes' rich, buttery texture and crisp edges.
  • Wine and Dine Delight: Choose a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or a light-bodied pinot grigio that cuts through the potatoes' richness and enhances their earthy flavor profile.

Tasty Twists On Smashed Fingerling Potatoes To Try

  • Herb-Infused Potatoes: Sprinkle fresh rosemary, thyme, and chopped parsley over the smashed potatoes before roasting for an aromatic herb profile.
  • Spicy Garlic Smash: Drizzle potatoes with chili oil and sprinkle minced garlic and red pepper flakes for a zesty kick that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Cheesy Potato Crunch: Generously top smashed potatoes with grated parmesan and sharp cheddar, creating a crispy, melted cheese coating that adds rich flavor.
  • Mediterranean Style: Scatter crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to transform the potatoes with Mediterranean flair.

Top Questions About Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

  • What makes fingerling potatoes different from regular potatoes?

Fingerling potatoes are smaller, elongated varieties with a unique, buttery flavor and creamy texture. They have thin, delicate skins that are perfect for smashing and creating crispy edges.

  • Do I need to peel fingerling potatoes before cooking?

No! One of the best things about fingerling potatoes is that you can leave the skin on. The skin adds extra nutrients, texture, and a rustic look to your dish.

  • Can I use other types of potatoes if I can't find fingerlings?

While fingerlings are ideal, you can substitute with small new potatoes or baby potatoes. Just make sure they’re similar in size so they cook evenly. The key is using small, waxy potato varieties that hold their shape well.

  • Why add salt to the water when boiling potatoes?

Salt helps season the potatoes from the inside out, enhancing their natural flavor. Adding salt to the cooking water ensures the potatoes are seasoned throughout, not just on the surface.

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Smashed Fingerling Potatoes Recipe

Smashed Fingerling Potatoes Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy golden “smashed fingerling potatoes” deliver a delightful crunch that elevates simple side dishes into gourmet experiences. Herb-infused and perfectly seasoned, these potatoes invite you to savor each irresistible bite with pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

main ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) fingerling potatoes (or baby potatoes)

seasonings and flavor enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons salt (for boiling)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

cooking and finishing ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for a cheesy finish)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly wash fingerling potatoes, removing any dirt or blemishes, then transfer them to a spacious cooking vessel.
  2. Fill the pot with cold water, ensuring the potatoes are completely submerged, and generously sprinkle salt throughout the liquid.
  3. Position the pot on the stove and activate medium-high heat, allowing the water to gradually transition from a calm state to a vigorous, bubbling boil.
  4. Maintain a steady boil and let the potatoes simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, periodically testing their tenderness by piercing with a sharp fork.
  5. Once the potatoes yield effortlessly when prodded, carefully remove the pot from the heat source.
  6. Drain the potatoes using a colander, allowing excess water to escape, and let them rest momentarily to cool and release steam.
  7. The potatoes should now be soft yet structurally intact, ready for the next stage of culinary preparation.

Notes

  • Opt for equally sized potatoes to ensure uniform cooking and a gorgeous, crispy texture when smashed.
  • Generously salt the boiling water to infuse deep flavor directly into the potatoes’ flesh before roasting.
  • Pat potatoes completely dry after boiling to help achieve maximum crispiness when smashed and baked.
  • Consider using a sturdy flat-bottomed measuring cup or potato masher for even, gentle smashing without breaking the potato’s delicate skin.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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