There’s something utterly irresistible about the crunch of these Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes. As soon as they emerge from the oven, your kitchen fills with the warm, inviting scent of roasted garlic—it’s a little slice of heaven that beckons you to the table. This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture, perfect for those of us who refuse to settle for bland meals.
While fast food may offer instant gratification, there’s a unique joy in coming home and creating something simple yet delightful. With just a handful of accessible ingredients, this vegan recipe transforms humble baby potatoes into golden, crispy bites that everyone will adore. Drizzle them with a garlicky olive oil glaze, pair with a zesty vegan honey mustard for dipping, and you have a crowd-pleaser that elevates any dinner.
Ready to ditch the drive-thru and embrace the warmth of home cooking? Let’s dive into this easy, satisfying recipe that’s destined to be a staple on your dinner table.
Why Love This Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe?
Flavor Explosion: The dance of roasted garlic and olive oil creates an addictive taste.
Golden & Crispy: Each bite offers a satisfying crunch paired with a fluffy interior.
Vegan-Friendly: Enjoy deliciousness without compromising on dietary choices.
Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s perfect for home cooks.
Crowd-Pleasing: Serve as a side or snack; friends and family will keep coming back for more!
For more scrumptious ideas, try this vegan recipe for Roasted Vegetables that pairs beautifully!
Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- Baby Potatoes – These small gems provide the perfect texture; feel free to substitute with Yukon Gold, red, or even larger potatoes if you prefer.
- Garlic (1 bulb) – Essential for that deep, roasted flavor; be sure to roast it first for optimal sweetness.
- Olive Oil (¼ cup) – Adds flavor and helps achieve that delightful crispiness; avocado oil can work as a tasty alternative.
- Salt and Pepper – Basic yet crucial for enhancing the overall taste; adjust according to your personal preference and consider flaky salt for a finishing touch.
For the Vegan Honey Mustard Sauce
- Vegan Mayonnaise (½ cup) – Acts as a creamy base for the dipping sauce; you can replace it with tahini or cashew cream if desired!
- Mustard (2 tablespoons) – Introduces a zesty kick; pick any mustard you like, but Dijon brings an extra layer of depth.
- Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons) – Provides a lovely sweetness to balance the tang; feel free to swap with brown sugar or agave syrup.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon) – Adds a bright acidity that elevates the flavors; lime juice is a great stand-in if you need it.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) – Bolsters that garlic flavor in the sauce; you can use fresh garlic for a bolder impact if you prefer.
Dive into this Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe, and transform your dinner into a flavor fiesta!
How to Make Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes
- Prep Garlic: Cut off the top of the garlic bulb, then drizzle with olive oil and wrap it in foil. Roast it in the oven at 425°F (218°C) for 45 minutes until tender and aromatic.
- Boil Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the baby potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart.
- Smash Potatoes: Once boiled, transfer the potatoes to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a flat-bottomed glass, gently smash each potato until it’s about ½ inch thick.
- Make Garlic Oil Glaze: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a bowl with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine, creating a delicious glaze.
- Coat Potatoes: Generously brush the garlic oil mixture over each smashed potato, ensuring they’re well coated for that extraordinary flavor.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy. For an extra crunch, roast them for an additional 5 minutes.
- Make Honey Mustard: In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a touch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Let the crispy potatoes cool slightly. Garnish with flaky salt and sliced green onions, and serve warm with the flavorful vegan honey mustard dipping sauce.
Optional: Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle fresh herbs for an added layer of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes?
Elevate your dinner experience by pairing these crunchy bites with delightful sides and sauces that complement their garlicky goodness.
- Grilled Veggies: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add a fresh, smoky balance, making the meal vibrant and colorful.
- Vegan Protein: Consider serving with marinated tofu or lentil patties. The bold flavors harmonize beautifully with the potatoes, providing a complete meal.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette brings brightness and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the potatoes.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchy texture of coleslaw, dressed in a tangy vegan mayo, perfectly complements the crispy potatoes, enhancing every bite.
- Savory Mushroom Gravy: Drizzly warm mushroom gravy over the potatoes for an earthy, umami-packed experience that’s simply irresistible.
- Toasty Bread: Pair with slices of crusty, toasted bread to mop up any leftover garlic oil or dipping sauce, combining flavors in every bite.
- Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio adds a refreshing touch, enhancing the culinary experience with their acidity.
Feel free to mix and match! Each pairing beautifully complements the crispy garlic smashed potatoes recipe, ensuring a satisfying feast for every palate.
Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes Variations
Feel free to take this scrumptious recipe in new and exciting directions—your taste buds will thank you!
- Larger Potatoes: Use larger potatoes like Russets, just adjust boiling time for optimal tender texture.
- Herb-Infused: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the garlic oil for a fragrant touch; it elevates the aroma beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in some red pepper flakes into the garlic oil for a delightful heat that complements the crunchy potatoes.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle nutritional yeast or vegan cheese on top of the potatoes before baking for a savory, cheesy flavor. It adds a wonderful umami twist.
- Crispy Toppings: Try adding panko breadcrumbs atop the smashed potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra crunch factor!
- Zesty Twist: Swap the lemon juice for lime juice in the dipping sauce for a vibrant flavor contrast that livens up each bite.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika into the garlic glaze to add a depth of flavor that brings a subtle smokiness to each potato.
- Balsamic Drizzle: Finish your dish with a balsamic reduction drizzle before serving; it’s a sweet and tangy addition that enhances the overall taste.
These variations will not only keep things fresh but also invite endless possibilities to enjoy your crispy garlic smashed potatoes!
Storage Tips for Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes
- Fridge: Store any leftover crispy garlic smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their flavor.
- Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To revive the crispy texture, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and crispy once more.
- Avoid Moisture: To prevent sogginess, do not cover them tightly in the fridge; instead, wrap lightly or leave unsealed to allow moisture to escape.
Expert Tips for Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes
- Perfect Boiling: Ensure potatoes are fully submerged in salted water for even cooking. This prevents any uneven textures in your crispy garlic smashed potatoes.
- Smash Smart: For even crunch, smash the potatoes to about ½ inch thick. Thinner potatoes will get crispier, enhancing their delightful texture!
- Preheat Oven: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking. This ensures that the garlic oil glaze crisps up beautifully as intended.
- Check Crispiness: Keep an eye on the potatoes during the last few minutes of baking. Each oven may vary, so adjust the cooking time if needed to achieve that perfect golden finish.
- Right Sauce Balance: Taste the honey mustard before serving. Adjust the seasoning with additional mustard or sweetener to perfectly match your palate.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a homemade dish even on the busiest of weeknights! You can boil and smash the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, prepare the garlic oil glaze and the vegan honey mustard sauce ahead of time; both will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply brush the garlic glaze on the prepped potatoes and bake them at 425°F (218°C) for 25-30 minutes until crispy. With this simple planning, you’ll have a delightful side dish that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!
Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! Baby potatoes are fantastic for this crispy garlic smashed potatoes recipe because they have the perfect texture and flavor. You can also use Yukon Gold or even red potatoes as alternatives, but if you choose larger potatoes, remember to adjust the boiling time accordingly to ensure even cooking.
How should I store leftover crispy garlic smashed potatoes?
To keep your leftovers fresh, store crispy garlic smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them securely in foil and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze crispy garlic smashed potatoes?
Certainly! To freeze, first allow the smashed potatoes to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the potatoes to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until crispy again. This method helps maintain their delightful texture!
What if my smashed potatoes aren’t crispy enough?
If you find your potatoes are lacking that perfect crunch, a couple of tweaks can help. Make sure to smash the potatoes to about ½ inch thick for optimal crispiness. Additionally, baking for a few extra minutes while monitoring closely can help achieve that golden finish. If you’re using an air fryer, cooking in smaller batches can also enhance their crunchiness.
Are these crispy garlic smashed potatoes vegan-friendly?
Very much so! This crispy garlic smashed potatoes recipe is completely vegan, using simple, plant-based ingredients like baby potatoes, olive oil, and a vegan honey mustard sauce. Always check that your mustard and mayonnaise are labeled vegan if you’re catering to strict dietary preferences!
Can I make the honey mustard sauce spicier?
Of course! To amp up the spice in your honey mustard sauce, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the mix. You can also experiment with spicier varieties of mustard to tailor the flavor to your taste. Enjoy the creative process!
Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe Everyone Will Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut off the top of the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast in the oven at 425°F (218°C) for 45 minutes until tender and aromatic.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Transfer potatoes to a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently smash each potato to about ½ inch thick.
- Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into a bowl with olive oil; season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Brush garlic oil mixture over each smashed potato generously.
- Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy, adding 5 minutes for extra crunch.
- Whisk together vegan mayonnaise, mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until creamy.
- Let potatoes cool slightly, garnish with flaky salt and serve warm with honey mustard sauce.
