If you’re anything like me and love a potato dish that’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavor, then you’re going to adore this Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how these potatoes turn golden and crunchy in the oven, paired perfectly with a tangy, creamy garlic feta sauce that’s just out of this world. Stick with me, and I’ll share every trick you need to get these tasting like your new favorite comfort food!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Crispy Texture: Baking at a high heat after smashing gives these potatoes an unbeatable crunch you’ll crave every time.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen, making this recipe easy and accessible.
- Flavor-Packed Garlic Feta Sauce: The tangy, garlicky sauce perfectly complements the crispy potatoes for a taste explosion.
- Versatile Snack or Side: Whether for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this recipe fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I love about this Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet they come together for a seriously delicious combo. Picking small gold potatoes helps them cook evenly, and the olive oil mixed with garlic powder gives that irresistible golden crust.
- Small gold potatoes: These are perfect for smashing because they hold together well and have a creamy texture inside.
- Salt: Adding salt to your boiling water flavors the potatoes from the inside out—don’t skip this step!
- Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil is my go-to for crisping potatoes and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Garlic powder: Provides a lovely, mild garlic flavor that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Freshly ground salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—freshly ground gives a notable difference over the pre-ground.
- Garlic feta sauce: The star dipping sauce that complements every bite with that creamy, tangy punch.
- Fresh rosemary, parsley, or cilantro for garnish: Fresh herbs add color, aroma, and brightness—pick your favorite!
Variations
I like to keep things flexible in the kitchen, so this recipe is a great base for customization. Sometimes, I swap out herbs or add a bit of spice to the dipping sauce, and each tweak brings something fresh to the table. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Add Heat: I’ve added smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne to the olive oil before brushing the potatoes for a smoky, spicy kick that my family loves.
- Dairy-Free Sauce: Instead of the garlic feta sauce, try a dairy-free garlic herb dip made with avocado or cashew cream if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Herb Mix: Rosemary is classic, but sometimes I’ll mix parsley and cilantro for a brighter, fresher taste—switch it up according to your mood.
- Roasting Only: If you want to skip boiling, parboil the potatoes just until slightly tender and roast longer, but smashing after boiling gives the best texture I’ve found.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Boil and Prep Your Potatoes
Start by placing your small gold potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a big handful of salt—that’s your secret to seasoning the potatoes from within. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are just fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. You don’t want them falling apart just yet—perfect texture is key. Drain and let them cool for 5 minutes so they’re easier to handle when smashing.
Step 2: Smash ‘Em Just Right
Once cooled, transfer the potatoes to a large sheet pan. Now here’s where the fun begins! Grab a heavy-bottomed pot, a large mug, or even another sheet pan, and gently press down on each potato until it’s about one-third inch thick. Try not to make them too thin—otherwise, they might tear or become mushy. The goal is a nice flat surface that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Season and Bake to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with garlic powder, then brush this mixture generously on both sides of each smashed potato. Sprinkle freshly ground salt and pepper over the top—you’ll want to season them well for maximum flavor. Pop the sheet pan into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through to encourage even crispiness. Keep an eye on that golden color; it’s your best indicator that they’re ready.
Step 4: Whip Up the Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce
While the potatoes bake, make your garlic feta dipping sauce. If you haven’t tried this before, it’s a game-changer. Creamy yogurt blends with salty feta cheese and a bold hit of garlic to create a sauce that’s cool, tangy, and utterly addictive. Feel free to drizzle some on top of your potatoes or keep it on the side as a dip—both are winners!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your potatoes are perfectly crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and garnish with fresh rosemary, parsley, or cilantro—whichever herb you’re digging that day. Drizzle that luscious garlic feta sauce over the top or serve it in a bowl for dipping. Trust me, this finishing touch takes the whole dish to the next level.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Use Uniform Small Potatoes: Picking similar-sized potatoes ensures even cooking and smashing, which is key for consistent crispiness.
- Don’t Over-Smash: Keep the thickness around one-third of an inch to avoid potatoes falling apart during baking.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flipping helps crisp both sides evenly—a step I never skip anymore after some trial runs.
- Season Generously: Potatoes love salt and pepper—don’t be shy with seasoning before baking and just before serving for extra flavor.
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, I usually go with fresh rosemary sprigs for a fragrant, rustic touch. But chopped parsley or cilantro also brighten the dish wonderfully. They not only add color but also balance the richness of the potatoes and feta sauce.
Side Dishes
These smashed potatoes are fabulous alongside grilled chicken or seared steak. I’ve also served them with a crisp green salad and roasted veggies for a balanced meal. Honestly, they hold up well as a hearty appetizer or a snack for game day gatherings too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I like to serve these potatoes on a large rustic wooden board with small bowls of the garlic feta sauce and other dips around. Adding lemon wedges and sprinkling extra herbs just before serving makes the platter look vibrant and inviting. It’s always a hit when guests can grab and dip at their leisure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which sometimes doesn’t happen because they disappear fast!), place them in an airtight container in the fridge. I recommend eating them within 2 days for the best texture.
Freezing
I generally don’t freeze these because the crispy texture can get lost, but if you must, freeze them on a baking sheet first before storing in containers to avoid clumping. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven for best results.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, I pop leftover potatoes into a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-15 minutes instead of microwaving. This method revives the golden crust without making them soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use red or Yukon gold potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Yukon golds work wonderfully because of their creamy texture, and reds are a good option if you prefer a waxier potato. Just make sure they’re small and roughly the same size for even cooking and smashing.
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How do I make the garlic feta dipping sauce?
The sauce is typically made by blending feta cheese with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. You can adjust garlic and lemon amounts to taste—it’s creamy, tangy, and the perfect companion to the crispy potatoes.
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What if my potatoes fall apart when I smash them?
That can happen if potatoes are overcooked or smashed too thin. To avoid this, boil potatoes just until fork-tender, not mushy, and smash gently to about 1/3 inch thickness. Using potatoes with firmer skins like golds or reds also helps.
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Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! This recipe bakes the smashed potatoes to crispy perfection, so frying isn’t necessary. Baking at a high temperature ensures they get that beautiful crunch without extra oil.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can easily swap the garlic feta sauce for a dairy-free alternative, like a creamy cashew-based dip with garlic and herbs. The potatoes themselves are naturally vegan.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen for good reason. It’s impressive yet easy, and I love that it brings everyone to the table craving more. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, side, or party food, it’s a recipe that feels special but is so straightforward to pull off. I hope you enjoy making—and eating—it as much as my family and I do. Give it a go and watch these golden, garlicky potatoes become your new go-to!
PrintCrispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Smashed Potatoes recipe features tender boiled small gold potatoes smashed to a perfect thickness, brushed with garlic-infused olive oil, and baked until golden and crispy. Served with a creamy garlic feta sauce and garnished with fresh herbs, this dish is a crowd-pleasing side perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 1/2 pounds small gold potatoes
- Big handful of salt (for boiling)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Dipping Sauce
- 1 batch garlic feta sauce (recipe linked or prepared separately)
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Add the small gold potatoes and a big handful of salt to a large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until just fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool for 5 minutes on a sheet pan.
- Smash the Potatoes: Using a heavy-bottomed pot, large mug, or another sheet pan, gently smash each potato until it is about 1/3 inch thick, flat on two sides. Be careful not to smash them too thin to prevent breaking.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes.
- Season and Brush: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously on both sides of the smashed potatoes. Season them liberally with freshly ground salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the potatoes on the sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness on both sides. Bake until they are golden brown and crispy to your liking.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Make the garlic feta yogurt sauce as directed in the related recipe or create your preferred dipping sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the crispy potatoes with fresh rosemary sprigs on the platter or sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro. Drizzle the feta sauce over the potatoes or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Do not smash the potatoes too thin, as this can cause them to fall apart during baking.
- You can substitute the garlic feta sauce with other dips such as sour cream, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or cilantro add a fragrant touch and complement the crispy potatoes well.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F for the best crispiness.
- Use small, uniform-sized potatoes to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 3-4 potatoes)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg