Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes Recipe

Crunchy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes Recipe for Your Table

Crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible smashed fingerling potatoes dance on the edge of culinary perfection.

These delectable bites elevate simple potatoes with a delightful crunch that tantalizes taste buds.

Each potato is gently pressed to create a stunning texture that crackles with every bite.

Salt and herbs transform these humble spuds into a crowd-pleasing side dish that steals the show.

The secret lies in the careful technique of smashing and roasting.

You’ll want to make these potatoes again and again, savoring their crisp exterior and tender interior.

These addictive morsels will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 195 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s in Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

For Potato Base:
  • Fingerling Potatoes: Creamy little gems perfect for smashing, choose small uniform potatoes with smooth skin and no sprouting for best texture.
For Seasoning Elements:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Creates irresistible crispy exterior and helps herbs and spices stick to potatoes.
  • Garlic: Adds robust aromatic punch, select fresh firm cloves without green sprouts.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum zest.
  • Paprika: Brings warm color and subtle smoky undertone, opt for fresh Hungarian or Spanish varieties.
  • Dried Thyme: Provides earthy herbal notes, choose vibrant green leaves with strong fragrance.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional crown that adds nutty salty dimension, select freshly grated for best melting.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green garnish delivering fresh herbaceous pop, choose crisp leaves with vivid color.

Equipment for Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

  • Large Pot: Essential for boiling potatoes evenly and creating a soft interior.
  • Baking Sheet: Perfect for roasting and getting those crispy potato edges.
  • Parchment Paper: Keeps potatoes from sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
  • Potato Masher or Spoon Back: Helps smash potatoes into deliciously flat, crispy shapes.
  • Small Bowl: Used for mixing herb and oil seasoning blend.
  • Cooking Brush or Spoon: Helps spread seasoning evenly over smashed potatoes.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning amounts.
  • Colander: Drains potatoes quickly after boiling.

How to Make Smashed Fingerling Potatoes Crisp

  • Boil Potatoes

Toss fingerling potatoes into a big pot and cover with cold water. Salt generously and heat until bubbling vigorously. Cook until potatoes feel tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.

  • Prepare Baking Surface

Heat oven to a toasty 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  • Crush Potatoes

Gently transfer boiled potatoes onto the baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon or potato masher to flatten each potato, creating delightful crispy edges.

  • Season Generously

Whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme in a small bowl. Drizzle this flavor-packed mixture over each smashed potato, ensuring even coverage.

  • Roast to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes until potatoes turn golden brown and develop irresistible crispy exteriors.

  • Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve piping hot alongside sour cream or aioli for an extra flavor punch.

Smashed Fingerling Potatoes: Tips & Toppings

  • Perfect Potato Texture: Boil potatoes until just fork-tender to ensure a creamy interior with a crispy exterior when roasted.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Herb Swap Magic: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or chives to create unique flavor profiles based on your taste preferences.
  • Vegan Version: Replace butter and Parmesan with olive oil and nutritional yeast for a delicious plant-based alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or cayenne for those who love a bit of heat, transforming the potatoes into a zesty side dish.

Serving Smashed Fingerling Potatoes at the Table

  • Cozy Dinner Partner: Serve these crispy smashed potatoes alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
  • Brunch Superstar: Top with a soft poached egg and crispy bacon bits to transform these potatoes into a delightful weekend brunch centerpiece that'll impress your guests.
  • Vegetarian Delight: Pair with a fresh Mediterranean salad or roasted vegetable medley to create a satisfying vegetarian main course that bursts with flavor and texture.
  • Party Appetizer Magic: Cut the potatoes into smaller portions and serve with multiple dipping sauces like garlic aioli, herb ranch, and spicy sriracha mayo for a crowd-pleasing finger food that'll disappear quickly at gatherings.

Store Smashed Fingerling Potatoes Smartly

  • Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep them in the coolest part of your refrigerator to maintain crispiness and flavor.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm potatoes in a preheated oven at 375F for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispy exterior. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
  • Freezing Strategy: Wrap cooled potatoes tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Prep-Ahead Wisdom: Boil and smash potatoes up to 24 hours before final roasting. Keep prepared potatoes covered in the refrigerator, then finish with oil and seasoning just before baking for maximum freshness and crunch.
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Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes Recipe

Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy smashed fingerling potatoes deliver a golden crunch with herb-infused seasoning. Garlic, rosemary, and sea salt create an irresistible side dish you’ll crave for your next meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) fingerling potatoes or baby potatoes
  • 3 tbsps olive oil or melted butter
  • 2 tbsps salt (for boiling)
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for a cheesy finish)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boiling: Immerse fingerling potatoes in heavily salted cold water, covering them completely in a large pot. Heat until water reaches a rolling boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. Preparation: Drain potatoes thoroughly and allow them to air dry and cool slightly. Preheat oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Smashing: Distribute potatoes across the baking sheet, then use a flat-bottomed object like a glass or potato masher to gently crush each potato, creating rustic, textured surfaces with slight cracks and increased surface area.
  4. Seasoning: Whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle and brush the aromatic mixture generously over each smashed potato, ensuring complete and even coating.
  5. Roasting: Place baking sheet in preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to promote uniform browning. Potatoes should emerge golden brown, crispy on the edges, with a tender interior.
  6. Finishing: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot alongside sour cream or aioli for dipping.

Notes

  • Selecting Potatoes: Choose small, uniform-sized fingerling potatoes for even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Salt Water Technique: Use heavily salted water during boiling to enhance potato flavor from the inside out.
  • Cooling Matters: Allow potatoes to air dry after boiling to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispier results.
  • Flattening Strategy: Use a flat-bottomed glass or potato masher with gentle pressure to create maximum surface area for crispy edges.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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