Creamy Rosemary Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Crispy Golden Smashed Potatoes with Rosemary Garlic Butter Recipe

Crispy, golden edges and a soft, creamy center make these rosemary garlic butter smashed potatoes a mouthwatering side dish that steals the spotlight at any meal.

Russet potatoes boiled until tender become the perfect canvas for a flavorful smash technique.

Generously drizzled with herb-infused butter, each potato develops a delightfully crunchy exterior that begs to be devoured.

The combination of fragrant rosemary and rich garlic creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen with warmth.

Salt and pepper add the final touch of seasoning, enhancing every delectable bite.

These potatoes aren’t just a side – they’re a crispy, buttery experience you’ll want to make again and again.

Get ready to transform your dinner plate with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Total Time: 55-60 minutes

Calories: 245 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes into Rosemary Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes

For Potato Base:
  • Fingerling Potatoes or Baby Potatoes: Creamy, waxy potatoes perfect for achieving a crispy exterior and tender interior with quick cooking time.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances natural potato flavor and helps season the potatoes during boiling and roasting.
  • Olive Oil: Creates a golden, crispy surface and helps spices adhere to potato skin.
For Spice Blend:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds deep, concentrated garlic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
  • Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweet and savory undertones to complement potato's earthiness.
  • Paprika: Introduces mild smoky warmth and beautiful reddish color to the dish.
  • Cayenne: Delivers a gentle heat that sparks excitement in the flavor profile.
For Aromatic Finishing:
  • Unsalted Butter: Brings rich, creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel to smashed potatoes.
  • Fresh Garlic: Introduces sharp, pungent notes that elevate the entire dish's complexity.
  • Fresh Rosemary: Contributes woodsy, pine-like herbal essence that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
  • Flaky Salt: Provides delicate crunch and burst of pure saltiness as a final garnish.

Equipment Setup for Smashed Potato Perfection

  • Large Pot: Essential for boiling potatoes evenly and thoroughly.
  • Colander: Perfect for draining potatoes and helping them dry out quickly.
  • Baking Sheet: Crucial for creating crispy, golden smashed potatoes.
  • Flat-Bottomed Glass or Ramekin: Key tool for smashing potatoes to the right thickness.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl or Small Saucepan: Needed for melting garlic butter smoothly.
  • Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking when smashing potatoes.
  • Serving Plate: For presenting the delicious finished dish.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for precise seasoning.
  • Spatula or Tongs: Useful for flipping and moving potatoes during baking.

Smashed Potato Instructions You’ll Love

  • Potato Preparation

Gather small round potatoes and clean them thoroughly. Select potatoes similar in size for even cooking.

  • Liquid Bath

Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Boil until tender when pierced with a fork, around 15-20 minutes.

  • Surface Treatment

Drain potatoes carefully and let them rest. Gently pat dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.

  • Crushing Stage

Transfer potatoes to an oiled baking sheet. Using a flat tool, press down on each potato to create a rustic, flattened shape. Leave some space between each potato.

  • Seasoning Layer

Drizzle olive oil over smashed potatoes. Sprinkle with herbs and spices like rosemary, garlic powder, and black pepper.

  • Crispy Transformation

Slide the baking sheet into a hot oven at 450°F. Roast until edges turn golden and crispy, about 25-30 minutes.

  • Herb Butter Finale

Melt butter with minced garlic and fresh rosemary. Pour this aromatic mixture over the crispy potatoes just before serving. Finish with a light dusting of sea salt.

Garlic & Butter Variations to Try

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Potato Power Pick: Choose small to medium-sized red or yellow potatoes for the best smashing texture and crispy edges.
  • Flavor Flex Zone: Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, sage, or dill instead of rosemary to create unique taste profiles that match your meal.
  • Cheese Lover's Twist: Sprinkle grated parmesan, sharp cheddar, or crumbled feta over the potatoes during the final baking stage for an extra cheesy indulgence.
  • Spice Adventure Route: Adjust the heat levels by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper, or swap it with smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor without intense spiciness.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Boil and dry potatoes up to a day in advance, then store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply smash, season, and bake for a quick and convenient side dish.

Ways to Plate Rosemary Smashed Potatoes

  • Flavor Explosion Plate: Create a vibrant serving board with fresh herbs like chives, parsley, and additional rosemary sprigs scattered around the smashed potatoes for visual appeal and extra aromatic notes.
  • Dipping Delights: Serve alongside creamy ranch, tangy sour cream, or zesty aioli sauces that complement the crispy, herbed potato texture and enhance the overall eating experience.
  • Protein Pairing Paradise: Match these rosemary garlic butter potatoes with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or succulent steak to transform the side dish into a complete and satisfying meal that impresses dinner guests.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Top the potatoes with a perfectly poached egg, crumbled bacon bits, and a sprinkle of green onions for a show-stopping brunch centerpiece that brings together rich flavors and textures.

How to Store These Buttery Potatoes

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to maintain their crispy texture and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Reheating Magic: Restore crispiness by placing potatoes on a baking sheet and warming in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy results.
  • Freezing Option: Freeze cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. They'll keep well for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Prep-Ahead Trick: Boil and smash potatoes earlier in the day, then refrigerate until ready to bake. This technique saves time and allows for flexible meal planning, perfect for busy households or entertaining guests.
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Creamy Rosemary Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Creamy Rosemary Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Rosemary garlic butter smashed potatoes elevate classic side dishes with herbal richness and crispy textures. Garlic-infused butter and fragrant rosemary create a delectable companion for hearty meals, inviting diners to savor each golden, crunchy bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) fingerling potatoes or baby potatoes
  • 3 tbsps (42 g) olive oil
  • 3 tbsps (42 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp (4 large cloves) minced garlic
  • 1.5 tsps garlic powder
  • 1.5 tsps onion powder
  • 2 tsps minced fresh rosemary
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
  • Flaky salt, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Potato Selection: Handpick medium-sized potatoes with smooth, unblemished surfaces to guarantee uniform cooking and exceptional texture.
  2. Boiling Preparation: Immerse potatoes in generously salted water, ensuring complete liquid submersion, then activate medium-high heat until water reaches a vigorous boil.
  3. Moisture Management: After boiling, extract potatoes and allow natural air-drying for 7-10 minutes to eliminate excess moisture, enhancing future crispiness.
  4. Culinary Staging: Preheat oven to 450°F, meticulously coating baking tray with olive oil while assembling spice collection including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne.
  5. Potato Transformation: Strategically arrange potatoes on prepared tray, drizzle with olive oil, then utilize flat-bottomed implement to gently compress each potato into rustic, uneven discs approximately half-inch thick.
  6. Roasting Technique: Position smashed potatoes with minimal spacing, facilitating crisp exterior development, and rotate midway through roasting to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration.
  7. Flavor Enhancement: Simultaneously craft garlic butter by melding butter, minced garlic, and aromatic rosemary through microwave or stovetop method, then cascading melted herbed butter across potato landscape.
  8. Final Presentation: Extract magnificently crisp potatoes, sprinkle with delicate flaky salt, and serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

  • Choose Right Potatoes: Select medium-sized potatoes with smooth skin to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
  • Salt Water Matters: Use generously salted water when boiling potatoes to enhance their natural flavor and create a delicious base.
  • Dry Before Roasting: Allow boiled potatoes to air-dry for 7-10 minutes, helping achieve a crispier exterior when baked.
  • Smash with Purpose: Gently flatten potatoes to create uneven surfaces that maximize crispy edges and create delightful textural contrast.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 245
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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