Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Fresh Herbs & Blue Cheese: Your New Favorite Side Dish

Are you searching for a side dish that’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet delivers an explosion of flavor and an irresistible texture? Look no further! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of smashed potatoes, specifically a rendition that marries the humble potato with aromatic fresh herbs and the delightful tang of blue cheese. This recipe is so straightforward, so utterly delicious, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. Forget pinning it for a rainy day or saving it for a special occasion; this is a dish you absolutely need to create tonight.

Lately, my cravings have been overwhelmingly focused on potatoes. There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about them, whether baked, fried, or mashed. Potatoes are a foundational comfort food, capable of transforming into countless delightful dishes. Perhaps it’s the natural inclination for wholesome carbohydrates, especially when maintaining an active lifestyle. The struggle to balance deliciousness with dietary goals is real, and the increased energy expenditure from a regular running routine often leaves me feeling perpetually hungry. It’s a constant negotiation with my body, trying to convince it that life isn’t solely powered by carbs – though sometimes, after an intense workout, it certainly feels like it!

The Irresistible Charm of Smashed Potatoes

After much internal debate, I finally gave in to my potato obsession, and I’m so glad I did. Smashed potatoes hold a special place among my all-time favorite ways to prepare this versatile tuber. The magic happens after they’re perfectly boiled and gently flattened, then roasted to crispy perfection. The result? Those wonderfully browned, crunchy edges that make every bite feel like a gourmet experience. They’re like an elevated, more sophisticated version of a French fry – something you can enjoy without a hint of guilt, even as you find yourself reaching for “just one more.” This unique texture combination, with a soft, fluffy interior contrasting with a golden, crisp exterior, is what truly sets smashed potatoes apart from other potato preparations. They offer the best of both worlds: the comforting heartiness of a baked potato and the delightful crunch of a fried one.

The inherent beauty of smashed potatoes lies in their delightful simplicity and incredible versatility. By merely boiling small, tender potatoes and then gently flattening them, you significantly increase their surface area. This larger surface area is the secret weapon to achieving that coveted maximum crispiness when they are roasted in a hot oven. The olive oil and chosen seasonings adhere beautifully to these irregular surfaces, transforming what could otherwise be a rather plain boiled potato into a truly flavorful, textural masterpiece. It’s a culinary technique that effortlessly elevates the humble potato to a starring role on any plate, proving that sometimes, the most straightforward methods yield the most extraordinary and satisfying results.

Elevating Flavor: The Power of Fresh Herbs and Blue Cheese

What truly takes these smashed potatoes from merely great to absolutely extraordinary is the thoughtful and strategic addition of their toppings: the pungent, creamy blue cheese, vibrant fresh chives, and earthy, aromatic thyme. Each of these carefully selected ingredients plays a crucial and distinct role in crafting a wonderfully balanced and utterly delicious flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. The crumbled blue cheese, upon melting, forms delightful, creamy pockets of sharp, tangy flavor that provide a perfect counterpoint to the natural mildness and comforting starchiness of the potato. Its distinct, robust aroma and deeply savory depth are simply unparalleled, transforming each bite into a truly gourmet and unforgettable experience. For those with a discerning palate who appreciate bold and impactful flavors, the addition of blue cheese is an absolute game-changer.

Complementing the rich and distinctive cheese are the carefully chosen fresh herbs, which bring a layer of brightness and aromatic complexity. Finely chopped chives introduce a delicate, fresh oniony zest and a beautiful pop of bright green color, adding visual appeal as well as flavor. Meanwhile, fresh thyme leaves infuse the potatoes with their subtle, woodsy, and slightly floral notes, adding an aromatic depth that is both comforting and sophisticated. Together, these herbs do far more than just act as a garnish; they provide intricate layers of aromatic complexity that awaken the palate and elevate the entire dish. This exquisite combination of savory, herbaceous, and subtly salty flavors makes this the perfect simple side dish to serve alongside a wide variety of main courses. Imagine pairing these with a perfectly seared steak, allowing you to dedicate your full attention to achieving that impeccable char and desired doneness, with the absolute confidence that your side dish is equally stellar and will perfectly complement your main. Even if indulging in a meal this satisfying means committing to a longer run afterwards, the sheer deliciousness and satisfaction are unequivocally worth every single bite.

Tips for Achieving Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Making truly crispy smashed potatoes is an art form that, while requiring attention to detail, is very achievable with a few key techniques. Mastering these steps will ensure your potatoes come out golden, crunchy on the outside, and delightfully fluffy on the inside every time. First and foremost, begin with the right type of potato. Small red potatoes or Yukon Golds are ideal choices because their skins crisp up beautifully when roasted, and their waxy texture ensures their interiors become wonderfully creamy after boiling. Always wash and scrub them thoroughly, as you’ll be leaving the skins on for that desirable extra texture and rustic, appealing look.

Boiling for Tenderness and Flavor Infusion

The initial boiling stage is absolutely critical to the success of this dish. Ensure your pot is sufficiently large to comfortably hold all the potatoes without overcrowding, and do not be shy with the salt in the water. Just like cooking pasta, potatoes readily absorb flavor during the boiling process, and well-seasoned boiling water will give them a significant head start in terms of taste. Cook them until they are perfectly fork-tender but take care not to let them become mushy – typically about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. Overcooked potatoes will be difficult to smash properly and can become watery, while undercooked ones will lack that desirable fluffy interior. Once they reach the ideal tenderness, drain them thoroughly and allow them to cool for a few minutes. This crucial cooling period allows some of the surface moisture to evaporate, which significantly aids in achieving that ultimate crispiness during roasting.

The Art of Smashing: Creating Crunchy Edges

Once the potatoes have cooled slightly and are safe to handle, arrange them in a single, even layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Lining the baking sheet with aluminum foil or using a non-stick Silpat mat is highly recommended, and lightly greasing the surface with olive oil will prevent any sticking. Now comes the fun and distinctive part: smashing! Using the heel of your palm, the bottom of a sturdy glass, or a potato masher, gently but firmly press each potato down until it flattens and slightly breaks apart. The goal is to create those wonderfully irregular edges and craggy surfaces that will become exquisitely crispy during baking. Be mindful not to smash them too thin, as overly thin potatoes might dry out in the oven. Aim for a thickness of about half an inch to ensure a perfect balance of crisp exterior and tender interior.

Seasoning and Roasting for Ultimate Crispiness

After smashing, liberally brush the tops of all the potatoes with the remaining olive oil. This step is absolutely crucial for achieving maximum crispiness. Then, sprinkle them evenly and generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and the fresh thyme leaves. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as potatoes can absorb a surprising amount of flavor! Roast them in your preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for approximately 10-15 minutes. After this initial bake, carefully flip each potato over with a spatula and continue baking for another 12 to 15 minutes, or until both sides are deeply golden brown and delightfully crispy. The high oven temperature is essential for developing that desirable, irresistible crunch.

The Blue Cheese Broil: A Finishing Touch of Flavor

For the grand finale, remove the baking sheet from the oven and evenly sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the surface of each smashed potato. Return them to the oven and broil on high for just about 1 minute. During this stage, it is imperative to keep a very close eye on them, as cheese can go from perfectly melted and bubbly to disappointingly burnt very quickly under the broiler. You’re looking for the cheese to just begin to melt, bubble, and develop a slight golden crust, intensifying its flavor. This brief broil adds an extra layer of savory depth, a beautiful golden finish, and an incredible aroma to the dish. Serve these magnificent crispy smashed potatoes immediately, garnished with additional fresh thyme and chopped chives for an extra burst of vibrant flavor and a stunning visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

While these Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Fresh Herbs & Blue Cheese are an exceptional pairing for a perfectly cooked, juicy steak, their versatility truly knows no bounds. They make an exquisite and memorable side dish to a wide array of main courses, including succulent roasted chicken, flaky grilled salmon, tender pork tenderloin, or even a hearty vegetarian main course. The bold and distinctive flavors of blue cheese combined with the fragrant herbs mean they are robust enough to stand up to rich meats, yet delicately balanced enough not to overpower lighter dishes, making them a truly adaptable addition to any meal.

Feeling adventurous and eager to experiment? This recipe serves as a fantastic culinary canvas for creative variations. Consider swapping out the blue cheese for other strong, flavorful cheeses like crumbled goat cheese, which offers a creamier, tangier profile, or sharp cheddar for a more classic, comforting, and familiar taste. Instead of thyme and chives, you could try fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an earthy, smoky twist that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats. A touch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle, warming kick, while crispy bacon bits crumbled over the top alongside the cheese would create an undeniably decadent and indulgent addition. For a plant-based option, simply omit the blue cheese and instead use a generous sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy umami flavor, along with plant-based butter or extra olive oil for achieving that perfect crispiness. No matter how you choose to customize them, these smashed potatoes are guaranteed to become a beloved and frequently requested staple in your culinary repertoire. They are a testament to how simple ingredients, when prepared thoughtfully and with a touch of creativity, can come together to create truly memorable and utterly delicious dishes.

Smashed Potatoes with Fresh Herbs & Blue Cheese

Crispy browned edges and fresh herbs make these potatoes out of this world. Oh, and did I mention cheese?

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs small red potatoes washed and scrubbed
• 5 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves + more for garnish
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220°C).
2. Fill a large pot with water and season it generously with salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil and add the washed and scrubbed potatoes. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender but still hold their shape. Drain the potatoes well and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes, which helps them crisp up later.
3. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and grease it with ½ Tbsp olive oil (or use a non-stick Silpat mat). Arrange the par-cooked potatoes in a single, even layer on the prepared sheet. Using the heel of your palm, a sturdy glass, or a potato masher, gently smash each potato down until it breaks apart and flattens to about ½ inch thick.
4. Brush the tops of the smashed potatoes with the remaining olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and fresh thyme leaves. Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes. Carefully flip the potatoes over and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes, or until both sides are deeply golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove the potatoes from the oven and evenly sprinkle each with the crumbled blue cheese. Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil on high for approximately 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just beginning to brown slightly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
6. Serve the crispy smashed potatoes immediately, garnished with additional fresh thyme and chopped chives for an extra layer of flavor and presentation.

Category:
Side Dish

In conclusion, these Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Fresh Herbs & Blue Cheese are more than just a side dish; they are a culinary revelation that proves simplicity can be truly magnificent. They offer an unparalleled textural delight, a harmonious blend of savory and aromatic flavors, and an ease of preparation that makes them perfect for any weeknight or special occasion. Don’t deny yourself this delicious experience any longer. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to elevate your potato game to new heights. You deserve this moment of deliciousness, and these potatoes are ready to deliver. Enjoy!