Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Fresh Herbs & Blue Cheese: An Irresistible Side Dish Recipe
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a side dish so incredibly simple yet profoundly delicious, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. Forget about saving this recipe for a rainy day or pinning it for “someday” – this is a dish you absolutely need to make tonight. These crispy smashed potatoes, infused with fragrant fresh herbs and crowned with tangy blue cheese, are about to become your new favorite go-to side.
Lately, my cravings for potatoes have been off the charts. I’m talking about dreaming of giant baked potatoes, generously stuffed with everything from pulled pork and chili to an abundance of melted cheese. This intense yearning often strikes when my body feels like it’s missing out on essential carbs, especially after an active week. Maintaining a consistent running routine, while beneficial, tends to leave me feeling perpetually hungry, making the struggle to resist those carb-rich delights incredibly real. But sometimes, you just have to give in to that craving, and when you do, it should be spectacular.
Why Smashed Potatoes? The Ultimate Crispy Texture
And so, I finally succumbed to my potato desires. But not just any potatoes – I opted for smashed potatoes, hands down one of my all-time favorite ways to prepare them. What makes smashed potatoes so utterly irresistible? It’s all about that incredible texture. The magic happens when you boil them until tender, then gently smash them flat before roasting. This technique creates an abundance of surface area, which, when baked, transforms into gorgeously crispy, golden-brown edges. The interior remains soft and fluffy, offering a delightful contrast with every bite. It’s almost like enjoying a gourmet French fry, but with an elevated, more refined character.
I find myself justifying that “classier” notion as I happily devour platefuls of these perfectly cooked potatoes. They truly bridge the gap between humble comfort food and an elegant side dish. The simple act of smashing unlocks a world of flavor and texture that regular roasted or boiled potatoes just can’t quite match. It’s a culinary revelation that’s surprisingly easy to achieve, making it a fantastic option for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
The Perfect Pairing: Fresh Herbs and Blue Cheese
To elevate my smashed potatoes to truly spectacular heights, I decided on a topping combination that’s both bold and harmonious: crumbled blue cheese, fragrant chives, and earthy thyme. This trio delivers an explosion of savory and herbaceous flavors in every single bite. The sharp, pungent notes of the blue cheese offer a wonderful contrast to the mild, oniony freshness of the chives and the woody, aromatic qualities of the thyme. This isn’t just a topping; it’s a flavor enhancer that transforms a simple potato into a gourmet experience.
This side dish isn’t just delicious; it’s strategically perfect for pairing with a show-stopping main course, like a perfectly seared steak. Because the potatoes are so straightforward to prepare, you’ll have ample time to dedicate your full attention to achieving that flawlessly cooked, top-notch steak without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The robust flavors of the potatoes with blue cheese and herbs beautifully complement the richness of beef, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying meal. And yes, a meal this satisfying might warrant an extra-long run later, but trust me, it’s absolutely worth every single bite.
The dream of sharing such a meal with a culinary legend like Gordon Ramsay might seem far-fetched, but who knows? Some dreams, occasionally, do come true! For now, let’s focus on making these incredible smashed potatoes a reality in your kitchen.
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Smashed Potatoes with Fresh Herbs & Blue Cheese
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
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
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Fill a large pot of water with water and season it well with salt. Bring the water to a boil and add the potatoes. Cook for approximately 15 minutes, until fork tender. Drain and allow to cool for approximately 5 minutes.
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Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and grease with 1/2 Tbsp olive oil (or simply use a silpat!). Arrange the potatoes in an even layer on the sheet. Using the heel of your palm, smash the potatoes down until they break apart and flatten out.
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Brush the tops of the potatoes with olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder and thyme leaves over the potatoes. Bake for approximately 10 minutes. Flip the potatoes over and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes until crispy.
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Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle each with crumbled blue cheese. Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil on high for approximately 1 minute, or until the cheese begins to brown and bubble.
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Serve the potatoes with extra thyme and chives.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Achieving that coveted crispy texture and rich flavor in your smashed potatoes is easier than you think. Here are a few expert tips to ensure your side dish is nothing short of perfection:
Choosing the Right Potatoes
- Small is Key: Opt for small to medium-sized potatoes, such as red potatoes, Yukon Golds, or even new potatoes. Their size makes them ideal for smashing evenly, and their skin crisps up beautifully without needing to be peeled.
- Consistency Matters: Try to choose potatoes of similar size so they cook uniformly during the boiling phase.
Boiling for Success
- Salt the Water: Just like pasta, potatoes absorb salt during boiling, which enhances their flavor from the inside out. Don’t be shy with the salt!
- Fork-Tender, Not Mushy: Boil the potatoes until they are easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Over-boiling will make them watery and difficult to smash without turning them into mashed potatoes. Aim for approximately 15 minutes for small potatoes.
- Cool Down: Allowing the potatoes to cool for a few minutes after draining helps them firm up slightly, preventing them from falling apart when smashed. It also allows some steam to escape, which contributes to crispiness.
The Smashing Technique
- Even Thickness: The goal is to flatten each potato to an even thickness, usually about ½ to ¾ inch. This ensures uniform crisping.
- Use the Right Tool: The heel of your palm is often the best tool, offering control and a gentle touch. Alternatively, a sturdy glass or the bottom of a mug can work well. Don’t press too hard; you want them broken and flattened, not obliterated.
Achieving Maximum Crispiness
- Generous Oil: Don’t skimp on the olive oil! It’s essential for achieving those deeply golden, crunchy edges. Brushing the tops of the smashed potatoes with additional oil before baking ensures they get a good sear.
- Hot Oven: A high oven temperature (425°F or 220°C) is crucial for roasting rather than steaming the potatoes.
- Flip and Finish: Flipping the potatoes halfway through baking allows both sides to get equally crispy and golden.
Blue Cheese Perfection
- Broil Briefly: Adding the blue cheese at the very end and then briefly broiling ensures the cheese melts and gets slightly bubbly and golden without burning the herbs or overcooking the potatoes. Keep a close eye on them during this stage, as broilers can vary in intensity.
Variations and Customizations for Your Smashed Potatoes
While the combination of fresh herbs and blue cheese is absolutely divine, smashed potatoes are incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative and customize them to your taste or what you have on hand:
- Herb Swaps: Not a fan of thyme or chives? Try rosemary, parsley, dill, or oregano. A mix of fresh herbs always works wonders.
- Cheese Alternatives: If blue cheese isn’t your preferred flavor, consider sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, creamy goat cheese, or a sprinkle of a good feta.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, chili flakes, onion powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix for an extra kick.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Roast a few cloves of garlic with the potatoes, then smash them into a paste and spread it over the potatoes before baking. Or simply add more garlic powder!
- Bacon Bliss: Crispy bacon bits sprinkled over the top along with the cheese are always a welcome addition for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Lemon Zest Brightness: A little lemon zest sprinkled over the finished potatoes can add a surprising burst of freshness and zing.
- Vegan Option: Skip the blue cheese and instead use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or a high-quality plant-based Parmesan alternative. Load up on extra herbs!
Serving Suggestions
These crispy smashed potatoes with fresh herbs and blue cheese are fantastic on their own as a hearty snack, but they truly shine as a side dish. Here are a few ideas for pairing them:
- Steak Dinner: As mentioned, they are the perfect accompaniment to a perfectly grilled or pan-seared steak.
- Roast Chicken or Pork: Their robust flavors stand up beautifully to roasted meats.
- Grilled Fish: A lighter main like salmon or cod would be wonderfully complemented by the savory potatoes.
- Brunch Star: Serve them alongside eggs, bacon, and toast for an elevated weekend brunch.
- Vegetarian Mains: Pair them with a hearty lentil loaf, a robust mushroom Wellington, or even a simple grilled halloumi for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Appetizer: Cut them into smaller pieces and serve them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt as a sophisticated appetizer.
Final Thoughts on These Irresistible Smashed Potatoes
There you have it – a recipe for smashed potatoes that is not only incredibly simple to execute but also delivers an unforgettable taste experience. The combination of crispy exteriors, fluffy interiors, aromatic fresh herbs, and the distinctive tang of blue cheese creates a side dish that’s far from ordinary. It’s comfort food at its finest, elevated with thoughtful flavor pairings that make every bite a delight.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight side or a dish to impress guests at your next dinner party, these smashed potatoes will not disappoint. They offer a fantastic alternative to traditional mashed or roasted potatoes and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your potatoes, your favorite herbs, and some good blue cheese, and get ready to create culinary magic in your own kitchen. Don’t wait – make these crispy, herbaceous, cheesy smashed potatoes your next culinary adventure. Your taste buds will thank you!