Irresistibly Golden Smashed Potato Recipe

Why You’ll Love these Golden Crispy Smashed Potatoes

When you’re craving something that perfectly balances crispy exterior with fluffy interior, these smashed potatoes deliver satisfaction in every bite.

I’m obsessed with how the fennel seeds add a subtle licorice note that elevates these beyond ordinary spuds.

The magic happens during that second bake, where the olive oil transforms the flattened edges into golden, crunchy perfection while the centers remain tender and cloud-like.

There’s something deeply satisfying about the smashing process too—a little culinary stress relief as you press down and watch them spread.

Trust me, they’ll disappear from your table in minutes!

What Ingredients are in Golden Crispy Smashed Potatoes?

• 6 baking potatoes (Russets work perfectly)
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

When shopping for ingredients, the quality of your olive oil really matters here. Since it’s not just a cooking medium but also a flavor component, I recommend using the best extra virgin olive oil you can afford. As for the potatoes, look for ones that are roughly the same size so they’ll cook evenly. And while the recipe calls for fennel seeds, don’t panic if you’re not a huge fennel fan—when roasted, they mellow considerably and offer a subtle, sophisticated flavor that’s nothing like raw fennel. Just trust the process, okay?

How to Make these Golden Crispy Smashed Potatoes



Making these smashed potatoes couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely mouthwatering. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, then place 6 baking potatoes on a baking tray and let them bake for about 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel tender when pierced with a fork. The potatoes need this initial baking time to become soft enough for the smashing step that comes next.

Once your potatoes are tender, crank up the heat to 450°F—this is where the magic happens. Take a potato masher or even a small plate and push down on each potato until it cracks open and flattens out. They should roughly double in diameter, creating more surface area for crisping.

Now for the flavor boost: drizzle them liberally with 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, making sure to get some on all those nooks and crannies. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fennel seeds across the potatoes along with 1 teaspoon of salt and some freshly ground pepper to taste. These aromatics really make the dish special, giving it that distinct Mediterranean vibe.

If you enjoy perfectly cooked grains with your potatoes, a premium rice cooker can be an excellent kitchen companion for creating complete meals.

Pop them back in the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes, and watch as they transform into golden, crispy delights with creamy centers. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and fluffy interior? Simply divine.

Golden Crispy Smashed Potatoes Substitutions and Variations

While fennel seeds give these smashed potatoes their distinctive flavor profile, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or pantry availability.

Try rosemary and garlic for a classic combination, or sprinkle with smoked paprika and cumin for a Spanish twist. I’m particularly fond of adding grated Parmesan during the final minutes of baking—it creates the most incredible crispy cheese crust!

Don’t limit yourself to olive oil either. Duck fat, if you’re feeling indulgent, transforms these potatoes into something otherworldly.

And for the potatoes themselves, red or Yukon Golds work beautifully if baking potatoes aren’t on hand.

What to Serve with Golden Crispy Smashed Potatoes

These golden crispy smashed potatoes deserve dining companions that can stand up to their bold, herbaceous flavors and contrasting textures.

I’m partial to pairing them with a perfectly seared steak, where the fennel seeds in the potatoes complement the charred beef beautifully.

For lighter fare, try grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce, allowing the fish’s delicate flavors to balance the potatoes’ rustic appeal.

Roasted chicken, with its juicy interior and crispy skin, creates a textural symphony alongside these potatoes.

Don’t forget a bright side salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness—arugula works wonderfully here!

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve mastered this smashed potato recipe, you’ll never look at the humble spud the same way again. The magic happens in that final 15-20 minutes at 450°F, where the cracked, oil-drizzled surface transforms into a golden masterpiece that’s impossibly crispy outside yet pillowy within.

I’m convinced that fennel seeds are the unsung hero here, offering a subtle licorice note that elevates these potatoes beyond ordinary side dishes. And while I’ve shared precise measurements, don’t be afraid to experiment! A sprinkle of fresh rosemary or a dusting of parmesan just before serving? Absolutely divine, if I do say so myself.