Easy Garlic & Herb Smashed Potatoes

Smashed Potatoes
This smashed potato recipe features Yukon Gold potatoes infused with the savory warmth of garlic, scallions, and fresh thyme, all brought together with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Its rustic style and herby notes make it perfect as a cozy side dish for roasts, grilled meats, or casual weeknight dinners. The texture is chunkier than mashed potatoes, giving each bite a creamy yet hearty feel with flecks of flavor throughout. It's simple, comforting, and irresistibly flavorful.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 161 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ¼ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • 2 scallions (sliced thin)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Boil Potatoes

  • Cover potatoes with cold, lightly salted water.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until tender.

Step 2: Drain and Prepare Bowl

  • Drain potatoes and place in a large bowl.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

  • Heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add scallions, garlic, and thyme.
  • Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Mash and Mix

  • Mash potatoes slightly, keeping some texture.
  • Add the olive oil mixture to the potatoes.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Mash or stir to your desired consistency.

Tips

  • Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
  • Add a splash of cream or milk for a creamier texture.
  • Replace thyme with rosemary, parsley, or chives.
  • Crisp the finished potatoes under the broiler for a golden top.
  • Add grated Parmesan for a savory boost.
  • Stir in roasted garlic instead of raw sautéed garlic.
  • Use red potatoes for a slightly waxier, chunkier result.
  • Mix in sour cream or Greek yogurt for tanginess.
  • Add crispy bacon bits for extra richness.
  • Finish with a drizzle of flavored olive oil (roasted garlic, chili, or herb-infused).

Nutrition

Calories: 161kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 426mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 59IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
Keyword comfort food, easy recipe, homemade, potatoes, rustic, vintage recipe, weeknight side
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