If regular roasted potatoes are the opening act, these crispy crushed potatoes are the headliner. Fluffy on the inside, shatteringly crispy on the outside, and endlessly customizable, they’ll steal the show at any meal. Let’s give spuds the star treatment!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain and let them cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
   • While the potatoes cool, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil onto the sheet and spread it around to prevent sticking.
3. Smash the Potatoes:
   • Arrange the boiled potatoes on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher, gently press each potato until it’s about ½ inch thick. The edges should be craggy—these will crisp up beautifully!
4. Season Generously:
   • In a small bowl, mix the remaining olive oil with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the smashed potatoes, ensuring the seasoning gets into all the nooks and crannies.
5. Bake to Crispy Perfection:
   • Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy around the edges. For extra crunch, you can broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle the crispy potatoes with fresh parsley and a generous handful of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately as a side dish or snack.