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Crispy Salt and Vinegar Smashed Potatoes: Your New Favorite Side Dish

Transform humble potatoes into an extraordinary side dish with these irresistible Crispy Salt and Vinegar Smashed Potatoes. Imagine perfectly tender interiors encased in a golden, crispy shell, bursting with a delightful tangy punch. This recipe marries the comforting fluffiness of mashed potatoes with the satisfying crunch of roasted potatoes, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s incredibly easy to make. Featuring just a handful of ingredients, these super buttery and tangy potatoes are the ideal companion for your favorite grilled meats, pan-seared fish, or even a simple weeknight rotisserie chicken. Get ready to impress your taste buds and elevate any meal!

Rediscovering the Joy of Cooking

Life has a wonderful way of reshaping our priorities and routines. As a new mother, my world recently transformed, taking on the beautiful and demanding identity of protector, teacher, and an endless laundry-doer. This precious little life needs me in countless ways, nearly every minute of the day. And in a strange, exhausting yet utterly wonderful way, it’s a feeling I wouldn’t trade for anything. There’s an immense joy in this new responsibility, in shaping a tiny person and watching them grow. It’s easy to become completely absorbed in this new role, finding profound happiness in motherhood, and striving to do your absolute best at all times. But, it’s also incredibly easy to forget about yourself amidst it all.

To put it simply, for a while, my kitchen saw a lot of frozen pizzas. While they served their purpose during those whirlwind days, there’s something undeniably soul-satisfying about a homemade meal. And lately, things are starting to shift. In those rare, mellow moments when the baby is content, I’ve been able to steal away a little time to get back to my happy hobby: tinkering around the kitchen. I may not have the marathon cooking days I once did, but even a short session of creating something delicious gives me a much-needed lift. There’s an immense satisfaction in pulling a hot, homemade treat out of the oven – especially when it doesn’t come with a cardboard crust. Hehe.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

These Crispy Salt and Vinegar Smashed Potatoes aren’t just another potato side dish; they’re an experience. They effortlessly combine the best qualities of mashed and roasted potatoes, delivering a textural wonderland. Each potato boasts an incredibly crispy exterior, achieved by boiling until tender and then smashing before roasting to perfection. The interior remains wonderfully fluffy and tender, creating a delightful contrast with every bite. The star of the show, however, is the bold and irresistible salt and vinegar flavor. Inspired by the classic potato chip, this tangy coating penetrates the crispy crevices, creating an addictive taste that will have everyone reaching for more.

Beyond their amazing flavor and texture, these smashed potatoes are a dream for home cooks. With just 6 primary ingredients and a simple preparation process, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. They’re also incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with almost any main course. And if you have little helpers in the kitchen, they’ll have a blast assisting with the smashing step – it’s a fun activity for tiny hands (with supervision, of course!). Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side or something truly special to impress your dinner guests, these salt and vinegar smashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a huge hit.

The Magic of Smashed Potatoes

So, what exactly makes smashed potatoes so utterly magical? It’s all about that perfect balance of textures. Unlike a simple roasted potato that might be uniformly soft, or mashed potatoes that are purely creamy, smashed potatoes offer the best of both worlds. By boiling the potatoes until tender and then gently smashing them, you create more surface area. This increased surface area is then exposed to high heat in the oven, leading to an incredible amount of crispy, golden-brown edges. The inside, protected by the skin, remains wonderfully soft and fluffy, ready to absorb all the delicious flavors you add. The result is a potato dish that is truly greater than the sum of its parts – an irresistible combination of tender and crispy, savory and tangy, all in one bite.

Crispy Salt and Vinegar Smashed Potatoes

Yield:
4 servings

Ingredients

2 pounds mixed baby potatoes (Yukon Gold, red, or other waxy varieties work best)
1 Tablespoon kosher salt, plus additional for sprinkling
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons white vinegar
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Place the potatoes and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt into a medium saucepan. Cover the potatoes with cold water by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes, depending on their size. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll be too mushy to smash effectively.
Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the warm saucepan. Add the melted butter and gently toss to coat the potatoes evenly. Transfer the buttered potatoes to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. Using the bottom of a heavy mug or a sturdy glass, carefully smash each potato to about 1/2-inch thickness. The goal is to flatten them while keeping them mostly intact.
Bake the smashed potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a spatula, carefully flip each potato to expose the other side. Drizzle the potatoes evenly with olive oil. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and incredibly crispy.
Once baked to crispy perfection, remove the potatoes from the oven. Immediately sprinkle them generously with white vinegar, the fresh chopped chives, a pinch of additional salt (to taste), and freshly ground black pepper. The warmth of the potatoes will help absorb the vinegar for maximum tang.
Serve hot and enjoy these wonderfully crispy, tangy, and buttery smashed potatoes!

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Expert Tips for Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Achieving those perfectly crispy edges and fluffy interiors for your salt and vinegar smashed potatoes is simpler than you might think with a few key tips:

Choose the Right Potatoes: Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or baby potatoes hold their shape better when boiled and smashed compared to starchy varieties. They also contribute to that desired fluffy interior.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When boiling, ensure your potatoes have enough room to cook evenly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Season the Boiling Water: Adding a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water seasons the potatoes from the inside out, building a foundational layer of flavor.
Boil Until Fork-Tender: The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork but not falling apart. If they’re too hard, they won’t smash well. If they’re too soft, they’ll become mushy.
Dry Potatoes are Key: After draining, let the potatoes sit in the warm pot for a minute or two to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. Dry potatoes get crispier.
Smashing Technique: Use a heavy, flat-bottomed mug or glass to gently but firmly smash each potato to about ½-inch thickness. You want to create plenty of rough edges for crisping, but avoid completely flattening them into discs.
Single Layer on the Baking Sheet: This is crucial for crispiness. If the potatoes are overlapping or too close together, they will steam instead of roast, preventing those golden, crunchy edges. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
High Oven Temperature: A hot oven (450°F / 230°C) is essential for achieving maximum crispiness.
Don’t Forget to Flip: Flipping the potatoes halfway through baking ensures both sides get beautifully browned and crispy.
Add Vinegar and Chives Immediately: Sprinkle the vinegar, chives, and seasoning right after the potatoes come out of the oven. The heat helps the flavors absorb beautifully.

Variations and Customizations

While the classic salt and vinegar flavor is undeniably delicious, these smashed potatoes are incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste:

Herbaceous Twist: Instead of or in addition to chives, try fresh rosemary, thyme, or finely chopped parsley for different aromatic notes.
Garlic Lover’s Dream: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the potatoes before roasting, or toss them with a tablespoon of minced fresh garlic when adding the olive oil.
Spicy Kick: For a touch of heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper.
Cheese Please: A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking will create a savory, cheesy crust.
Citrus Brightness: Replace white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier tang, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a different acidic profile.
Smoked Paprika Depth: A teaspoon of smoked paprika can add a wonderful smoky flavor and a beautiful color.
Loaded Smashed Potatoes: Serve with crumbled bacon, sour cream, and extra chives for a hearty, indulgent treat.

Serving Suggestions for Your Tangy Potatoes

These crispy salt and vinegar smashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses:

Grilled Favorites: They are an absolute showstopper alongside grilled steak, chicken, pork chops, or sausages. The tang cuts through the richness of the meat perfectly.
Seafood Pairings: Their bright, tangy flavor makes them an excellent match for pan-seared salmon, baked cod, or grilled shrimp.
Simple Weeknight Dinners: Pair them with a store-bought rotisserie chicken and a big green salad for a quick, satisfying, and homemade-tasting meal.
Brunch Star: Serve them alongside eggs, bacon, or a breakfast sausage for a unique and flavorful brunch option.
Appetizer or Snack: They’re so good, you might just want to eat them straight off the baking sheet! For an extra treat, serve them with a dollop of sour cream or a creamy dill dip.
Vegetarian Main: Enjoy them as the star of a vegetarian meal with a side of roasted vegetables or a hearty bean burger.

Unleash the Flavor!

These Crispy Salt and Vinegar Smashed Potatoes are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to bring joy and deliciousness back into your kitchen, even on the busiest of days. They’re a testament to how simple ingredients, prepared with a little love and a smart technique, can create something truly spectacular. The contrast of the fluffy interior with the irresistibly crispy, tangy exterior is pure culinary magic. Whether you’re serving them as a show-stopping side for a special occasion or a comforting treat on a quiet evening, they promise to deliver incredible flavor and texture. So, go ahead, get smashing, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite potato dish. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on Pinterest!