Crispy Smashed Potatoes: Easy Vegan Side Dish Recipe

Introduction

If you’re craving a crispy, flavorful side dish that’s easy to make and vegan-friendly, these Crispy Smashed Potatoes are perfect. Using simple ingredients like baby potatoes and fresh herbs, this recipe delivers a delicious crunch and bright, savory notes. Ideal for any meal, they are sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley for garnish
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Place the baby potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender but not falling apart.
3. Step 3: Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. Then gently smash each one with the bottom of a glass or a potato masher until flattened but still intact.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast if using. Brush this mixture generously over each smashed potato.
5. Step 5: Arrange the smashed potatoes on the baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for extra crunch.
6. Step 6: While roasting, combine chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil in a small bowl to make a herb drizzle.
7. Step 7: Once roasted, remove the potatoes from the oven, let cool slightly, then drizzle the herb mixture over them before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use regular potatoes if you don’t have baby potatoes; just cut them into smaller pieces.
• Swap olive oil for avocado oil if preferred.
• Add smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning for extra flavor.
• For a cheesy twist, sprinkle nutritional yeast or use vegan cheese.
• Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure even crispiness.

Storage

Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the potatoes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep their crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, regular potatoes work well. Cut them into smaller pieces before boiling to ensure they cook evenly and smash easily.

How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?

Make sure the potatoes are dry before roasting and use a high oven temperature (450°F). Brushing them generously with oil and flipping halfway through cooking also helps develop a crispy crust.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes: Easy Vegan Side Dish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 87 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

These Crispy Smashed Potatoes are an easy, flavorful vegan side dish featuring tender baby potatoes smashed and roasted to golden perfection. Enhanced with garlic and onion powder, olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and optional nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, they deliver a perfect balance of crispiness and vibrant taste. Ideal for weeknight meals or special gatherings, this recipe is simple to prepare and sure to impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes

Seasonings & Oil

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
• Zest of 1 lemon

Garnish

• Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 1.5 pounds of baby potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Boil Potatoes: Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes until tender but still intact. Check readiness by piercing with a fork.
3. Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool for a few minutes so they are easier to handle.
4. Smash Potatoes: Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press each potato until flattened but still in one piece. Aim for an even, flat surface without crushing them into mush.
5. Prepare Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast if using. Mix well to create a flavorful brushing mixture.
6. Coat Potatoes: Brush each smashed potato generously with the prepared oil and seasoning mixture.
7. Roast Potatoes: Arrange the coated smashed potatoes on the lined baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking for even crispiness and golden-brown crust.
8. Make Herb Drizzle: While roasting, mix chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil in a small bowl to create a bright and fresh garnish.
9. Finish and Serve: Remove potatoes from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Drizzle the herb mixture over the potatoes just before serving for an added burst of flavor and vibrant presentation.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, verify all seasonings are gluten-free.
• You can substitute regular potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces if baby potatoes aren’t available.
• Avocado oil can replace olive oil for roasting if preferred.
• To keep smashed potatoes crispy, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until crisp.
• Optional seasoning variations include smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or vegan cheese instead of nutritional yeast for different flavor profiles.
• Serve with vegan dips like avocado dip, tahini sauce, or plant-based yogurt sauce for added variety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: crispy smashed potatoes, vegan side dish, roasted potatoes, baby potatoes, easy potato recipe, vegan cooking, healthy side dish