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Ready to experience potatoes like never before?
Get ready to be amazed by these Honey Roasted Smashed Potatoes! They’re incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and look absolutely stunning on any plate. Imagine crispy edges, creamy insides, and a touch of sweet honey glaze – yes, they’re that good!
Why You’ll Love It
- The perfect balance of crispy and creamy textures.
- Sweet and savory flavor profile that’s irresistible.
- Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and effort.
- A versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any main course.
- Guaranteed to impress your family and guests.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
What sets these smashed potatoes apart is the combination of roasting, smashing, and then a final honey drizzle. Roasting them whole first ensures they’re cooked perfectly through. Smashed, they develop all those delicious crispy edges. The honey glaze, added right at the end, creates a wonderful sweet and savory contrast that’s simply divine. It’s a simple technique that delivers complex, satisfying results!
Ingredient List
- 2 lbs small potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey – this adds a beautiful touch of sweetness and helps the potatoes caramelize!
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. There’s no need to peel them!
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently smash each potato with the back of a fork or a spatula. Do not mash completely; you want them flattened but still in chunks.
- Drizzle the honey evenly over the smashed potatoes.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme and flaky sea salt (if desired) before serving.
Optional Toppings/Variations
Want to take these smashed potatoes to the next level? Try these variations:
- Garlic Lovers: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the olive oil before tossing the potatoes.
- Parmesan Perfection: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the smashed potatoes before the second bake.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture for a subtle heat.
- Herby Delight: Try using other fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley instead of thyme.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this will prevent the potatoes from crisping up nicely.
- Use a sturdy fork or spatula to smash the potatoes. Be gentle but firm.
- Ensure the potatoes are cooked through before smashing them; they should be tender when pierced with a fork.
- Don’t skip the second bake after smashing. This is when the potatoes get beautifully crispy and the honey caramelizes.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try brushing a bit of melted butter over the smashed potatoes along with the honey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use different types of potatoes? Yes! While Yukon Gold and red potatoes work best due to their creamy texture, you can also use fingerling or baby potatoes. Avoid starchy potatoes like russets, as they may not hold their shape as well.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can roast the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bring them to room temperature before smashing and adding the honey glaze and baking the second time.
- Can I substitute the honey? Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
- Can I add other toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other toppings like crumbled bacon, roasted garlic, or a sprinkle of fresh chives.
Variations and Customization Options
These smashed potatoes are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for customization:
- Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano.
- Asian Inspired: Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil instead of honey, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Chili Lime Kick: Drizzle with lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder.
- Loaded Smashed Potatoes: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives after the final bake for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Honey Roasted Smashed Potatoes are fantastic as a side dish with roasted chicken, steak, grilled fish, or as part of a vegetarian meal. They’re perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any special occasion. They also make a great addition to a brunch buffet or a potluck!
Conclusion
These Honey Roasted Smashed Potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to elevate any meal. Give this recipe a try and share your amazing creations with us! We can’t wait to see what you make. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more yummy recipes!
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