The Perfect Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Crispy smashed potato salad delivers a delightful twist on classic comfort food that will make you smile.

Golden-brown edges contrast beautifully with creamy interiors in this unexpected side dish.

Potatoes become magical when gently pressed and roasted to crunchy perfection.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and bold flavors that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean herbs and zesty seasonings elevate this simple ingredient into something extraordinary.

Crisp green onions and tangy dressing add refreshing notes to the mix.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again for every gathering or quiet dinner at home.

Smashed Potato Salad Leftovers

• Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The crispy edges might soften slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.
• Spread potatoes on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to help restore some crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture.
• Before serving leftovers, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs to brighten the flavor and revive the salad's appearance.
• If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, mix in a little extra dressing to refresh the moisture and taste.

Easy Complements for Smashed Potato Salad

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Bold, crispy smashed potatoes demand equally robust pairings that enhance their texture and taste.
• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy, bacon-laden salad.
• Match with Grilled Proteins: Juicy grilled chicken or tender barbecue pork chops create a perfect protein companion, balancing the potato salad's creamy and crunchy elements.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Light, tangy green salad with citrus vinaigrette provides a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the hearty potato dish, adding nutritional balance.

Smashed Potato Salad Crispy Takes

• Vegan Potato Delight: Replace mayonnaise with vegan cashew cream, swap bacon for crispy tempeh bits, and use plant-based sour cream alternative.
• Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh dill, rosemary, and thyme to the seasoning mix for an aromatic herbal flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option that maintains the same crispy texture.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Mix in jalapeños, add smoked paprika, incorporate chopped cilantro, and drizzle with chipotle-lime dressing for a bold, zesty experience.

FAQs

• Why smash the potatoes before baking?

Smashing creates more surface area, which helps the potatoes develop extra crispy edges and a golden-brown exterior. The technique allows the potato to have more texture and crunch compared to traditional roasted potatoes.

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, small red potatoes or yellow creamer potatoes work best for this recipe. Waxy potatoes hold their shape better and provide the ideal texture for smashing and baking. Avoid using large russet potatoes as they might fall apart.

• How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?

To achieve maximum crispiness, ensure the potatoes are well-drained after boiling and slightly cooled before smashing. Use plenty of olive oil, spread them out on the baking sheet, and avoid overcrowding. Bake at a high temperature to help create that perfect golden crunch.

• Is this potato salad served warm or cold?

This potato salad can be enjoyed both warm and cold. The crispy smashed potatoes maintain their texture when served at room temperature or chilled, making it a versatile side dish for various occasions and seasons.

Potato Salad That’s Crispy, Creamy, and Packed With Bite

• Quick and Easy Meal
• Whip up this delightful potato salad in under an hour with minimal cooking skills required. The recipe breaks down into simple steps anyone can follow, making it perfect for beginner cooks looking to impress.
• Texture Sensation
• Enjoy a mouthwatering combination of crispy potato edges and creamy dressing that delivers an unexpected twist on traditional potato salad. The smashing technique creates irresistible crunchy surfaces that elevate the entire dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility
• Serve this recipe at summer barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners as a crowd-favorite side dish. Its adaptable nature means you can customize ingredients or adjust seasonings to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
• No-Fuss Preparation
• Minimize kitchen time with straightforward ingredients and minimal equipment needed. One baking sheet, a few basic kitchen tools, and standard pantry staples are all you need to create this delectable potato salad that looks and tastes gourmet.

Bits That Build a Smashed Potato Salad

Main Ingredients:

Potatoes: Starchy vegetables perfect for creating a crispy base, waxy varieties like Yukon gold or red potatoes work best.

Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the salad, prefer thick-cut bacon for maximum crunch.

Red Onion: Provides sharp, fresh bite and crisp texture to balance the creamy dressing.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base that creates a rich and tangy dressing, full-fat versions give best flavor.
• Dijon Mustard, Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tanginess and depth to the dressing, helps balance richness.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Essential seasonings that enhance potato flavor and create crispy exterior.
• Parsley, Chives: Fresh herbs that add bright color and light, fresh flavor to the salad.

Smashed Potato Salad Crisp Prep

Step 1: Boil Potatoes Perfectly

Place potatoes in a large pot and completely cover with cold water.

Bring water to a rolling boil and cook until potatoes become super tender when pierced with a fork, around 15-20 minutes.

Carefully drain potatoes in a colander and allow them to cool down for several minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Smashing Station

Warm up your oven to a toasty 425°F.

After potatoes have slightly cooled, grab a fork or potato masher and gently flatten each potato until it reaches about half an inch thickness.

Spread the smashed potatoes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Create Crispy Golden Edges

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until edges turn beautifully golden and edges become wonderfully crisp.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Sour cream
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Step 5: Mix Potato Salad Goodness

Chop roasted potatoes into bite-sized chunks.

• Creamy dressing
• Crumbled bacon
• Chopped red onion
• Fresh parsley
• Chopped chives

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve potato salad warm or chilled.

Top with extra herbs or crispy bacon bits for an extra flavor kick.

Enjoy your delightful creation!

Smart Prep for Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

• Choose small to medium-sized potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin for the best texture and even cooking.
• Pat potatoes completely dry after boiling to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy edges when baking.
• Use a heavy-duty baking sheet and parchment paper to help potatoes crisp evenly and prevent sticking.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or za'atar to add unique flavor profiles to your potato salad.
• Add a splash of milk or buttermilk if the dressing feels too thick, creating a smoother, more spreadable sauce.

Perfect Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy smashed potato salad brings Mediterranean magic to your plate, blending rustic charm with zesty flavors. Herbal notes and golden-edged potatoes invite you to savor each delightful, textured bite of this irresistible summer classic.

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Ingredients

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Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Ingredients:

Potato Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) baby potatoes or small Yukon Gold potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Salad Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup chives, chopped

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Instructions

1. Immerse whole potatoes in a generously sized pot filled with water, ensuring complete coverage. Heat until water reaches a vigorous boil, then allow potatoes to simmer for 15-20 minutes, testing tenderness with a fork.
2. Carefully drain potatoes and permit brief cooling to manageable temperature.
3. Activate oven to 425°F, creating an ideal roasting environment.
4. Gently crush each potato using a fork or masher, flattening to approximately half-inch thickness.
5. Arrange flattened potatoes onto parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring minimal contact between pieces.
6. Liberally coat potato surfaces with olive oil, then generously sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
7. Transfer sheet to preheated oven, roasting for 20-25 minutes until edges transform into crisp, golden-brown perfection.
8. Meanwhile, whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a separate container, creating a creamy, tangy dressing.
9. After potatoes cool slightly, chop into bite-sized pieces.
10. Combine potato chunks with prepared dressing in a mixing bowl.
11. Incorporate crumbled bacon, finely diced red onion, chopped parsley, and chives into the mixture.
12. Serve immediately while warm, or chill for a refreshing variation. Optional garnish of additional herbs or bacon bits adds visual appeal and extra flavor.

Notes

• Boil potatoes until perfectly tender, ensuring they don’t become mushy or fall apart during smashing for ideal texture.
• Pat potatoes completely dry before smashing to guarantee maximum crispiness and prevent soggy edges.
• Use a fork or flat-bottomed glass for even smashing, creating crispy surface areas that enhance overall flavor and crunch.
• Experiment with alternative seasonings like ranch powder, Italian herbs, or spicy cayenne for unique flavor variations.
• For gluten-free version, replace bacon with crispy turkey bacon or roasted sunflower seeds for added protein and crunch.
• Allow potatoes to cool slightly before dressing to prevent mayonnaise-based sauce from breaking or becoming runny.
• Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 2 days, knowing the potatoes might lose some initial crispness but will still taste delicious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg