If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive, wait until you try this Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how these potatoes turn out—golden-crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and paired perfectly with a tangy, garlicky feta sauce that makes every bite sing. Whether you’re after a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a side dish that steals the show, this recipe is here to become your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Crispy Texture: Smashed potatoes get wonderfully crispy on the edges while staying soft inside.
- Flavor-Packed Dipping Sauce: The garlic feta sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick that pairs like a dream with the potatoes.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need already in your kitchen.
- Versatile & Crowd-Friendly: Great for weeknight dinners, snack time, or your next party spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together with ease but deliver such rich flavor and texture. The key is picking little gold potatoes that roast beautifully and soak up flavor from the olive oil and garlic powder.
- Small gold potatoes: These cook evenly and have a creamy interior that’s perfect for smashing without falling apart.
- Salt: Adding a big handful to the boiling water seasons the potatoes from the inside out.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Gives the potatoes that crispy finish and subtle fruity note.
- Garlic powder: Boosts flavor without any extra chopping or mess.
- Freshly ground salt and pepper: For generous seasoning of the outside to build that irresistible crust.
- Garlic feta sauce: The star dipping sauce – creamy, tangy, and full of garlic punch.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or cilantro: These brighten and add a fresh, fragrant touch just before serving.
Variations
One reason I keep coming back to this Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it based on what you have or your mood. Play around with the herbs or make it spicier—you really can’t go wrong.
- Spicy Twist: I once added a pinch of smoked paprika and red chili flakes to the olive oil brush, and my family went crazy for that smoky heat.
- Herb Swap: Feel free to swap rosemary for thyme or add fresh chives on top for a different fresh note.
- Dairy-Free Sauce: If you need a dairy-free option, try substituting the garlic feta sauce with a tangy avocado yogurt dip or ranch dressing.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle some Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for welcome cheesiness.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Boil Those Potatoes Till Tender
Start by adding your small gold potatoes along with a big handful of salt to a large pot of boiling water. I like to use smaller potatoes because they cook quickly and are easier to smash without falling apart. Boil them just until you can easily pierce them with a fork—usually about 15-20 minutes. Overcooked and mushy potatoes won’t hold up when smashed! After draining, let them cool for about 5 minutes before moving on.
Step 2: Smash Without Breaking
Now, here’s my favorite part—smashing the potatoes. Transfer them carefully to a large baking sheet. Use a heavy-bottomed pot, large mug, or even another baking sheet to gently press down on each potato until it’s about a third of an inch thick and flat on two sides. Be gentle here to keep them intact, so they crisp up nicely in the oven.
Step 3: Season and Prep for Baking
Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and garlic powder. Brush this flavorful mix generously on both sides of each smashed potato. Then sprinkle a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper over all the potatoes. The seasoning makes a huge difference here—don’t skimp! This step is where I discovered you can actually build layers of flavor even before roasting.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake the potatoes in the oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crispiness on both sides. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and get nice and crunchy. I love to keep a close eye toward the end because everyone has their own “perfect crisp” level!
Step 5: Whip Up the Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce
While the potatoes bake, make your garlic feta yogurt sauce. The creamy tanginess is what really elevates these potatoes. If you want, you can also experiment with other dips, but the garlic feta really won my heart. Drizzle the sauce over the potatoes or serve it on the side for dipping—the choice is yours.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with some fresh rosemary sprigs on the platter or a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro. Not only do the herbs add a pop of green, but they also add fresh aroma and bite, making the dish feel so much more special.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Overboiling leads to mushy potatoes that won’t hold shape when smashed—aim for fork-tender only.
- Use a Heavy Object to Smash: I learned that a heavy-bottomed pot works best to flatten potatoes without destroying them.
- Flip Halfway Through Baking: This ensures both sides crisp evenly without burning.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper—they transform this simple dish into something spectacular.
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I almost always top these potatoes with fresh chopped parsley and a few rosemary sprigs on the side for a boost of freshness. Cilantro works beautifully too if you prefer a brighter, citrusy herbal note. These garnishes add color and an herbaceous aroma that pairs wonderfully with garlic and feta.
Side Dishes
I love serving these crispy smashed potatoes alongside grilled chicken, a fresh garden salad, or even roasted veggies to keep it light. But honestly, they steal the show enough to be the main event at your next casual gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I sometimes arrange the potatoes on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of garlic feta dip and extra herbs scattered on top—it’s such an inviting spread! Adding a drizzle of chili oil or lemon zest over the top elevates both look and flavor for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover crispy smashed potatoes keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. When I do this, I try to keep the sauce separate to prevent sogginess, only adding it when serving.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these potatoes before by flash-freezing them on a sheet pan, then transferring to a freezer bag. Just remember the texture changes slightly—best to reheat them well to crisp them back up.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, I pop the leftovers in a hot oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. This quick bake crisps up the edges just like fresh potatoes.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of potatoes for Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While small gold potatoes are ideal because of their creamy texture and thin skins, you can also use baby red potatoes or fingerlings. Just avoid large starchy potatoes like russets, which might fall apart too easily when smashed.
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Is the garlic feta dipping sauce difficult to make?
Not at all! The sauce typically blends feta cheese with garlic, yogurt, and a bit of olive oil until smooth and creamy. It’s quick, requires no cooking, and you can prepare it ahead of time to save yourself stress.
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How can I make these potatoes gluten-free?
Great news—this entire recipe is naturally gluten-free since it’s just potatoes, oil, and seasoning plus a dipping sauce made from dairy ingredients. Just double-check your garlic powder and feta to ensure no additives with gluten.
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Can I make these potatoes ahead for a party?
Yes! You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. When ready, brush with oil and bake to re-crisp before serving. Make the dipping sauce in advance to minimize prep on party day.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe is truly a game-changer in my kitchen. It’s that snack or side dish that’s easy to whip up yet always impresses with its crispy texture and bold flavors. Every time I make it, I get a little excited to watch those potatoes transform in the oven and to dive into that creamy feta sauce. I hope you love making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—it’s perfect for casual meals, gatherings, or whenever you want some soul-satisfying comfort food. Give it a try and let me know how it becomes your new favorite!
PrintCrispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Feta Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy Smashed Potatoes recipe offers perfectly tender potatoes with a golden, crispy crust, flavored with garlic and olive oil. Served with a creamy garlic feta sauce and fresh herbs, it makes a delicious side dish or appetizer that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 ½ pounds small gold potatoes
- Big handful of salt (for boiling)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Dipping Sauce
- 1 batch garlic feta sauce (see recipe)
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Add the potatoes and a big handful of salt to a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes until just fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes, let them cool for 5 minutes, and then transfer them to a large sheet pan.
- Smash the Potatoes: Using a heavy-bottomed pot, large mug, or another sheet pan, gently smash the potatoes until they’re about 1/3 inch thick and flat on two sides. Be careful not to smash them too thin to prevent them from falling apart.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes to a crispy finish.
- Season and Oil: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and garlic powder. Brush both sides of each smashed potato with this garlic-infused olive oil mixture. Season generously with freshly ground salt and pepper on both sides.
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Flip them halfway through baking to ensure even golden crispiness on both sides.
- Prepare the Sauce: Make the whipped garlic feta yogurt sauce according to your preferred recipe or use another suitable dipping sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked and crispy, garnish the potatoes with fresh rosemary sprigs on the platter or chopped parsley or cilantro. Drizzle with the garlic feta sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute the garlic feta sauce with other dips like sour cream, ranch, or your favorite aioli for variation.
- Do not smash the potatoes too thin to avoid them breaking apart during baking.
- For extra crispiness, make sure to flip the potatoes halfway through the baking time.
- Use fresh herbs to enhance the aroma and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4-5 potatoes)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg