Name: Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za'atar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb baby potatoes; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tbsp za’atar spice; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste); 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce + 2 tbsp of the adobo sauce; 1/4 cup cold water; 1 clove garlic; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt to taste

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Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar are the ultimate comfort food that brings together a delightful texture and a burst of flavor. These small golden treasures are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and infused with aromatic notes of garlic and the warm, earthy spices of za’atar. As they roast in the oven, you’ll want to keep an eye on them because the tantalizing scent wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za'atar

I first stumbled upon this dish during a family gathering, and it quickly became a staple at our holiday meals. Friends and family alike rave about how easy it is to prepare and how it pleases a crowd at potlucks and dinner parties alike. With a handful of ingredients, you can create a stunning side dish that feels gourmet without the fuss. Trust me, once you try these crispy smashed potatoes, you’ll want them on your table for every gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep these delicious potatoes in just 15 minutes; the baking process does the rest!
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite carries a medley of garlic and za’atar for a uniquely savory taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The crushed potatoes have a rustic charm that looks beautiful on any dinner plate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s brunch, a side dish for dinner, or a late-night snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegan diets by using the right ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb baby potatoes: These small potatoes are ideal for smashing and roasting, providing the perfect texture. You can substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes if needed.
1/4 cup olive oil: A good-quality olive oil not only helps achieve crispy edges but also enhances flavor. Avocado oil can be a lighter alternative.
1 tbsp za’atar spice: This Middle Eastern spice blend adds complexity and warmth. If you don’t have za’atar, consider using a mix of dried thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: This fresh herb brightens the dish; feel free to use cilantro for a different flavor twist.
1/4 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing flavor; use sea salt or Himalayan pink salt for a gourmet touch.
1 tsp lemon zest: Zest adds a fresh, citrusy note that lifts the entire dish. Fresh lemon juice can substitute if you’re in a pinch.
1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste): Adding creaminess and nutty flavor, tahini is a critical element in the accompanying sauce.
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce + 2 tbsp of the adobo sauce: This brings a smoky heat to the tahini sauce, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. Adjust according to your spice preference.
1/4 cup cold water: Helps to thin out the tahini sauce for easy drizzling.
1 clove garlic: A must for its aromatic qualities; garlic powder can also work in a pinch.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds acidity to balance the creaminess of tahini. Fresh juice is recommended, but bottled can work too.
Salt to taste: Adjust according to your preference for flavor.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar

Boil the Potatoes: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add in 1 lb of baby potatoes and let them cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. You’ll want them soft enough to smash easily, so test with a fork.

Drain & Prepare: Once tender, drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. Allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes.

Preheat Oven: As the potatoes cool, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help create that desirable crispiness.

Season the Potatoes: Pour 1/4 cup olive oil over the potatoes in the bowl. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp za’atar spice, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Toss gently until the potatoes are well coated with the seasonings.

Smash the Potatoes: On a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place each potato and smash it gently with the bottom of a glass. Aim for a flat and even surface to allow for thorough cooking.

Bake First Time: Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The goal is to have them nice and golden on the bottom.

Flip & Bake Again: After 20 minutes, flip each potato and return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for another 15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy around the edges.

Prepare Chipotle Tahini: While your potatoes are baking, combine 1/4 cup tahini, 1 chipotle pepper, 2 tbsp adobo sauce, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup cold water in a blender or use an immersion blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Drizzle & Garnish: Once the potatoes are perfectly golden, drizzle them with the chipotle tahini sauce and garnish with a little extra chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best texture.

Storing & Reheating

If you have any leftover crispy smashed potatoes, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze the potatoes by spreading them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and re-crisped. The flavor will remain delicious, though the texture may soften slightly as they cool.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To get a perfectly crispy texture, ensure your potatoes have enough space on the baking sheet. They shouldn’t be crowded.
When smashing the potatoes, be gentle to avoid breaking them into too many pieces; you want crispy edges, not mashed potatoes!
For a more intense garlic flavor, roast additional garlic cloves in the oven alongside the potatoes and mix them into the tahini sauce.
To make ahead, you can prepare and season the potatoes, then refrigerate them for a few hours before baking.
If the tahini sauce is too thick, add more cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

These crispy smashed potatoes with garlic and za’atar are not just a side dish; they can easily steal the show. Imagine sitting around a table, laughter and conversation filling the air, and then you serve this gorgeous tray of potatoes. They’re crunchy, creamy, and simply unforgettable. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices or toppings—get creative, make it your own, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Absolutely! You can use larger potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet varieties. Just cut them into chunks that will cook evenly in the boiling step, aiming for similar sizes to ensure uniform cooking.

What if I don’t have tahini?

If tahini is unavailable, you can substitute it with nut butter, like almond or cashew, or a simple yogurt sauce with garlic and a splash of lemon juice. This will still give you a creamy texture, but with a different flavor profile.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To enhance the spiciness, you can add more chipotle pepper or even some crushed red pepper flakes to the tahini sauce. Experimenting with these elements will allow you to customize the heat level to your liking.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the potatoes through the smashing step and season them in advance. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake them. When you’re heading to serve, simply pop them in the oven and enjoy the crispy goodness!