Description
Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic feature perfectly boiled red potatoes smashed and baked to golden, crispy perfection. Enhanced with aromatic sautéed garlic, smoky turkey bacon, melting plant-based cheese, and fresh herbs, this easy side dish bursts with flavor and texture that complements a wide range of meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 500g small red potatoes, washed
Garlic and Bacon
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
- 100g smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Toppings & Seasonings
- 100g plant-based cheese, cut into small dollops
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Instructions
- Boil the Red Potatoes: Start by washing the red potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a pot with salted water and boil until they are fork-tender but still firm, usually around 15-20 minutes depending on size.
- Prepare Garlic and Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the potatoes cook, peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves, and chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Lightly sauté both in a bit of olive oil until golden and fragrant, then set aside.
- Smash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a potato masher or the bottom of a glass to gently press down each potato until it flattens but remains in one piece.
- Season and Add Toppings: Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes, sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper, and scatter the sautéed garlic and smoked turkey bacon evenly on top. Add small dollops of plant-based cheese to ensure it melts beautifully. Drizzle vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) lightly over the top.
- Bake to Crispy Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the edges, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Use small, even-sized potatoes to ensure even cooking and smashing for consistent texture.
- Do not skip olive oil to encourage crispiness and a beautiful golden color.
- Preheat your baking tray; placing potatoes on a hot tray straight into the oven helps form a crunchier crust.
- Do not over-smash the potatoes; keep each mostly intact to maintain a fluffy inside beneath the crispy outside.
- Roasting or sautéing garlic before adding boosts flavor and prevents harshness.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, chives, or rosemary, and optionally a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish.
- Store leftovers cooled in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10-15 minutes or on a hot skillet with olive oil to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 125g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, garlic potatoes, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, side dish, easy recipe
