Pioneer Woman Smashed Potato Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate copycat Pioneer Woman smashed potato recipe, you’re in for a treat!

These crash hot potatoes are a game-changer for any dinner table. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s beloved recipe, these smashed potatoes combine tender baby potatoes with herb-infused butter, creating irresistibly crispy edges and fluffy centers. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or elevating your weeknight dinner, this easy smashed potato recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your oven.

The secret? Boiling, smashing, and roasting with aromatic rosemary, thyme, and garlic butter. Let’s dive into making the best smashed potato recipe you’ll ever taste!

What Does It Taste Like?

This Pioneer Woman crash potatoes recipe is all about contrast and flavor. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy exterior that shatters beautifully, revealing a fluffy, creamy potato center.

The herb-infused butter creates layers of savory richness, with earthy rosemary and thyme complementing the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by buttery tenderness.

The slight char on the edges adds a subtle smokiness, while the fresh parsley garnish brings a bright, herbaceous finish. These potatoes are savory, indulgent, and utterly addictive perfect alongside any protein or enjoyed on their own.

Pioneer Woman Smashed Potato Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Potatoes:

• 2 pounds baby potatoes
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for boiling water)
• Pinch of salt (for seasoning before baking)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Herb-Infused Butter:

• 1 stick butter (about ½ cup or 113g)
• A couple of sprigs of fresh rosemary
• A couple of sprigs of fresh thyme
• 5 cloves garlic
• A splash of extra-virgin olive oil

For Garnish:

• Fresh Italian parsley (optional)

Kitchen Utensils You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small saucepan
• Pastry brush
• Potato masher or flat-bottomed glass
• Mixing bowl for ice bath
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes (including boiling and baking)
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people

Pioneer Woman Smashed Potato Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds of baby potatoes and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Boil for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart.

You want them cooked through but firm enough to hold their shape when smashed.

Step 2: Cool the Potatoes

Transfer the boiled potatoes immediately to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice and cold water). This stops the cooking process and helps them maintain structure. Let them cool completely, about 5-10 minutes. Drain and pat dry.

Step 3: Prepare the Herb-Infused Butter

While potatoes cool, make the magic happen. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1 stick of butter with rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, 5 whole garlic cloves, and a splash of olive oil.

Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the herbs and garlic to infuse their flavors into the butter. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 5: Smash the Potatoes

Place cooled potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using a potato masher, flat-bottomed glass, or even your palm, gently press down on each potato until it’s roughly ½-inch thick. Don’t worry about perfection rustic smashes create more crispy edges!

Step 6: Brush with Butter and Season

Using a pastry brush, generously coat each smashed potato with the herb-infused butter, making sure to get some garlic pieces and herbs on top. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 7: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and crispy. The potatoes should have a beautiful crunch on the outside while remaining tender inside.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped Italian parsley if desired, and serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy!

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Transform these into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by topping them with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and chopped chives during the last 5 minutes of baking. It’s like a deconstructed loaded baked potato!

2. Parmesan-Crusted Version

After brushing with herb butter, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each smashed potato. The cheese will create an extra-crispy, golden crust with nutty, savory flavors that complement the herbs beautifully.

3. Spicy Kick

Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey after baking for those who love heat. You can also infuse the butter with a sliced jalapeño for a spicy twist on this smashed potato recipe oven favorite.

4. Tomato Comfort Pairing

Serve Pioneer Woman smashed potatoes crispy and golden, pairing them with rich marinara sauce midway through the plate for acidity, balance, and Italian-inspired comfort that enhances texture without overpowering flavors.

5. Pair with Grilled Proteins

These best smashed potatoes are perfect alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, baked salmon, or pork chops. The crispy texture contrasts beautifully with juicy meats.

6. Spicy Flavor Boost

Upgrade Pioneer Woman smashed potatoes with heat by adding habanero hot sauce at the center, creating a spicy contrast that boosts flavor complexity while keeping the crispy potato edges satisfying.

7. Breakfast Hash Companion

Serve these as a breakfast side with scrambled eggs, sausage, and fresh fruit. The herb butter adds sophistication to your morning spread.

8. Mediterranean Style

Swap rosemary and thyme for oregano and add lemon zest to the butter. Top finished potatoes with crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.

9. Hearty Dinner Match

Pair Pioneer Woman smashed potatoes alongside creamy chicken casserole placed mid-meal, forming a hearty dinner combination where crispy potatoes balance the rich baked chicken flavors for comforting family-style dining experience.

10. Truffle Elegance

For a luxurious upgrade, drizzle truffle oil over the potatoes right before serving and finish with shaved Parmesan. This elevates your smashed potatoes Pioneer Woman style into fine-dining territory.

Expert Tips for Perfect Smashed Potatoes

1. Choose the Right Potatoes

Baby potatoes, fingerlings, or small Yukon Golds work best for this easy smashed potato recipe. They’re naturally creamy and hold their shape well. Avoid large russet potatoes, which can become too dry and mealy when smashed.

2. Don’t Over-Boil

The key to successful Pioneer Woman crash hot potatoes is boiling just until fork-tender. Over-boiled potatoes will fall apart when you try to smash them. Test with a fork it should slide in with slight resistance.

3. The Ice Bath is Essential

This step isn’t optional! The ice bath stops the cooking process, firms up the potatoes, and makes them easier to handle. It also helps create that perfect contrast between crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

4. Let Butter Infuse Properly

Don’t rush the butter infusion. Keep the heat low and let those herbs and garlic gently release their oils into the butter for maximum flavor. If the butter starts to brown too quickly, remove it from heat.

5. Create Surface Area for Crispiness

When smashing, aim for uneven, rough surfaces with cracks and crevices. These irregular edges are where the magic happens they’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven, creating incredible texture.

6. Don’t Skimp on the Butter

This recipe is indulgent, and that’s what makes it special. Make sure every potato gets a generous brush of that herb-infused butter. The butter is what creates the golden, crispy crust.

7. Serve Immediately

Smashed potatoes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they’re at peak crispiness. If you need to hold them, keep them warm in a 200°F oven, but know they’ll lose some crunch over time.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore crispiness, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

Common Queries and FAQs

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Pioneer Woman Smashed Potato Recipe that people often ask.

Can I make smashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can boil and smash the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then brush with butter and bake when ready to serve. The infused butter can also be made ahead and reheated gently before using.

What’s the difference between smashed potatoes and mashed potatoes?

While mashed potatoes are creamy and smooth, smashed potatoes are crushed roughly and then roasted until crispy. This smashed potato recipe creates textural contrast crispy edges with fluffy centers rather than the uniformly creamy consistency of traditional mashed potatoes.

Why are my smashed potatoes not crispy?

The most common reasons are: not using enough butter, overcrowding the baking sheet (which steams rather than roasts them), or baking at too low a temperature. Make sure potatoes have space between them and are generously coated with butter. You can also increase oven temperature to 425°F for extra crispiness.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Absolutely! If using larger potatoes, cut them into 2-inch chunks after boiling and before smashing. The cooking time might vary slightly, so adjust as needed. Baby potatoes are preferred because they’re perfectly portioned and have tender skins.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No! The potato skins add wonderful texture and nutrition. Just make sure to scrub them well before boiling. The skins become deliciously crispy during roasting, adding to the overall appeal of this oven smashed potato recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan butter or increase the olive oil amount. The potatoes will still be delicious and crispy, though the flavor will be slightly different from the traditional Pioneer Woman smashed potatoes recipe.

What can I serve with smashed potatoes?

These versatile potatoes pair well with virtually any main dish: roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked fish, pork tenderloin, or even as part of a vegetarian spread with roasted vegetables and salad. They’re also fantastic for holiday meals alongside turkey or ham.

How do I prevent potatoes from sticking to the pan?

Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. These create a non-stick surface and make cleanup much easier. If you don’t have either, generously oil your baking sheet before adding the potatoes.

Can I freeze smashed potatoes?

While possible, freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe. The texture changes significantly after freezing and thawing, and they won’t crisp up as nicely when reheated. These are best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

What herbs can I substitute for rosemary and thyme?

Feel free to experiment! Sage, oregano, dill, or tarragon all work beautifully. You could also try a combination of dried Italian herbs if fresh aren’t available, though fresh herbs provide superior flavor for this best smashed potato recipe.

How many potatoes per person should I plan?

Plan for about 3-4 small baby potatoes per person as a side dish, which equals roughly ½ pound per serving. If serving as a main course or for hearty eaters, increase to 5-6 potatoes per person.

This copycat Pioneer Woman smashed potato recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With crispy, golden edges, fluffy centers, and aromatic herb-infused butter, these crash hot potatoes will become your go-to side dish for any occasion.

The beauty of this easy smashed potato recipe lies in its versatility and foolproof method whether you’re a beginner cook or seasoned home chef, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results every time. So grab those baby potatoes, fire up your oven, and get ready to experience the most delicious smashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted. Your family and friends will be asking for this recipe again and again!

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