Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar are not just your average potatoes. They are perfectly tender on the inside and irresistibly crispy on the outside, offering a delightful contrast of textures that elevates any meal. Tossed in fragrant za’atar spice and topped with a creamy chipotle tahini sauce, they bring a burst of flavor that’s simply unforgettable. Whether you’re gathering around a dinner table or enjoying a cozy night in, these potatoes are an ideal side dish that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.
Table of Contents
The first time I made these crispy smashed potatoes, I was instantly hooked. I mean, who doesn’t love a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare? After just a few simple steps, a plate of golden, crispy, aromatic potatoes is yours to savor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends, this recipe is simple yet impressively tasty. I invite you to whip up a batch and enjoy every bite with family and friends. You won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just over 60 minutes, including prep!
- Irresistible Flavor: The za’atar spice adds warmth, while chipotle tahini gives a smoky kick.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Their impressive presentation makes them a showstopper on any plate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, side, or a hearty addition to brunch.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and easily made vegan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb baby potatoes: These small, waxy potatoes maintain their shape and stay creamy inside.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that lovely golden crispiness.
- 1 tbsp za’atar spice: A Middle Eastern spice blend with earthy notes of thyme and sesame, elevating the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens up the dish with freshness and color.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: Adds brightness and a hint of tanginess that balances the richness.
- 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste): Creates a creamy base for the sauce, adding nuttiness.
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce + 2 tbsp of the adobo sauce: Brings a smoky heat that complements the tahini beautifully.
- 1/4 cup cold water: Adjusts the consistency of the tahini sauce.
- 1 clove garlic: Adds depth and savory notes to the tahini.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce and enhances the flavors.
- Salt to taste: Essential for personal adjustments to flavor.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar
Boil Potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baby potatoes. Cook for 15-20 minutes until they’re fork-tender but not falling apart. You want them soft enough to smash, yet firm enough to hold their shape.
Drain and Prepare: Once tender, drain the potatoes in a colander and transfer them to a large bowl. Let them cool slightly so you can handle them without burning your fingers!
Preheat Oven: As the potatoes are cooling, preheat your oven to 400°F. This is the perfect temperature for achieving that signature crispiness.
Toss with Seasonings: Drizzle 1/4 cup olive oil over the warm potatoes. Add 1 tablespoon za’atar spice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Use a spoon to gently toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated.
Smash Potatoes: Transfer the seasoned potatoes onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Grab the bottom of a drinking glass and gently press down on each potato to flatten them slightly. Aim for a half-inch thickness — this helps create those crispy edges!
Bake First Time: Bake the smashed potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. They should start to look golden and crisp around the edges.
Flip and Bake Again: After 20 minutes, carefully flip each potato using a spatula, then pop them back into the oven for another 15 minutes. They’ll be perfectly crisp when done and fragrant throughout your kitchen.
Prepare Chipotle Tahini: While the potatoes are baking, prepare the chipotle tahini sauce. In a blender, combine 1/4 cup tahini, 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce, 1 clove of garlic, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Add 1/4 cup cold water to thin it out. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning with salt to taste.
Serve and Garnish: Once the potatoes are bubbling around the edges and golden brown, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the chipotle tahini sauce generously over the top. Garnish with more fresh parsley for an extra pop of color before serving.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover crispy smashed potatoes at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The tahini sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, packed in a sealed container. If you want to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and the exterior regains some crispness. Note that reheated potatoes may lose a bit of their crispiness, but a quick blast in the oven will help refresh them.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the potatoes; they should be just tender when you poke them with a fork.
- Let the potatoes cool a bit after boiling to make smashing easier and safer.
- For a richer tahini sauce, consider adding a bit more garlic or a splash of a citrus juice like lime.
- If you prefer a non-spicy option, omit the chipotle pepper and simply use tahini mixed with lemon and garlic.
- To ensure the potatoes stay crispy after baking, do not overcrowd them on the baking tray.
These crispy smashed potatoes with garlic and za’atar truly showcase how simple ingredients can create bold flavors. The za’atar invigorates the traditional potato experience, while the creaminess of the chipotle tahini creates a delightful harmony that’s hard to resist. Use this recipe as a canvas and feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs or garnishes.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! You can use larger potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russets. Just cut them into quarters before boiling to speed up the cooking time.
How do I know when my potatoes are done boiling?
Fork tenderness is key. You should be able to easily slide a fork into the potato. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
Can I make the chipotle tahini ahead of time?
Yes! The chipotle tahini sauce can be prepped a few days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What can I serve with these crushed potatoes?
These crispy smashed potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or can even shine on their own as a snack. Serve them with a fresh salad for a delightful meal.
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
Savor the incredible flavors of these Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish combines tender potatoes with a zesty tahini sauce and spices, making it an easy yet satisfying comfort food.
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
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water and add the baby potatoes. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes, adding za’atar, salt, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Toss well.
- Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet and smash each one using the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each potato and continue baking for another 15 minutes until crispy.
- In the meantime, prepare the chipotle tahini by blending tahini, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cold water, garlic, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Once the potatoes are ready, drizzle the chipotle tahini over them before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra crispiness, bake the potatoes longer, watching closely to avoid burning.
The tahini sauce can be adjusted with more lemon juice for extra tang.
Store leftover tahini sauce in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
