Smashed Potatoes with Herbs and Feta Recipe

If you’re looking for a side dish that’ll steal the show at your next meal, you’ve got to try this Smashed Potatoes with Herbs and Feta Recipe. Honestly, I absolutely love how these potatoes come out—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and bursting with fresh herb flavors and that salty tang from the feta. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something comforting yet fancy, this recipe never disappoints.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a vital role here, coming together to create that perfect balance between crispy, salty, and fresh. When shopping, look for small, firm potatoes and vibrant, fragrant herbs to get the best results.

• Small potatoes: I prefer waxy potatoes that hold their shape well and crisp up nicely when smashed.
• Salted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps with that crispy crust; if you only have unsalted butter, just add a pinch more salt later.
• Olive oil: Helps the potatoes brown evenly and adds a lovely fruity undertone.
• Mixed fresh herbs: Typically a combo of parsley, rosemary, thyme—freshness makes a huge difference here.
• Garlic cloves: Minced for that punch of flavor that infuses through the potatoes.
• Long red chili: A little heat lifts the whole dish; adjust based on your spice preference.
• Lemon zest: Adds a zingy brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Feta: Crumbled on top, it lends a salty creaminess that’s just irresistible.

Variations

I love experimenting with this smashed potatoes recipe because it’s forgiving and adapts so well. Feel free to swap herbs, add toppings, or adjust spice levels. It’s all about making it your own.

• Cheesy Twist: Sometimes I sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella instead of feta for a different cheesy flavor that melts beautifully.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter and omit the feta—maybe add some toasted pine nuts for crunch instead.
• Spice Levels: If you like it mild, leave out the chili; for more kick, add chopped jalapeño or a dash of smoked paprika to the herb mix.
• Seasonal Herbs: I’ve tried adding fresh dill or basil in summer, which gives a lovely seasonal twist.

How to Make Smashed Potatoes with Herbs and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Boil Your Potatoes to Perfection

Start by placing those small, clean potatoes into a pot of cold, salted water. Bringing the water up slowly helps cook them evenly. You’ll want to boil them for about 20-25 minutes until they’re fork tender—this means you can insert a fork and it slides in without resistance but the potato still holds its shape. Medium-sized potatoes might need a bit more time. Once done, drain them in a colander and let them steam dry for a few minutes to shed any excess moisture. This step is key for getting crispy edges later.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Oil in Your Oven-Proof Dish

While your potatoes are drying, throw your salted butter and olive oil into a cast iron skillet or an oven-proof dish and pop it into your preheated oven (200°C). This warms up the fats nicely and ensures your potatoes start cooking instantly the moment they hit the surface, giving you that golden crisp I adore.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes Just Right

Once your butter has melted and looks lovely and bubbly, carefully remove the skillet and tip in your potatoes. Now comes the fun part: gently smash each potato using a potato masher, or even the bottom of a glass or measuring cup. You don’t want to flatten them into mash; just enough to burst the skins and create nooks and crannies. These ragged edges are the secret for maximum crispy bits.

Step 4: Bake until Golden and Crispy

Spread the smashed potatoes out a bit, so they’re coated in the butter and oil. Slide the skillet back into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Make sure you give the pan a gentle shake now and then to turn them for even browning. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden-brown color and irresistible crunch.

Step 5: Prep Your Fresh Herb Mix

While the potatoes bake, chop your mixed fresh herbs finely. Then add minced garlic, chopped red chili, and the lemon zest—this combo brings a fresh, vibrant punch to the dish. Give everything another quick chop to blend flavors.

Step 6: Add Herbs and Finish Baking

About 10 minutes before the potatoes are done, gently toss in your herb, garlic, chili, and lemon mix—stirring carefully to coat. This last-minute addition ensures your herbs stay bright and the garlic isn’t harsh. Continue baking so everything melds perfectly.

Step 7: Serve Sprinkled with Feta

Once out of the oven, sprinkle crumbled feta over the top while the potatoes are still hot. The feta adds a creamy, salty finish that brings everything together. Serve this hot, and watch how fast these get devoured!

How to Serve Smashed Potatoes with Herbs and Feta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra feta or some chopped herbs on top before serving. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good olive oil or a scatter of toasted pine nuts for crunch. The lemon zest is such a bright touch I never skip it.

Side Dishes

These smashed potatoes pair fabulously with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a hearty side for a veggie-friendly meal. I often serve them alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal veggies for a balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve these on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with herbs and feta, letting guests help themselves. Making individual portions in small ramekins with a sprinkling of chili flakes looks beautiful too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them crispy, reheat in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave.

Freezing

Freezing these is possible but I’ve found the texture changes a bit—potatoes can get mushy when thawed. If you plan to freeze, store raw boiled potatoes instead and smash and bake fresh when ready.

Reheating

To keep the skins crispy, I reheat leftovers in a hot (about 200°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or toss briefly in a hot skillet with a little olive oil. This crisp-up technique works like a charm every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Smashed Potatoes with Herbs and Feta Recipe is one of those dishes I always keep in my dinner rotation because it’s simple, comforting, and feels a bit special at the same time. The blend of crispy, buttery potatoes with the punch of herbs and creamy feta gets rave reviews at my table every time. Give it a go—you’ll love how it transforms a humble spud into something absolutely delicious, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites too.

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