Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love making this Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe whenever I want that perfect combination of crispy edges and tender, fluffy insides. These potatoes just have a way of stealing the show, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special holiday feast. They’re so simple yet incredibly flavorful, especially with that nutty sage butter topping that adds such a comforting aroma and richness.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the toasted pine nuts paired with the browned butter and crispy sage leaves elevated a humble side dish into something truly special. You’ll find that once you’ve nailed these potatoes, they become your go-to for impressing guests or just indulging in a cozy, delicious treat at home. Plus, the texture contrast is addictive—you get that crackling crunch on the outside and soft, velvety potato on the inside every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create those crispy smashed potatoes bursting with flavor. I always recommend using fresh sage and good-quality butter—trust me, it makes all the difference.

• Small potatoes: Look for small roasting potatoes that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly; baby Yukon Gold or new potatoes are my favorites.
• Olive oil: Choose a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to get that rich, savory crispiness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings—don’t skimp here, especially the salt for enhancing flavor.
• Toasted pine nuts: Toasting them just right adds a subtle crunch and a warm nuttiness that complements the potatoes.
• Butter: I use salted butter because the potatoes soak up the seasoning; unsalted works if you want tighter control over salt.
• Sage leaves: Fresh sage is key for that aromatic, earthy flavor that infuses the butter perfectly.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the season or what’s in my pantry, and this Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe is so flexible that it takes on new flavors wonderfully.

• Herb Variations: I’ve swapped sage for rosemary or thyme when I wanted a different herbal note—and both worked beautifully.
• Nut Alternatives: Toasted walnuts or sliced almonds add a nice twist if you don’t have pine nuts on hand or want a new crunch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil with garlic and herbs instead of butter for a vegan and dairy-free version that’s still delicious.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a subtle heat that livens up the dish.

How to Make Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe

Step 1: Boil Your Potatoes Until Tender

Start by placing your potatoes in a large pot and cover them with plenty of cold water—about 3 to 4 liters works well. I like to add about ¾ cup of table salt to the water, which seems like a lot but really seasons the potatoes from the inside out. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat so it simmers gently. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides in with little resistance, usually around 25 minutes depending on the size of your potatoes. Once drained, let them sit for five minutes to release the steam—this helps make them fluffier inside.

Step 2: Smash and Season for Crispiness

Transfer your potatoes onto a baking tray and press each one down gently but firmly using the bottom of a glass or plate until they’re about half flattened. Don’t worry if they break apart slightly; that’s what creates all the crispy edges. Drizzle generously with olive oil, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies—you won’t regret the extra oil because it’s key to achieving that golden, crunchy finish. Then, sprinkle with plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Roast to Golden Perfection

Pop the tray into your preheated oven at 400°F (about 200°C) and roast for 30 to 40 minutes. I like to keep a close eye toward the end and take them out when the edges are nicely browned and crisp, but the centers still have some fluff. Everyone’s preference is different—some like crunch all the way through, others prefer a contrast—so trust your taste buds here.

Step 4: Make the Sage Butter

While your potatoes are roasting, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. I love using a stainless steel pan so I can watch the butter closely as it changes color. Once it starts sizzling, toss in your fresh sage leaves and swirl the pan gently every so often. You’ll hear the butter crackle loudly and then quiet down as it foams—this means the milk solids are browning and creating that nutty flavor. After 3 to 4 minutes, when the butter smells heavenly and the solids below have turned golden brown (not black), your sage butter is ready.

Step 5: Serve with Pine Nuts and Sage Butter

Once your potatoes are out of the oven, transfer them to a nice serving plate. Sprinkle over the toasted pine nuts for a lovely crunch, then spoon the warm sage butter and crispy leaves on top. You don’t have to use all the butter; add as much or as little as you like. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and you’re ready to serve a side that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish!

How to Serve Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish these potatoes with just a bit of flaky sea salt and extra crispy sage leaves from the browned butter pan. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color or a dusting of Parmesan if I’m feeling indulgent. It’s these little touches that make the dish feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even a hearty vegetarian mushroom ragout. I often serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner, I like to serve these potatoes piled high on a wooden board garnished with extra sage sprigs and scattered pine nuts for a rustic look. It’s always a hit when friends come over, and it makes the meal feel cozy and inviting. You could even serve them individually in small ramekins topped with a drizzle of sage butter for a more elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within 2 days. They keep well but tend to lose some crispiness, which is easy to fix on reheating.

Freezing

Honestly, I don’t usually freeze these because the crispy texture changes after thawing, but if you want to, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a container. Reheat them directly from frozen to get the best results.

Reheating

To reheat and restore their crunch, I recommend baking them in a 400°F oven for about 10-15 minutes instead of microwaving. This way, the edges get crispy again and the potatoes stay fluffy inside.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen because it’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients with elevated flavors and textures. I always feel a little proud serving these because they look fancy but are actually so easy to pull off. I really encourage you to give these a try—you’ll love how they transform any meal into something cozy and comforting with minimal effort. Trust me, once you’ve had them, you’ll be making them again and again!

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