Smashed Potatoes with Herbs and Feta Recipe

If you’re craving a side dish that’s equal parts crispy, buttery, and bursting with fresh flavors, you’ve got to try this Smashed Potatoes with Herbs and Feta Recipe. I absolutely love how it turns golden and crunchy on the outside, yet stays fluffy and tender inside. Plus, the zingy herbs and salty feta jazz it up in the best way possible—you’ll find this recipe quickly becomes your go-to when you want comforting but impressive potatoes on the table.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so nicely—I always keep small potatoes on hand for this recipe, and using fresh herbs really takes the flavor over the top. Here’s a bit about each:

• Small potatoes: Choosing uniform small potatoes helps everything cook evenly and makes them perfect for smashing.
• Salted butter: This adds richness and helps crisp up the potatoes beautifully in the oven.
• Olive oil: Used alongside butter, it prevents burning and contributes a subtle fruity note.
• Mixed fresh herbs: I like combining parsley, thyme, and chives, but feel free to experiment with what you have.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives that wonderful savory kick without overpowering the dish.
• Long red chilli: Just a touch of heat to awaken your taste buds.
• Lemon zest: Adds a bright, fresh zing that complements the herbs perfectly.
• Feta: Crumbled over the top at the end, its salty creaminess balances the flavors so well.

Variations

I love to switch things up a bit depending on what’s in season or what mood I’m in. Don’t hesitate to make this smashed potatoes recipe your own:

• Dairy-Free Option: I once swapped the butter for vegan margarine and replaced feta with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast—still delicious!
• Herb Swaps: Tried rosemary and oregano instead of parsley and chives for a woodsy flavor that gave the dish a whole new vibe.
• Heat Level: Feel free to dial up or down the chilli depending on your tolerance—I sometimes skip it altogether for a kid-friendly version.
• Cheese Variations: Goat cheese or grated parmesan both work beautifully instead of feta, adding different tanginess and texture.

How to Make Smashed Potatoes with Herbs and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes until Tender

Start by placing your cleaned, unpeeled potatoes in a large pot filled with cold, salted water. Don’t rush this step—bring them to a gentle boil and let them cook for about 20-25 minutes, or a bit longer if your potatoes are slightly larger. I always poke them with a fork near the end to check—they should be tender enough to pierce easily but still hold their shape. Once ready, drain and let them steam dry in the colander for a few minutes; this helps the potatoes crisp up instead of steaming in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare Your Butter and Oil Bath

While the potatoes are drying, preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Then, pop your cast iron skillet or any oven-safe dish with the butter and olive oil inside the hot oven. This melts the butter and warms the oil so that when you drop in the potatoes, they sizzle slightly and start crisping right away. I discovered this trick after a few batches where potatoes just sat soggily—it really makes a difference!

Step 3: Smash and Bake the Potatoes

Carefully remove the skillet once the butter has melted. Gently tip the potatoes in, spacing them out so they aren’t overcrowded. Take a potato masher, or if you don’t have one, the bottom of a sturdy glass or measuring cup works beautifully. Press down just enough to burst the skins and create those wonderfully knobbly ridges—but don’t press too hard, or you’ll lose that fluffy goodness inside. Toss the potatoes gently in the butter and oil to coat them evenly, then pop them back in the oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan a few times throughout cooking to help the potatoes crisp all over. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and irresistibly crunchy, with those uneven crispy edges making each bite more interesting.

Step 4: Add the Herb and Feta Magic

While the potatoes bake, finely chop your fresh herbs, garlic, and red chilli all together, then add the lemon zest and give it one more quick chop to distribute everything evenly. In the last 10 minutes of baking, gently fold this herb mixture into the potatoes so the flavors meld and the garlic cooks slightly without burning.

Then, once out of the oven, sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top while the potatoes are still hot. The warm potatoes soften the feta just enough, creating that creamy, salty contrast that’s absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Smashed Potatoes with Herbs and Feta Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top, plus a tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving. Sometimes, a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice amps up the freshness even more, especially if you enjoy that bright zing.

Side Dishes

These smashed potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, a fresh green salad, or even alongside a hearty stew. For one family dinner, I served them with roasted veggies and a tangy yogurt dip—it was a hit across the board!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these potatoes on a big wooden board surrounded by charcuterie and dips, making a casual yet elegant sharing platter that guests loved. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens elevates their appearance and makes your dish look like a work of art.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You might find they lose some crispness, but they’re still great for quick reheats or to toss into a salad the next day.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this recipe because the crispy texture softens, but if you must, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in a hot oven or toaster oven to bring back some of that crisp exterior. I find 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes works perfectly, just keep an eye so they don’t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Smashed Potatoes with Herbs and Feta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug. I love sharing it because it’s so easy, yet it looks and tastes like you put in a lot of effort. Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these potatoes somehow bring everyone together at the table. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how it changes up your potato game and becomes a requested classic in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.

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