If you’re on the lookout for a comforting yet show-stopping side dish, this Honey Butter Smashed Potatoes Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Imagine tender baby potatoes that are boiled to perfection, then smashed just enough to soak up a luscious blend of melted butter and sweet honey. Roasting them until golden and crisp on the edges creates an irresistible combination of soft inside and crunchy outside that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s a dish that’s unexpectedly simple, yet so packed with cozy, sweet-savory flavor that it elevates any meal it accompanies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Honey Butter Smashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen for its role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy Yukon gold potatoes to the fragrant parsley garnish, these essentials come together effortlessly for maximum deliciousness.
- Baby Yukon gold or red potatoes (1.5 pounds): Small-sized potatoes that cook quickly and have a buttery texture perfect for smashing.
- Unsalted butter, melted (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Brings a subtle sweetness that perfectly contrasts the savory components.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Aids in browning and adds a fruity depth to the potatoes’ finish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a subtle warmth and complexity.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle garlic aroma that complements without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): A bright, herbal touch that lifts the entire dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make Honey Butter Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then toss in the baby Yukon gold or red potatoes. Boil these tender little beauties for 15 to 20 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork. This step ensures the inside will be perfectly soft and ready for smashing.
Step 2: Prepare for Baking
Once drained, let the potatoes cool briefly so they aren’t too hot to handle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then arrange the potatoes spaced out across the sheet. Using a potato masher or even the bottom of a sturdy glass, gently press down on each potato until it flattens slightly but still holds together. This creates extra surface area that will get gloriously crispy and brown.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
Whisk melted butter, honey, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using) in a small bowl until well combined. This sticky, savory-sweet glaze is what transforms the smashed potatoes into something truly memorable. Brush it generously over the entire surface of each smashed potato, making sure every nook and cranny is coated for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated 425°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for golden edges and crispy bottoms—you’re aiming for that perfect combination of tender inside and crunchy outside. For an extra touch of crispness, you can broil the potatoes for the last couple of minutes while watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Pull your heavenly potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. This final touch adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herb note that makes the dish feel complete. Serve warm and watch as everyone delights in each perfectly sweet and savory bite.
How to Serve Honey Butter Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish for this recipe, adding brightness and a pop of green to each plate. For a flavor boost, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of flaky sea salt right before serving can take it over the top. Chopped chives or a bit of crispy bacon bits also work beautifully if you want to mix things up.
Side Dishes
This honey butter smashed potatoes recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Think roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared salmon for an elegant weeknight dinner. It also complements vegetarian dishes like sautéed greens or a hearty mushroom loaf, making it versatile no matter your meal plan.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your smashed potatoes as individual appetizers topped with a dollop of sour cream or a small spoonful of caramelized onions. Alternatively, lay them out on a large platter garnished with an herb medley and allow guests to grab their favorites family-style. These ideas make the dish approachable and a crowd-pleaser beyond a standard side plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Store the cooled smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, avoid adding fresh herbs until you’re ready to reheat and serve.
Freezing
You can freeze these potatoes, but it’s best to do so before baking. Arrange the smashed and glazed potatoes on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy them later, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F oven until heated through and crispy again—usually about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them lose that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use regular large potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes! While baby potatoes work best for this recipe because they cook quickly and have a nice creamy texture, you can use larger potatoes cut into chunks. Just increase the boiling time accordingly and adjust smashing so they hold their shape.
Is the honey flavor very strong?
No, the honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the butter and seasonings rather than overpowering the dish. It balances the savory elements delicately, making every bite a little more special.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or margarine, and the recipe will still be deliciously rich. Just make sure to use a butter alternative suitable for baking.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can place the smashed potatoes directly on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Just be sure to coat it well to prevent sticking and ensure the potatoes crisp up nicely.
How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?
Broiling the smashed potatoes for the last 2 minutes of baking will give them a fantastic crisp edge. Just watch them carefully so they don’t burn, as broilers can be intense!
Final Thoughts
There really is something magical about the way this Honey Butter Smashed Potatoes Recipe blends sweet, savory, creamy, and crispy into one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight side or a dish that wows guests, it’s a simple recipe full of heart and flavor that you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and get ready for a new favorite comfort food to brighten up your table!
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Honey Butter Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Butter Smashed Potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish featuring tender baby Yukon gold or red potatoes boiled to perfection, gently smashed, and then brushed generously with a sweet and buttery honey glaze. Baked until golden and crispy on the edges, these potatoes are garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, making them a perfect accompaniment for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon gold or red potatoes
Honey Butter Glaze
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and boil them for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly to handle.
- Smash the Potatoes: Place the boiled potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each potato to flatten it slightly without breaking it apart completely.
- Make the Honey Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. This mixture will create a sweet, savory, and flavorful glaze for the potatoes.
- Brush the Potatoes: Generously brush the honey butter glaze over each smashed potato, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor and a beautiful golden color after baking.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for an additional 2 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the potatoes for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- You can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes before baking to add a savory flavor boost.
- These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a fresh salad.
- To make the dish dairy-free, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative.
