Description
Rosemary garlic smashed potatoes deliver crispy, herb-infused comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Golden edges and fragrant herbs invite hungry friends to savor each perfectly seasoned, crunchy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauces and Cheeses:
- 1 (24 ounces / 680 grams) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a robust 425°F (220°C), ensuring a hot and ready cooking environment for transforming simple potatoes into a crispy, herbaceous delicacy.
- Select medium-sized potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin and wash them thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Place the clean potatoes in a large pot, cover completely with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt to enhance their natural flavor during boiling.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer the potatoes until they become tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander and transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, allowing them to cool slightly and steam to dissipate.
- Gently press each potato using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, creating rustic, uneven surfaces that will become delightfully crispy during roasting.
- Drizzle the smashed potatoes generously with olive oil, ensuring each potato is evenly coated and has plenty of surface area exposed for maximum crispiness.
- Sprinkle finely chopped fresh rosemary, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the potatoes, distributing the seasonings evenly.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to guarantee uniform browning and crisp edges.
- Remove from the oven when the potatoes are golden brown, crisp on the outside, and tender on the inside, with aromatic rosemary and garlic perfuming the kitchen.
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with additional fresh rosemary sprigs, and serve immediately while hot and perfectly crisp.
Notes
- Perfectly crisp exterior comes from patting potatoes completely dry before smashing to remove excess moisture.
- Use small or medium-sized red or yellow potatoes for the best texture and consistent cooking.
- Select high-quality olive oil with robust flavor to enhance the rosemary and garlic notes during roasting.
- Adjust seasoning levels by crushing fresh garlic cloves directly onto potatoes for more intense flavor profile.
- Experiment with alternative herbs like thyme or oregano to create unique taste variations while maintaining the dish’s core technique.
- For gluten-free and dairy-free modifications, ensure all ingredients meet specific dietary requirements before preparation.
- Roast potatoes on a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or heavy baking sheet to promote maximum crispiness and even browning.
- Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container and reheat in a hot oven to maintain their crunchy exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg