Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes: A Sneaky Way to Get More Nutrition Into Picky Eaters
As a mom of three kids, (including the husband lol) I know the struggle of getting the kids to eat their veggies and other nutritious foods. It can be a battle at mealtimes to get anything green or unfamiliar onto their plates. While chicken nuggets and fries seem to be kid menu go-tos, I’m constantly looking for ways to sneak more nourishment into what they’ll actually eat. Enter one of my secret weapons – bay potatoes! Most kids seem to have an innate love of potatoes for some reason.
Now you may be thinking “potatoes aren’t that healthy…” and you’re right, a bucket of French fries isn’t going to cut it nutritionally. But potatoes, when prepared properly, can make a surprisingly wholesome addition to kids’ plates. Packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, a baked potato toped with bacon or cheese can satisfy both taste buds and nutritional needs.
My kids especially love my Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes – a twist on the classic side that brings extra crispy crunch. The irresistible crispy texture helps get even the pickiest eaters to clean their plates. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s an easy weeknight winner my whole family devours.
This crispy smashed potatoes recipe has become a family favorite. It’s hearty and satisfying but with a crispy exterior that makes it feel a little more special. The smashing and crisping technique gives them an irresistible texture. Between work, cooking, and running my blog Relax Lang Mom, I’m always looking for simple recipes I can throw together without a lot of fuss. This one fits the bill perfectly.
The trick is in the smash – by flattening potato cubes before roasting, you create maximum surface area for maximum crisp. As the potatoes roast, they develop a light, shards that are seriously satisfying to crunch. Between bites of chicken or beef, the kids nibble handfuls of these crispy treats without complaint. Best of all, the layer of crispy potato acts as a stealthy vehicle for any toppings you add – like melted cheese, chili or sautéed vegetables.
Kids also enjoy feeling involved in the cooking process. I find that smashing the potato cubes together is a fun tactile activity they can easily join in on. Don’t be afraid to make a bit of a mess – the smiles you coach out by letting little hands help will be worth it. Involving kids in simple food prep gives them a sense of ownership that makes them more excited to taste the final product which is another sneaky way to have them eat healthy foods.
To make them, you just get baby potatoes or even chop regular sized potatoes into evenly sized chunks, boil them until almost tender, then smash them lightly and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The magic happens when you arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them until the edges are deeply browned and crispy. The interior stays super creamy while the exterior gets a delicious crisp. It’s potaroey goodness in the best way.
Since potatoes are such a comforting food, I find these smashed potatoes make a great side anytime but especially on kids special days or for weekend meals. They’re equally good with sautéed chicken, roast pork, or simply served with a fried egg for dinner. The whole family, from my eight-year-old daughter to my husband, loves them. I’ve yet to have any leftovers!
Ok, enough talking – here is the simple recipe:
Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 1 kilo baby potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the potato pieces in a medium pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork, about 12-15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes well and return them to the hot pot. Cook over medium heat for 1 minute, shaking the pot occasionally, to evaporate excess moisture.
- Transfer the warm potatoes to a large baking sheet. Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, gently smash each piece just until slightly flattened. You don’t want to completely mush them but make them thin enough so they;; crisp faster.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer, making sure none overlap.
- Roast for 15 – 25 minutes minutes, flipping once halfway through, until deep brown and crispy on the bottom.
- Garnish with parsley, if using. Serve hot.
The hardest part is waiting for them to finish roasting, the aroma that fills your kitchen is absolutely irresistible! This recipe makes enough for 4 generously sized portions.
I hope you and your little ones give these Crispy Smashed Potatoes a try. With just 30 minutes of oven time, Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a versatile, hearty side the whole herd will love devouring. They’re so easy to prepare, and the simple ingredients are probably already in your pantry. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a new favorite go-to side in your home. As always, feel free to leave a comment below or chat with me on social media if you have any other questions!
