You’re about to experience something amazingly life-changing, and it’s probably not how you expect it… isn’t that how it usually goes? Well, this time, you’re going to eat the World’s Best Crispy Ranch Smashed Potatoes. How is that so life-altering? Well, once you experience the creaminess, tanginess, and yumminess of these smashed spuds, you’ll never go back to the regular, boring baked or mashed ones. You can top them with literally anything you’re craving, too, which makes them even better. Served as a side that will definitely be the star of the show, you can expect nothing but deliciousness and satisfaction with World’s Best Crispy Ranch Smashed Potatoes on your plate!
Ingredients
For the potatoes:
- 24 ounces of baby Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons powdered ranch dressing mix
Optional toppings:
- bacon, to taste, crumbled, cooked
- sour cream, to taste
- cheese, of your choice, to taste, shredded
- scallions, to taste
- buffalo chicken, to taste, shredded
- blue cheese, to taste, crumbled
Directions
Step 1 –Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2 –In a large saucepan, place the potatoes and cover them with water by 2 inches.
Step 3 –Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the water.
Step 4 –Bring the potatoes to a boil on high heat.
Step 5 –Reduce the heat to medium-high and boil the potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
Step 6 –Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 7 –Drain the water from the potatoes.
Step 8 –Let the potatoes stand for 5 minutes.
Step 9 –Carefully place the cooled potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 10 –Use a potato masher or a fork to gently press down on each potato to flatten them, being careful not to press it all the way through.
Step 11 –Allow the steam and excess moisture from the potatoes to escape, for about 3 minutes.
Step 12 –Sprinkle the smashed potatoes with the pepper and remaining salt.
Step 13 –In a small bowl, mix the butter, oil, and ranch mix until well blended.
Step 14 –Drizzle the butter mixture over the smashed potatoes.
Step 15 –Bake the coated smashed potatoes until the edges of their skins are golden and crisp, about 25-30 minutes.
Step 16 –Top the potatoes with your favorite toppings.
Step 17 –Serve.