If you’re craving a snack that’s crunchy, tangy, and downright addictive, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Salt & Vinegar Smashed Taters Recipe. These little crispy potatoes pack a punch with that iconic salt and vinegar zing, balanced by a golden, crispy exterior and fluffy inside. They’re the perfect marriage of simplicity and flavor, turning humble baby red potatoes into a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become your go-to comfort snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Salt & Vinegar Smashed Taters Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of texture and bold flavor that keeps you reaching for more.
- 1 pound baby red potatoes: Small size ensures quick cooking and a great crispy-to-soft ratio.
- 1 tablespoon Salt & Vinegar Seasoning, divided: The star seasoning that delivers the iconic tangy and salty flavor.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Adds richness and creates that irresistible crispy crust when frying.
How to Make Salt & Vinegar Smashed Taters Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by giving those baby red potatoes a good wash to remove any dirt—clean potatoes are the foundation of this dish. No peeling necessary because the skin adds texture and nutrients, plus it crisps up beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes Until Tender
Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on HIGH for 5-6 minutes, or until fork tender. This quick cooking softens the inside, so when you smash them later, they’ll be perfect for getting that fluffy center.
Step 3: Smash Away
Using a potato masher or the bottom of a sturdy glass, gently press down on each potato until it’s about half an inch thick. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly smashed—those irregular edges are what help make each bite extra crispy.
Step 4: Season Generously
Sprinkle both sides of the smashed potatoes with 1½ teaspoons of your Salt & Vinegar Seasoning. This step infuses them with that unmistakable tang along with a pinch of saltiness, creating a flavor that’s bold and crave-worthy.
Step 5: Heat the Pan and Add Oil
Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil is crucial for achieving a golden crust, so don’t rush this part. A hot pan ensures that perfect sizzle when the potatoes hit the surface.
Step 6: Fry Until Crispy and Golden
Carefully place the smashed potatoes in the skillet. Cook, turning occasionally and adding the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of oil as needed, until both sides are beautifully browned and crispy—about 10 minutes. This is the moment the Salt & Vinegar Smashed Taters Recipe really comes alive in texture and flavor.
How to Serve Salt & Vinegar Smashed Taters Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that balance the boldness of the salt and vinegar. For an extra touch, a dusting of smoked paprika can add a hint of warmth and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These taters make a fantastic companion to grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or fish. They also hold their own as a fun appetizer for game day or casual parties—serve alongside a tangy aioli or your favorite dipping sauce to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready presentation, arrange the smashed taters on a large platter and drizzle with lemon-infused olive oil or a garlic yogurt sauce. You can also top with crumbled feta or grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist that’s utterly addictive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled smashed taters in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. While they won’t be as crispy, a quick reheat in the oven or skillet can help revive their crunch.
Freezing
It’s best to enjoy this Salt & Vinegar Smashed Taters Recipe fresh since freezing can affect texture, but if you must, flash freeze individual taters on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crispy. Instead, warm them in a 400°F oven on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes or pan-fry with a touch of olive oil until hot and crisp again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
While baby red potatoes work best for their size and skin texture, you can experiment with Yukon Golds or fingerlings, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have Salt & Vinegar Seasoning?
You can create a quick substitute by mixing malt vinegar powder (or a small splash of malt vinegar), sea salt, and a pinch of garlic or onion powder, but the ready-made seasoning blend really delivers the classic taste easily.
How can I make these vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan since it uses olive oil and no animal products, making it an easy, tasty treat for plant-based diets.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Make a batch ahead, store, and reheat for quick snacks or sides during the week—just remember to re-crisp them well before serving.
Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
Baking works but the skillet method yields the crispiest exterior. To bake, place smashed taters on a greased baking sheet, drizzle oil, and roast at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Salt & Vinegar Smashed Taters Recipe. It’s like a perfect hug of crispy, tangy, and savory flavors all wrapped up in a little potato package. Whether you’re making a quick snack or adding a tasty side to your meal, these smashed taters never fail to impress. Give them a try—you’ll likely want to make them again and again!
Print
Salt & Vinegar Smashed Taters Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Salt & Vinegar Smashed Taters are a perfect snack or side dish. Using baby red potatoes, this recipe combines the tangy zing of salt and vinegar seasoning with a deliciously golden texture achieved through stovetop pan-frying. Quick to prepare, these smashed potatoes are an irresistible treat bursting with flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, cleaned
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Salt & Vinegar Seasoning, divided
Oils
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Begin by cleaning the baby red potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Microwave to Tenderize: Place the baby potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on HIGH for 5-6 minutes, or until they are fork tender. This softens the potatoes and prepares them for smashing.
- Smash the Potatoes: Carefully transfer the tender potatoes to a cutting board or heat-proof surface. Using the bottom of a glass or a sturdy spatula, gently press down on each potato until it is flattened but still in one piece.
- Season the Potatoes: Sprinkle 1½ teaspoons of Salt & Vinegar Seasoning evenly over both sides of the smashed potatoes to infuse flavor.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, ensuring it’s hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Fry to Crisp: Carefully place the seasoned smashed potatoes into the skillet. Cook them, turning occasionally to ensure all sides become golden brown and crispy. Add 1-2 additional tablespoons of olive oil as needed during cooking. Continue frying for about 10 minutes until perfectly crispy.
Notes
- Use a microwave-safe plate to avoid any hazards in the microwave.
- Adjust the amount of Salt & Vinegar Seasoning to your taste preference.
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the skillet to allow proper browning.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
