Description
Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes with Garlic is a simple and flavorful side dish featuring tender red potatoes smashed and roasted to golden crispiness. Infused with fresh garlic, smoky turkey bacon, and melted plant-based cheese, this recipe offers a comforting and savory flavor profile perfect for any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds small to medium red potatoes
Garlic and Seasoning
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced or thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Smoky Turkey Bacon
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped and crisped
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese (such as cheddar or pepper jack)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil the Red Potatoes: Wash the red potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender but still firm enough to hold their shape, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: While the potatoes cool, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and help in crisping the potatoes.
- Smash the Potatoes: Place the cooked potatoes on the baking sheet. Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher, gently press down each potato until it flattens but remains in one piece. This creates the perfect surface for crisping and flavor absorption.
- Prepare Garlic and Turkey Bacon: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and chop into small pieces. Mince fresh garlic cloves finely and mix with olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), sea salt, and black pepper to create a fragrant glaze.
- Season and Roast the Potatoes: Brush each smashed potato with the garlic and olive oil mixture. Sprinkle with chopped turkey bacon and shredded plant-based cheese. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until edges are golden and crispy and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the savory crunch and garlic-infused flavor with every bite.
Notes
- Select uniform potatoes for even cooking and smashing.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure optimal crispness.
- Use generous olive oil coating for a crispy crust and to enhance garlic flavor.
- Cook turkey bacon until fully crisp to add texture and avoid sogginess.
- Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for an extra crispy top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: crispy smashed potatoes, garlic potatoes, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, savory side dish, gluten free, roasted potatoes