There’s just something about crispy smashed potatoes that makes everyone at my table happy.  The first time I made these smashed potatoes, I couldn’t believe how easy they were to make and how quickly they disappeared.  The edges get perfectly golden and crunchy, while the centers stay soft and fluffy, and then that garlic caper lemon sauce is poured over the top, taking them to the next level.  It’s the kind of side dish that feels special without a ton of work.

Here’s what you need for this Smashed Potato Recipe

Ingredients for Potatoes:

Baby Potatoes

1-2 pounds of small potatoes.  You can usually find baby Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes in small bags.  If you can’t find them in a bag, just pick them up individually.  Either kind is fine; it’s up to you.  

Spices and Olive Oil

• Olive oil- I don’t give an exact measurement of oil here. You will be drizzling it over each potato.
• Garlic Powder-1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Kosher Salt-  1 teaspoon of salt
• Black Pepper- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Ingredients for Topping:

Butter

4 tablespoons of melted butter.  I don’t recommend substituting margarine here because you will miss out on the richness that real butter brings to the dish.  However, if you have dietary restrictions, then substitute as needed. 

Fresh Garlic

2 garlic cloves, finely minced.  Please use fresh garlic if you can.  The stuff that comes in the jar has additives that you just don’t need.  

Whole Lemon

1 lemon.   You will need lemon zest and lemon juice.  Zested first and then juiced.  The zest of the lemon is the bright yellow part of the peel.  Use a microplane grater or the finest side of a regular box grater.  Only grate the yellow part and avoid the white part, as that is bitter tasting.  

Capers

1/4-1/2 cup of capers, drained.  Capers are the unbloomed flower buds of the caper bush.  They are preserved in salt or brine, giving them a distinct, tangy, salty flavor.  Before adding them to the sauce, be sure to drain them.  You don’t want to add the briny liquid to the sauce.  

Step-by-Step Instructions for Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Caper Lemon Sauce

Step 1-  Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.  

Step 2-  Cook the potatoes

Place 1-2 pounds of small potatoes in a large pot.  Cover with cold water, bring to a boil, and cook until just fork-tender.  (about 15-20 minutes).

Step 3- Drain and dry

Drain the potatoes in a large colander and shake out as much water as possible.  Drying them well will help them crisp up in the oven.  

Step 4-  Arrange on the baking sheet

Spread the potatoes evenly across your prepared baking sheet.  

Step 5- Smash the potatoes

Spray the bottom of a glass or mug with nonstick spray.  Gently press down on each potato until flattened but still intact.  

Step 6- Season

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.  You could try adding rosemary or thyme to mix it up!

Step 7- Bake

Place in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crispy.  Cooking time may vary depending on your oven.  

Step 8-  Make the sauce

About 10 minutes before the potatoes are done, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until soft and fragrant.  

Step 9-  Finish the sauce

Stir in the zest and juice of one lemon along with 1/4 cup of drained capers.  If you love capers, up the amount to 1/2 cup.  Heat through, then turn off the heat and cover the pot until ready to use.  

Step 10-  Serve

Remove the potatoes from the oven. Serve straight from the baking sheet or transfer to a platter, then pour the garlic caper lemon sauce evenly over the top of the potatoes.  Enjoy immediately!  

And that’s it!  Crispy smashed potatoes with a bright garlicy caper lemon sauce that takes them over the top.  They’re the perfect side dish that goes with just about anything, but honestly, they’re so good you might find yourself sneaking a bite before everyone sits down to dinner.  And the sauce, you’ll be spooning extra over the top for sure.  Give them a try the next time you want something simple, comforting, and a little bit special.

More Recipes To Try!

How to cook steak on the stovetop:

Easy Roasted Green Beans

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs