Smashed Crispy Feta Potatoes with Garlic Butter Drizzle Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something irresistibly crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor, then you have to try these Smashed Crispy Feta Potatoes with Garlic Butter Drizzle. This dish is the perfect cozy side or snack that takes humble baby potatoes to a whole new level. Imagine potatoes that are tender on the inside, gloriously crisp on the outside, topped with tangy, melty feta cheese, and finished with a luscious garlic butter drizzle infused with fragrant thyme. Every bite feels like a warm, savory hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are beautiful in their simplicity, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the layered tastes and textures that make this dish a standout. From creamy feta to aromatic garlic butter, every element comes together effortlessly.

• Baby potatoes (1 lb/450g): The star of the dish, providing tender centers and crispy edges when smashed and baked.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps to crisp the potatoes perfectly and adds a beautiful golden color.
• Salt & black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
• Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup): Offers a salty, creamy tang that melts slightly over the hot potatoes.
• Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Creates the rich garlic butter drizzle that ties everything together with buttery goodness.
• Garlic cloves (2, minced): Pungent and savory, they’re the aromatic punch in the butter drizzle.
• Fresh thyme leaves (1 tsp) or dried (1/2 tsp): Adds an earthy, herbal note that complements the feta beautifully.
• Chopped parsley (optional): A burst of fresh color and brightness as a garnish.

How to Make Smashed Crispy Feta Potatoes with Garlic Butter Drizzle

Step 1: Boil the potatoes until tender

Start by placing the baby potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Let them cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork. This step ensures the potatoes are perfectly cooked through and soft enough to smash without falling apart.

Step 2: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet

While the potatoes are boiling, set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot for crisping. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Smash the potatoes gently

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, place them on the lined baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or spatula to press down on each potato just enough to flatten it slightly. This creates more surface area, which will crisp up delightfully in the oven.

Step 4: Season and bake until golden and crispy

Drizzle the smashed potatoes generously with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and spread them out evenly on the baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the edges to turn a gorgeous golden brown and crisp up beautifully.

Step 5: Add the crumbled feta cheese

After the potatoes have crisped, pull them out of the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the top. Return the sheet to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes, just long enough for the feta to soften and melt slightly without losing its shape.

Step 6: Make the garlic butter drizzle

While the potatoes are finishing in the oven, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme leaves, cooking just 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and flavorful. The aroma of garlic and thyme in butter is simply irresistible.

Step 7: Drizzle and serve

Pull the potatoes from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm garlic butter mixture over them. For an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped parsley on top if you like. Serve these smashing beauties right away for the ultimate crispy, cheesy, garlicky experience.

How to Serve Smashed Crispy Feta Potatoes with Garlic Butter Drizzle

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley isn’t just decorative; it adds a clean, herbal brightness that balances the richness of the garlic butter and feta. You can also try a dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to amp up the flavor contrast even more.

Side Dishes

These potatoes make a fantastic side to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even crispy fish. They also pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or sautéed seasonal vegetables, making the meal feel both hearty and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant presentation, arrange the smashed crispy feta potatoes on a large serving platter and drizzle the garlic butter just before serving. You can also serve them in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic touch that keeps them warm at the table. Either way, they’re bound to be the star of any meal or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the garlic butter separate if possible to maintain the potatoes’ crispness.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining maximum crispness, you can freeze the cooked potatoes without the garlic butter drizzle. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Use within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

To bring back that wonderful crispiness, reheat the potatoes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the potatoes soggy. Add the garlic butter drizzle fresh after reheating for the best flavor impact.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

You can, but baby potatoes are preferred because their small size makes them perfect for smashing and crisping without drying out. If using larger potatoes, cut them into chunks and boil until tender before smashing.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the feta with a vegan cheese alternative and swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or olive oil garlic drizzle. You’ll still get that amazing crispy, garlicky flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time, then store them uncovered in the fridge to help dry them out slightly before baking. Assemble and bake just before serving for best freshness and crunch.

What other herbs can I use instead of thyme?

Rosemary, oregano, or even sage work beautifully with the garlic butter and feta, offering different but equally delicious herbal notes.

How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?

Make sure to give them plenty of space on the baking sheet so they’re not crowded, and use enough olive oil to coat their surfaces. Baking at a high temperature like 425°F helps achieve that perfect crisp.

Final Thoughts

There is something so joyful about eating a dish that feels both comforting and a little special, and these Smashed Crispy Feta Potatoes with Garlic Butter Drizzle hit that sweet spot every time. Whether you’re serving them as a side or indulging as a snack, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch how quickly these potatoes disappear!

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