If you’re looking to elevate your side dishes, smashed potatoes on the Blackstone griddle are a game-changer. These crispy, flavorful potatoes combine the best of culinary techniques, and they are easy to prepare. Boiling the potatoes ensures they are tender inside, while griddling them on the Blackstone gives them a satisfyingly crispy exterior.
Starting with well-cooked, fork-tender baby potatoes, you can achieve perfect smashed potatoes by following a simple recipe that combines olive oil, butter, and your favorite seasonings. The key to achieving ultimate crispiness is to preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat and generously oil the griddle surface. This creates a perfect foundation for the potatoes to get that golden, crispy crust.
Adding ingredients like Pecorino Romano cheese, garlic powder, and chopped parsley can elevate the flavors of your smashed potatoes. The versatility of this dish allows for plenty of customization, making it an excellent choice for any meal or gathering.
Preparing the Perfect Smashed Potatoes
To achieve the perfect smashed potatoes on your Blackstone griddle, you’ll need to focus on selecting the right potatoes, mastering the smashing technique, and adding flavorful enhancements. Each step is crucial to getting crispy, golden-brown potatoes with great flavor.
Selecting and Boiling the Potatoes
Choose baby potatoes or other small potatoes for this recipe. They cook evenly and are easy to smash. Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. Boiling the potatoes in salt water helps to infuse them with flavor from the inside out.
Boil the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Be careful not to overboil, as you want them to remain somewhat firm. Once boiled, drain the water and let the potatoes dry out slightly in the pot to remove excess moisture.
Smashing Technique on the Griddle
Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. This ensures that when you place the potatoes on the griddle, they begin to develop crispy edges. Spread a mix of olive oil and butter on the griddle using a spatula to create a flavorful base.
Place the cooked potatoes on the griddle. Using a spatula or a burger press, gently smash each potato until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. This creates a larger surface area that will get crispy. Leave some texture in the potatoes to form delicious crispy edges.
Flavor Enhancements and Variations
Enhancing the flavor of your smashed potatoes can be fun. Brush the smashed potatoes with a mix of olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. Sprinkle generous amounts of salt and pepper over them. Continue cooking until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
For added indulgence, you can top them with Parmesan cheese and let it melt. You might want to add fresh herbs like chives for a fresh taste. Other popular additions include crumbled bacon and a dollop of sour cream to each serving. Experiment with different seasonings and flavors to find your perfect combination.
These potatoes are typically prepared with ingredients like olive oil, butter, and seasonings. While delicious, these can add calories and fats.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
Calories: ~150-200
Fat: ~10-15g
Carbohydrates: ~15-20g
Protein: ~2-3g
To make the dish healthier, you can use less butter and more olive oil, which contains healthy fats. Consider adding fresh herbs instead of salt and using garlic powder rather than fresh garlic for a lower-calorie option.
Pairing with Main Courses
Smashed potatoes can be paired with various main courses for a complete meal.
With Grilled Meats: They work well with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.
Vegetarian Options: Serve them alongside grilled vegetables or a hearty salad.
Cuisine Ideas: They fit seamlessly into American cuisine, making them an easy side dish for barbecues or casual dinners.
For leftovers, store any extra potatoes in an airtight container. Reheat them on the griddle for a crispy finish or in the oven for convenience.
