Hey there, food lovers! I’ve got a new favorite recipe that I just have to share with you: Cowboy Butter Smashed Potatoes. Trust me, these potatoes are a total game-changer. They’re crispy, flavorful, and super easy to make. Get ready to fall in love!
Why You’ll Love These Potatoes
- Flavor Explosion: The cowboy butter is packed with herbs, garlic, and a hint of spice124. It turns ordinary potatoes into something extraordinary.
- Crispy Edges: Smashed and baked to perfection, these potatoes have the best crispy edges1.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen25.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for steak, chicken, or even as a snack on their own4.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes1
- Serving Size: 4
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ½ pounds baby red potatoes15
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil15
- 1 recipe cowboy butter, melted (see below)15
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish)1
- Salt, to taste1
For the Cowboy Butter:
- Softened unsalted butter
- Minced garlic2
- Finely chopped fresh parsley2
- Finely diced jalapeño pepper2
- Black pepper2
- Cayenne pepper2
- Lemon juice and zest2
- Dijon mustard2
- Red pepper flakes2
- Paprika2
- Salt2
- Fresh herbs like chives or thyme (optional)2
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the baby red potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and boil for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Remember, boiling times may vary depending on the size of your potatoes1.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper1.
- Smash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and place them on the lined baking sheet. Use a potato masher or the bottom of a sturdy glass to smash each potato to about ¼-inch thick1.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the smashed potatoes with the olive oil1.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes1.
- Flip and Butter: After 25 minutes, flip the potatoes over. Generously brush the tops with melted cowboy butter1.
- Bake Again: Bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the edges are crispy and golden brown1.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot1.
Tips for Customization
- Potato Variety: Yukon gold or red potatoes work great8.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper in the cowboy butter to suit your taste2.
- Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives2.
- Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy twist2.
- Air Fryer: You can also make these in an air fryer for extra crispiness1.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Course Side: Perfect with steak tips3 or grilled chicken4.
- Appetizer: Serve them as a fun and flavorful appetizer with a side of sour cream or ranch dip.
- Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a satisfying snack4.
Nutritional Information
While not exactly a health food, these potatoes can be part of a balanced diet. A typical serving contains approximately 237 calories, with the macronutrient breakdown being 46% carbohydrates, 47% fat, and 7% protein2. You can reduce the calorie content by using low-fat milk or Greek yogurt2.
FAQs
Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Cowboy butter can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just let it soften before using2.
Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted?
- If you only have salted butter, that’s fine. Just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid it being too salty2.
How do I store leftover smashed potatoes?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispiness.
What if I don’t have all the herbs for the cowboy butter?
- No worries! Use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. A combination of parsley, thyme, and chives works wonderfully2.
Enjoy these Cowboy Butter Smashed Potatoes. Let me know how they turn out for you!
