When it comes to comfort food, potatoes will always have a special place on our table. Growing up in Ireland, they were part of nearly every dinner — usually boiled and served simply with a bit of butter and salt. Nothing fancy, just wholesome and filling. These days, I still love keeping that tradition alive, but I also like changing it up now and then — especially with a few little fridge staples to make things extra tasty. And that’s where these Easy Smashed Potatoes come in!
Perfect for cosy autumn dinners – budget-friendly, filling, and full of flavour!
Why Potatoes Are Always a Win
We’re never without a bag of potatoes in our house. They’re one of the most versatile ingredients you can buy — full of fibre and naturally gluten-free.
Whether you boil, roast, steam, or air fry them — potatoes are like a blank canvas. Add a few spices, a bit of cheese, or some crispy bacon, and suddenly dinner feels more exciting.
These easy smashed potatoes have gone viral for a reason — crispy edges, soft centres, and endless topping options. My kids love them, especially when they’re topped with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and finished with a drizzle of spicy mayo.
They make the perfect side dish or even a meal on their own when served with a big salad or roasted veg on the side.
Looking for more potato inspiration? Why not try my perfect air fryer wedges or crispy cheesy potato slice!
Don’t forget to save and share the recipe — and let me know if you try them!
Easy Smashed Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 kg baby or Rooster Potatoes always look out for the Bord Bia Quality Mark when shopping
- A pinch of salt
- For the rest:
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 100 g grated cheddar cheese
- 2 slices of bacon cooked and diced small 100g approx
- Chopped chives to finish.
- More salt and pepper to taste
- Easy spicy mayo
- 1 cup mayo 200g approx
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1-2 teaspoons mustard or chilli sauce – which ever you prefer
- Simply mix all the ingredients together- adjust to your liking.
Instructions
- Boil or steam the potatoes first:
- To boil the baby potatoes, put them in a large pot and add a good pinch of salt and cover with cold water. Cook until they pierce easily with a knife.
- Preheat the oven 200ºC fan, line a large baking tray with parchment paper (or Air fry 200ºC)
- Place the par-boiledbaby potatoes on a tray and cut an X with a sharp knife.
- In a small bowl, mix the oil, a pinch of salt and paprika together. Coat the baby potatoes all over, using a pastry brush if you have one.
- Use a glass to smash the potatoes until they are flat- brush with oil again sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with cheese and bacon.
- Cook in the oven for 30 minutes – the cheese should be golden and the potatoes crispy. Cook for longer if needed.
- Serve with the spicy mayo and top with chopped chives. Delicious!
