How to Make Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food upgrade, look no further than Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes. This recipe delivers golden, flavorful, and perfectly crispy bites that transform humble potatoes into a gourmet delight. The magic lies in the rich brown butter and aromatic sage, which create an irresistible combination of crispy edges and tender interiors. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a special occasion side, these smashed potatoes are guaranteed to steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible crispy texture: Each potato gets smashed thin to maximize crunch while staying soft inside.
• Deep, nutty flavor: Brown butter adds a rich, caramelized note that elevates simple potatoes.
• Fresh herbal aroma: Sage provides an earthy, fragrant balance that’s unique and satisfying.
• Easy to make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for all cooks.
• Versatile side dish: Perfect for pairing with meats, veggies, or as a party appetizer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing these Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes to life with golden crusts and savory goodness.

• Baby potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes hold their shape well and crisp beautifully when smashed.
• Unsalted butter: We use butter to create the luscious brown butter base without overpowering the flavors.
• Fresh sage leaves: The key herb for adding an aromatic, woody note that complements brown butter perfectly.
• Garlic cloves: Minced garlic brings a subtle punch and warmth to the dish.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
• Olive oil: A light coating for crisping up the potatoes evenly on the baking sheet.

Variations for Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to experiment and tweak it to your liking. Whether you want a plant-based option or something with extra zest, these variations make customizing effortless and delicious.

• Cheesy upgrade: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Gruyère over the potatoes before baking for an extra savory touch.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the brown butter for heat and smokiness.
• Herb swap: Substitute sage with rosemary or thyme for a different herbal profile.
• Vegan version: Replace butter with vegan margarine or olive oil browned carefully for a plant-friendly option.
• Truffle vibes: Drizzle truffle oil over the finished potatoes for an indulgent flair.

How to Make Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by washing and boiling your baby potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. The key here is perfectly cooked potatoes that hold their shape but are soft enough to smash easily.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet

While the potatoes cook, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage browning.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Drain the boiled potatoes and transfer them to the baking sheet. Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until it’s about 1/2-inch thick. The thinner, the crispier the edges will be.

Step 4: Make the Brown Butter Sage Sauce

In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it cook a bit longer until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Add the minced garlic and fresh sage leaves, cooking just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter.

Step 5: Coat and Season the Potatoes

Drizzle the brown butter sage mixture evenly over the smashed potatoes, then season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat all pieces without breaking them further.

Step 6: Bake Until Crispy

Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden and extra crispy. For an even crispier finish, you can broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes

• Choose the right potato: Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best because of their waxy texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each potato enough space to crisp evenly.
• Brown butter carefully: Watch the butter closely during browning to avoid burning that bitter taste.
• Smash evenly: Aim for uniform thickness for consistent crispiness across potatoes.
• Use fresh sage: Dried sage won’t provide the same vibrant herbal flavor.

How to Serve Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Top with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra brightness and texture contrast. A dusting of grated Parmesan also adds a wonderful cheesy note.

Side Dishes

These potatoes pair beautifully with roasted chicken, steak, grilled fish, or a crisp green salad. They also shine alongside creamy dips or a tangy yogurt sauce for added richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them on a rustic wooden board as an appetizer or arrange neatly in a shallow dish for a stunning side plate. You can also stack them with layers of fresh herbs and lemon zest for a vibrant display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll remain tasty but might lose some crispiness.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not ideal since the texture may suffer. If you do freeze, flash-freeze the cooked (but not smashed) potatoes separately before assembling and baking later.

Reheating

To restore crispness, reheat in a hot oven at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes instead of microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, but you’ll need to cut them into smaller pieces before boiling, and the smashing step may take more effort to get a uniform thin layer.

Is brown butter safe for people on low-fat diets?

Brown butter is butter cooked until it browns, so it retains the same fat content; however, using it sparingly can still add great flavor without much volume.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a high-quality olive oil or vegan butter and monitor the herbs for flavor, substituting sage with other fresh herbs if desired.

How can I get extra crispy edges on the potatoes?

Make sure to space the potatoes apart on the baking sheet and broil for a short time at the end of baking for a golden, crunchy finish.

What herbs pair well with sage in this dish?

Rosemary, thyme, and parsley all complement sage nicely, either mixed in the brown butter or sprinkled on top before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes recipe is a game-changer that brings simple ingredients together in a luscious, crunchy, and aromatic celebration of flavor. Whether you make it for family dinners, gatherings, or just because potatoes deserve a tasty spotlight, you’ll love how easy and rewarding this dish is. Give it a try—you won’t want to go back to plain smashed potatoes ever again!

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