Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe

I absolutely love this Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe because it takes simple potatoes and turns them into something incredibly special. The magic happens when those soft potatoes get smashed, then roasted in browned butter with fresh sage – it’s an unbeatable combo that’s both crispy and full of deep, nutty flavor. You’ll find that this is the ultimate comfort side dish, perfect for family dinners, holiday spreads, or whenever you want a little extra cozy indulgence.

When I first tried making this Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe, I was hooked right away; the balance between crispy edges and creamy centers is just perfect. Plus, throwing in apple cider and white wine or broth in the roasting step adds a subtle acidity that wakes your taste buds up. Honestly, it’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests without stress.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients for this Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe is key to nailing those crispy edges and rich flavors. I recommend using small Yukon or russet potatoes for perfect size and texture, and don’t skimp on the fresh herbs—they really make the dish pop.

• Small to medium potatoes: Yukon or russet work best for that creamy interior and crispy crust.
• Apple cider: Adds a subtle sweetness and acidity to help tenderize the potatoes while roasting.
• Chicken broth or dry white wine: Both bring extra depth; I switch it up depending on what I have on hand.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps crisp up the potatoes and adds a fruity richness.
• Salted butter: For that irresistible brown butter flavor—you’ll want to make sure it’s real butter here.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, savory crust enhancement.
• Fresh sage leaves: A lovely earthy, aromatic herb that pairs beautifully with brown butter.
• Fresh chopped thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the sage perfectly.
• Garlic powder: For a slight garlicky warmth that ties everything together.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your tastes or dietary needs. I often swap herbs depending on the season or add a spicy touch if I’m feeling adventurous—go wild and make it your own!

• Herb Swap: Sometimes I use rosemary or oregano instead of sage and thyme for a different flavor profile that pairs well with robust mains.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan margarine and skip the parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red chili flakes when seasoning the smashed potatoes for a bit of heat.
• Garlic Upgrade: Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a bolder garlic punch.

How to Make Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Slow Roast the Potatoes in Cider and Broth/Wine

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F—an important step to ensure the potatoes cook evenly. Place the potatoes in a casserole dish with a lid (or tightly covered with foil) and pour over the apple cider and chicken broth or white wine. This combo keeps the potatoes tender and infuses subtle sweetness and acidity. Roast them covered for 45 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork and they feel very soft.

Step 2: Smash, Season, and Layer With Butter and Herbs

Crank your oven up to 425°F for that crispy finish. Transfer the cooked potatoes to a baking sheet and gently smash each one with the back of a fork or potato masher—don’t worry about perfect shapes, a little rustic charm is great here. Drizzle olive oil evenly over them, then dot with slices of salted butter. Sprinkle generously with grated parmesan, garlic powder, fresh sage leaves, and chopped thyme. This layering is what creates that luscious combination of flavors and crispy texture.

Step 3: Roast Until Perfectly Crispy

Pop the baking sheet back in the oven and roast for about 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the potatoes will develop golden, crispy edges when done. That butter will brown beautifully, carrying the sage’s aroma. Once out of the oven, spoon some of that gooey butter and sage over the potatoes, then finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper. Serve immediately for the best crispy-creaminess contrast.

How to Serve Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these smashed potatoes with an extra sprinkle of crispy sage leaves or a little extra parmesan right before serving—both bring fresh aroma and a touch of elegance. A light drizzle of browned butter over the top also never fails to impress guests and family alike.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe pairs brilliantly with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even a simple sautéed vegetable medley. I often serve it alongside some roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans to balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve arranged these smashed potatoes in a circular pattern on a large platter, garnished with extra brown butter herbs and a few sprigs of fresh sage for a stunning centerpiece. You can also serve them individually in small ramekins for a cozy and elegant touch at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When storing, avoid adding extra butter or seasoning until reheating, as the flavors can concentrate and become too strong.

Freezing

Freezing this Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe is possible but not ideal if you want to keep the crispy texture. If you freeze them, I recommend reheating in a hot oven to crisp up again rather than microwaving. I prefer to make them fresh when possible for the best flavor and crunch.

Reheating

To reheat and keep that crunch, I gently warm the potatoes in a 400°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, occasionally basting with any leftover brown butter from storage. This method restores crispiness much better than the microwave, which tends to make them mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe has become a staple for me because it transforms humble potatoes into something truly extraordinary. I love sharing it with friends because it’s such an easy crowd-pleaser that always draws compliments. Give this one a try—you’ll enjoy the crispy textures balanced with rich, fragrant butter and fresh herbs, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!

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