If you love crispy potatoes with bold flavors, Crispy Caesar Smashed Potatoes will be your new favorite. These potatoes have golden, crunchy edges and a soft, fluffy inside. The homemade Caesar dressing adds a creamy, tangy, and cheesy touch.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner, a side for grilled meats, or a tasty snack. You only need simple ingredients and a few easy steps to make it. Once you try these Crispy Caesar Smashed Potatoes, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Benefits of Crispy Caesar Smashed Potatoes
- Crispy and Flavorful – The double-baking method gives a perfect crunch while keeping the inside soft.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and basic cooking steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it as a side, snack, or even as a party appetizer.
- Customizable – Adjust seasonings, add spice, or use different cheese to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly – The crispy texture and cheesy flavor make it a hit with kids.
- Pairs Well with Many Dishes – Goes great with grilled chicken, steaks, or fresh salads.
- Uses Simple Ingredients – No fancy ingredients are needed, just pantry staples.
Read more : Chicken Fried Venison Cube Steak – Crispy & Juicy Recipe
Cautions to Keep in Mind
- Check the Cheese – Ensure you use a halal-certified Parmesan cheese without animal rennet.
- Balance the Salt – Caesar dressing and cheese add saltiness, so avoid adding too much extra salt.
- Smash Gently – Press lightly to keep potatoes intact and avoid breaking them completely.
- Watch the Oven Temperature – Overbaking can make the potatoes too dry and hard instead of crispy.
- Use the Right Potatoes – Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best for a creamy texture and crispy skin.
Read more : Steak Chimichurri with Bean Salad – Easy & Healthy Recipe
Fun Tidbits About Crispy Caesar Smashed Potatoes
- Inspired by Two Classics – This dish combines the crispiness of smashed potatoes with the bold flavors of Caesar salad.
- Smashed Potatoes Origin – The technique of smashing potatoes before roasting started as a rustic cooking method in the U.S.
- Why It’s Extra Crispy? – The extra surface area from smashing creates more crispy edges when baked at high heat.
- Homemade Caesar Dressing Wins – Many store-bought Caesar dressings contain anchovies, but this homemade version keeps it simple and flavorful.
- Great for Meal Prep – You can roast the potatoes ahead of time and smash and bake them later for a fresh, crispy result.
Crispy Caesar Smashed Potatoes – Easy & Crunchy Side Dish
Description
These Crispy Caesar Smashed Potatoes are crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Small potatoes are roasted, smashed for extra crispiness, then baked again and coated with a homemade halal Caesar dressing. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese enhances the taste, making this a perfect side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Mini Potatoes – 1 lb (450g), washed and dried
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
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Set the Temperature – Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
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Prepare the Baking Sheet – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
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Why This Step is Important? – Preheating ensures even cooking, while parchment paper prevents sticking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
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Choose the Right Potatoes – Use mini potatoes (baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes) for the best texture.
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Wash & Dry – Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove dirt, then pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
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Why This Step is Important? – Drying helps the oil coat the potatoes evenly for crispier results.
3. Roast the Potatoes
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Arrange on the Baking Sheet – Spread the potatoes in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
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Drizzle with Olive Oil – Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss the potatoes to coat them evenly.
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Season Well – Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste.
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Roast Until Tender – Bake for 25-30 minutes until they are fork-tender.
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How to Check Doneness? – Pierce a potato with a fork; if it slides in easily, they are ready for smashing.
4. Smash the Potatoes
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Let Them Cool Slightly – Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the potatoes cool for 5 minutes.
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Flatten Each Potato – Use the bottom of a glass, a potato masher, or a fork to gently press down each potato to 1/2-inch thickness.
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Be Gentle – Avoid over-smashing to keep them intact while ensuring maximum crispiness.
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Why This Step is Important? – Smashed potatoes create more surface area, making them crispier when baked again.
5. Make the Halal Caesar Dressing
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Combine Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together:
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1/2 cup halal mayonnaise
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp halal Worcestershire sauce
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1 minced garlic clove
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2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (made with microbial rennet)
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Mix Until Smooth – Stir until the dressing is creamy and well combined.
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Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.
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Why Make Homemade? – Store-bought Caesar dressings may contain haram ingredients like anchovies or non-halal rennet.
6. Coat the Smashed Potatoes
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Brush with Caesar Dressing – Generously spread homemade halal Caesar dressing over each smashed potato.
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Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese – Evenly top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
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Why This Step is Important? – Dressing adds creaminess, while cheese helps create a crispy, golden crust.
7. Bake Until Crispy
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Increase Oven Temperature – Raise the heat to 220°C (425°F) for better crisping.
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Return to the Oven – Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
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Rotate the Tray – Halfway through baking, turn the baking sheet for even browning.
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Why Increase Temperature? – Higher heat ensures a perfect crunch without drying out the potatoes.
8. Garnish & Serve
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Add Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
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Optional Lemon Wedges – Serve with lemon wedges for a tangy contrast.
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Why Garnish Matters? – Fresh herbs balance the richness of the dressing and cheese.
9. Enjoy the Dish
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Perfect Pairings – Serve alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a snack.
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Storage Tips – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheating Method – Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 5mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Perfect Texture with Double Baking
The secret to achieving crispy yet soft smashed potatoes lies in the double baking technique. First, the potatoes are roasted whole to make them tender. Then, they are gently smashed and baked again at a higher temperature, creating golden, crispy edges with a soft, fluffy center.
Homemade Halal Caesar Dressing Enhances Flavor
Instead of using store-bought Caesar dressing, which often contains non-halal ingredients like anchovies and wine-based Worcestershire sauce, this recipe includes a homemade halal Caesar dressing. Made with halal mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, it provides the same creamy and tangy flavor without any haram elements.
Using the Right Potatoes for the Best Results
The choice of mini potatoes (such as baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes) is crucial. These varieties have a naturally creamy texture and thin skins, which crisp up beautifully when baked. Large potatoes can be used, but they must be cut into smaller pieces for even cooking.
Why Parmesan Cheese Matters
Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory depth to the dish. However, not all Parmesan cheeses are halal, as traditional versions use animal rennet. Always check the ingredient label to ensure you’re using a halal-certified Parmesan made with microbial rennet.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
These Halal Crispy Caesar Smashed Potatoes work as a side dish, appetizer, or even a snack. They pair well with:
- Grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken, lamb, or beef.
- Salads, particularly green salads with a light vinaigrette.
- Soups, as a crispy addition to creamy soups like tomato or mushroom soup.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes. This restores the crispiness, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy.
- Freezing: While these potatoes can be frozen, they may lose some crispiness when reheated. To freeze, store in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container once frozen.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you don’t want to use an oven, you can still enjoy this dish using different cooking techniques:
- Air Fryer: Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
- Stovetop Pan-Frying: After boiling and smashing the potatoes, fry them in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until crispy on both sides.
