The Ultimate Herbed Buttermilk Smashed Potatoes

Herbed Buttermilk Smashed Potatoes have become a staple in my kitchen whenever I need a quick, comforting side. When I first moved to the U.S., I longed for simple recipes that felt like home. This easy, flavorful dish delivers a rustic, crispy outside with a creamy, tender inside every time. It’s perfect for cozy weeknights or festive holidays alike.

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Why You’ll Love These Herbed Buttermilk Smashed Potatoes

• The foolproof method guarantees a crispy skin and creamy interior with each batch.
• Fresh herbs and tangy buttermilk combine for an irresistible, layered flavor.
• Versatile enough for holiday dinners or casual weeknight meals.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully, making your meal prep even easier.

The Science Behind Perfect Smashed Potatoes

Yukon Gold Potatoes:

These potatoes have a waxy texture with lower starch, so they hold their shape after smashing without turning gummy. This creates a creamy texture inside that’s just right.

Buttermilk:

The tangy acidity cuts through the richness, balancing the potatoes’ fat content. It also adds a subtle complex flavor that plain milk can’t match.

Greek Yogurt:

Adding creaminess and a pleasant tang, Greek yogurt enriches the dish’s mouthfeel with smooth fat, making every bite luscious.

Ingredients for Herbed Buttermilk Smashed Potatoes

These simple ingredients come together for big flavor and a satisfying texture:

• 2.5 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
• pinch of kosher salt and pepper
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ⅓ cup buttermilk
• 2 garlic cloves (minced or pressed)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (plus more for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (plus more for garnish)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• pinch of kosher salt and pepper

Best Tools for the Job

To make this recipe smoothly, you’ll need a large pot for boiling the potatoes and a sturdy baking sheet for roasting. When smashing, many people reach for a potato masher, but I recommend using the bottom of a glass or your hand instead. This method helps keep each potato in one piece, so the outsides crisp up perfectly without falling apart. This simple tool swap makes all the difference!

How to Make Herbed Buttermilk Smashed Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and fill it with cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer until just barely fork tender. Strain and cool slightly. (You can do this ahead of time and refrigerate.)
3. Brush a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Arrange potatoes on the sheet. Use your hand or the bottom of a glass to gently smash each potato once, keeping them mostly intact. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.
4. Roast the potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and crispy. While roasting, make the dressing. Remove potatoes and let cool slightly. Toss potatoes in the dressing, add extra fresh herbs, and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve immediately. These potatoes are delicious warm or cold. Leftovers reheat well too!

Embed process photos corresponding to each step here with a full 3-5 minute YouTube tutorial video.

Aisha’s Tips for Success

• Start in Cold Water: This ensures even cooking from outside to inside, preventing mushy spots.
• Don’t Overboil: Cook potatoes until just barely fork-tender; this keeps their fragile structure for smashing intact.
• Salt Your Water: Use about 1 tablespoon kosher salt per 2 quarts of water to season the potatoes internally.
• Warm the Buttermilk: Bringing it to room temperature helps it blend smoothly without cooling your roasted potatoes too much.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here’s a handy guide for substitutions that keep your smashed potatoes tasty and suited to your needs:

Category	Original Ingredient	Substitution Suggestions	Notes
Herbs	Fresh Chives & Dill	Dried Herbs: Use 1 tsp dried for every 1 Tbsp fresh. Other Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or parsley.	Swap for “Classic Holiday” vibes with rosemary and thyme, or brighten with dill and chives for a zesty twist.
Dairy-Free	Buttermilk	Mix ⅓ cup unsweetened almond or soy milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes.	Creates a vegan “buttermilk” with necessary acidity.
Dairy-Free	Greek Yogurt	Use dairy-free sour cream or thick unsweetened dairy-free yogurt.	Choose one with good fat content for that creamy richness.

Make-Ahead Instructions for a Stress-Free Holiday

Save time by prepping ahead. Boil and smash your potatoes up to 1 day in advance. Arrange them on a covered baking sheet and refrigerate. Prepare the dressing separately. When ready to serve, roast the smashed potatoes in a preheated oven until crispy, then toss with dressing and fresh herbs. This method keeps your holiday stress low and flavor high.

Troubleshooting: How to Fix Common Potato Problems

• My potatoes are gummy: This usually means overcooking or using a high-starch potato. Always choose Yukon Gold and boil just until fork-tender.
• My potatoes are watery: It can happen if you don’t drain well. After boiling, let the potatoes steam-dry in the colander for a minute before smashing.
• My potatoes are bland: Don’t skip salting the cooking water and adjust salt and pepper after adding the dressing for balanced flavor.

What to Serve with Smashed Potatoes

These herbed buttermilk smashed potatoes pair beautifully with a variety of mains

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the best potato for smashing?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. Their lower starch and waxy texture hold shape well while creating creamy interiors.

Can I leave the skin on?
Yes! The skin adds texture and helps keep the potatoes intact when smashed.

How do I double this recipe for a large crowd?
Use a larger pot and two baking sheets, spacing potatoes in a single layer on each for even roasting.

Can I freeze Herbed Buttermilk Smashed Potatoes?
Freeze after roasting but before adding dressing. Reheat in the oven, then toss with fresh dressing just before serving.

Conclusion

These Herbed Buttermilk Smashed Potatoes are truly my go-to for effortless, comforting side dishes. The crispy edges, creamy centers, and tangy herbal dressing make every bite something to smile about. I’d love to hear how these turned out for you! What is your absolute favorite herb to put in potatoes? Let me know in the comments below!

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