Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe

I absolutely love this Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe because it brings together the best of both worlds: those crispy, golden edges that crunch beautifully and a soft, fluffy interior that’s pure comfort food magic. Whenever I make these, it feels like a special occasion, but honestly, they’re easy enough for a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. You’ll find that the combination of nutty toasted pine nuts and fragrant sage butter elevates these humble potatoes into something unforgettable.

What makes this Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe stand out to me is how simple ingredients transform into an irresistible side that’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it alongside a roast or enjoying it as the star with a salad, these potatoes never disappoint. Plus, once you learn the little tricks I’m sharing below, you’ll see how effortless it is to get that perfect crisp every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. Choosing the right potatoes and fresh sage really makes all the difference — here’s what I recommend grabbing before we start.

• Small potatoes: I like to use baby roasting potatoes or Yukon Golds for their creamy texture and even roasting.
• Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for that fruity richness which helps crisp the potatoes beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: Don’t be shy here—potatoes crave seasoning, and it makes all the difference.
• Toasted pine nuts: Toast them just until golden to add a lovely crunch and nutty depth.
• Butter: Salted butter works best because it adds richness and necessary seasoning.
• Sage leaves: Fresh sage is key — it infuses the butter with aromatic flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe depending on the season or what I have in my kitchen. Feel free to personalize it — these smashed potatoes are a fantastic canvas for all sorts of tasty tweaks.

• Herb swap: Sometimes I swap sage for rosemary or thyme for a more piney or earthy herb flavor, which my family enjoys especially in colder months.
• Cheesy twist: Adding freshly grated Parmesan right after roasting gives a salty, savory punch that’s irresistible.
• Vegan adaptation: Use olive oil infused with garlic and herbs in place of butter and omit the pine nuts if needed.
• Spicy kick: Toss the potatoes with a little smoked paprika or chili flakes before roasting for smoky heat.

How to Make Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe

Step 1: Boil Your Potatoes Until Tender

Start by placing your small potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water—around 3 to 4 litres. Here’s a trick I learned: adding about ¾ cup of table salt to the water seasons the potatoes from within, making them so much tastier. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until a fork slides in easily, usually about 25 minutes depending on size. Drain them and let them sit for five minutes to steam off excess moisture—this step helps your smashed potatoes crisp up beautifully later.

Step 2: Smash and Season with Olive Oil

Place the drained potatoes on a baking tray — I like to use a rimmed sheet to catch any buttery drips down the line. Using the bottom of a glass or plate, gently press down on each potato to flatten it just enough to break the skin and expose the fluffy inside. Don’t worry, they can be uneven—this creates all the nooks and crannies for crispiness! Then, drizzle generously with olive oil, making sure to coat every crevice for maximum crunch. Finish with a good sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked pepper because seasoning is everything here.

Step 3: Roast Until Golden and Crisp

Pop your tray into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast for about 30 to 40 minutes until the edges are golden brown and super crisp, but the centers remain fluffy. I usually peek around 30 minutes and adjust depending on how crispy I want them—personal preference matters here! Your kitchen will fill with the most amazing roasted aroma that’s seriously hard to resist.

Step 4: Make That Incredible Sage Butter

While the potatoes are finishing up, melt your butter in a skillet over medium heat—you want a pan where you can watch the butter’s color change easily. When it starts sizzling, toss in fresh sage leaves and swirl the pan gently every now and then. The butter will crackle loudly at first, then quiet down as it foams and starts turning a beautiful nutty brown. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Be careful not to let it blacken; that burnt taste is a mood killer. The smell at this stage is heavenly—you’ll know you nailed it!

Step 5: Finish with Pine Nuts and Serve

Once the potatoes are out of the oven, transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top for crunch, then drizzle that luscious sage butter on generously or sparingly—it’s your call! Scatter the crispy fried sage leaves on top and finish with flaky sea salt to add that final burst of flavor. I love watching guests’ faces light up when they get that first bite—trust me, you’re making something incredible here.

How to Serve Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I typically finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to elevate the flavors and scatter a few more toasted pine nuts on top for extra crunch. Sometimes, a little fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich butter and sage nicely.

Side Dishes

This Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even a hearty vegetable medley. My family especially loves it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these potatoes on a beautiful platter, drizzle the sage butter at the table, and garnish with whole fresh sage leaves and more pine nuts. It really makes an impression and feels fancy without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days. I like to reheat them gently to keep that crisp edge intact.

Freezing

I haven’t frozen this recipe myself because the crispy texture can soften after thawing. But if freezing is necessary, flash freeze the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag to limit sogginess.

Reheating

To reheat and revive that crispiness, I recommend warming the potatoes in a hot oven (around 375°F/190°C) on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as that tends to make them soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Incredible Smashed Potatoes with Sage Butter Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it transforms a simple vegetable into something delightfully crispy, flavorful, and comforting. I hope when you try it, you’ll experience the same joy and satisfaction that I do every time these hit the table. Grab your potatoes, roll up your sleeves, and prepare yourself for some serious deliciousness—you’re going to love the way these turn out!

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