Creamy, crispy, crushed potatoes, topped with homemade ranch dressing, are the perfect side dish for any dinner and make great small bites for entertaining. These smashed potatoes are easy to make and deliciously addictive!
For an easy weeknight meal, serve these yummy potatoes alongside Crock Pot Chicken Thighs or Roast Beef And Cheese Sandwiches.
In This Post
Wow, like potatoes in all their glorious forms can’t get good enough? Now, they are crushed, baked until golden and crispy, and topped with homemade ranch!
Why You Need To Make These Crushed Potatoes
- Because they’re creamy, crispy, comforting, and satisfying.
- They have a topping of cool, zesty ranch dressing that goes perfectly with the soft, warm potatoes.
- They are easy to make with simple ingredients. Crushed potatoes with ranch dressing are easy to prepare with just a few ingredients for the perfect flavor combination.
- Crushed potatoes are super versatile and the perfect backdrop for so many different seasonings and toppings.
- Everybody loves them! Whether you serve them for dinner, as an appetizer when you’re entertaining, at a family gathering, or during the holidays, these potatoes are always gobbled up quickly.
Pin This Recipe For Later
Ingredients For Easy Crushed Potatoes
- Baby Potatoes – Yukon Gold, russet potatoes, or red potatoes are good choices.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – melted unsalted butter can be substituted.
- Fresh Cracked Pepper
- Kosher Salt
What’s The Best Way To Crush Potatoes?
Gently crush the potatoes using a fork, potato masher, or the bottom of a glass or mug. Be careful not to overdo it because you want the potatoes to have some texture.
Scroll Down For Measurements And Instructions
Ranch Dressing Recipe Ingredients
- Sour Cream
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Dried Dill
- Chopped Fresh Parsley
- Chopped Green Onion
How To Make Homemade Salad Dressing
Making homemade dressing is so easy that you’ll never want to buy the store-bought stuff again.
First, gather all the ingredients and measure out what you need in a small bowl or mason jar. Next, whisk everything together or place the lid on the jar and shake until combined. That’s it. Homemade salad dressing is made!
Are Crushed Potatoes The Same As Mashed Potatoes?
No, these two potato dishes are not the same. A mashed potatoes recipe typically starts with potatoes that are boiled until tender, drained, and then mashed with butter, milk, or cream to create a smooth and creamy consistency. Crushed potatoes, on the other hand, are first boiled and then lightly crushed, keeping some texture intact. They are more rustic and great with added toppings.
Variations And Substitutions For This Recipe
- Add a burst of flavor by tossing the cooked potatoes in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
- Give them a loaded baked potato vibe by topping them with sour cream, chopped bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped chives.
- Spice up the crushed potatoes by adding chili flakes, cayenne pepper, and ranch seasoning mix, then toss everything together for a zesty kick.
How To Make Smashed Potatoes
- Prep and cook the potatoes – wash the potatoes and place them in a large pot of water. Boil the potatoes until they are fork tender, then drain and let them cool slightly.
- Crush and bake – place the potatoes on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and crush them with a fork or potato masher. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on salt and pepper. Broil in the oven for about 15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Make the dressing – mix all the ingredients together for the ranch dressing.
- Top with the dressing and serve!
Questions And Answers For This Recipe
Absolutely. You can use any dressing or toppings that you like, whether you go classic with sour cream and chives or get creative with Southwest or Mediterranean flavors.
Yes! This is a great make-ahead appetizer. Cook the potatoes, crush them, and broil. Let them cool, then cover them and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven, top with the ranch dressing, and serve.
Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What To Serve With Crushed Potatoes With Ranch Dressing
Easy recipes that are loaded with flavor are my thing, and this one does double duty as a side dish and as an appetizer. Here are a few ways I like to serve these crispy, crushed potatoes with ranch:
- As an appetizer with Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs, Creamy Crab Dip, Honey Lime Shrimp, and Air Fryer Roasted Nuts.
- For a side dish, alongside Crock Pot Lemon Chicken, Air Fryer Hot Dogs, or Perfectly Roasted Pork Tenderloin.
- At the holidays, with Copycat Honey Baked Ham, Crock Pot Turkey Breast, Ambrosia, and Skillet Green Beans.
More Potato Recipes You’ll Love
Ingredients
- 1 pound Yukon gold baby Potatoes
- 2 -3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Ranch Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon chives
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- ½ teaspoon dill
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Ranch Dressing
- Whisk all ingredients in a bowl, blending well.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator while making the potatoes. Keep any leftovers in fridge for up to 1 week.
Crushed Potatoes
- Cook potatoes in cold water until tender. Drain and cool slightly.
- Crush potatoes with a fork and sprinkle with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Place under broiler for 15 minutes or until crispy.
- Top with homemade Ranch dressing and scallions
Video
Notes
- To Make Ahead – Cook the potatoes, crush them, and broil. Let them cool, then cover them and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven, top with the ranch dressing, and serve.
- How To Store Leftovers – Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in April, 2012 and updated in May, 2023.
Donya's Top Ten Summer Recipes!
Steal my favorites for a done-for-you menu that packs in the flavor
I really love this idea. Will try this week & let you know how it goes but anything potatoe w/ green onion will make a very happy family here!!Thx!P.S. I agree w/ the sour cream comment as I could eat it by the spoonful!
Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend!