Another TikTok recipe has stolen my heart, and this time it's in the form of crispy, salty potato disks. Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can take many forms, ranging from whipped into a creamy mash to being crinkled and fried. And while all potato iterations are delicious in their own right, few are as simple to make, satisfying, and flavour-packed as the method @meatlikemike shared a TikTok that garnered over 34 million views.
As with all of TikTok's viral recipes, there have been a number of variations born from the original, many of which provide unique techniques and flavour combinations to ensure an extra-crispy or well-seasoned smashed potato. TikTok user @mxriym, for example, crafted their own recipe in which the boiled potatoes are dunked directly into a cup of well-seasoned oil and then re-dipped individually in the oil after being smashed. Another TikTok user, @tay_richard, boils her potatoes with 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda for an even crispier result.
The following recipe combines @mxriyum's seasoning measurements and oil bath technique with @tay_richard's bicarbonate of soda tip for the best crispy smashed potatoes TikTok has to offer.
First, pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees, then add potatoes, water (enough to cover the potatoes by half an inch), salt, and bicarbonate of soda to a pot and boil for 15 minutes.
You'll know that your potatoes are ready to be smashed when they're just fork-tender. Make sure not to overcook your potatoes to where they're too soft to maintain their shape when being pierced by a fork. If they're overcooked, the potatoes will not smash well and will most likely be too soft to pick up and dip into the oil before going into the oven.
While your potatoes are cooking, add seasonings and oil to a large bowl.
Drop boiled potatoes into the bowl with oil and seasonings. Gently toss the potatoes around until they are all fully coated in the seasoned oil.
Place the potatoes on a sheet pan and, using a mug or a small glass, gently smash the potatoes down into disks.
After being smashed, @mxriyum's recipe calls for the potatoes to be dipped in oil again. When making this recipe, I ended up boiling my potatoes about 1-2 minutes longer than the recommended 15 minutes, which left me with potatoes that were just slightly too soft to pick up in order to re-dip. Instead, I brushed the seasoned oil onto one side of the potatoes and then again to the other side after being flipped.
Sprinkle potatoes generously with salt and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes on each side, making sure to flip halfway through.
Serve with chipotle mayo as @mxriyum does or topped with fresh-grated parmesan and parsley. I mean it when I say your tastebuds will thank you.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Add potatoes, water, salt, and baking soda to a deep pot and turn the heat on high.
Boil potatoes for 15 minutes, or until they are just fork-tender.
While the potatoes are boiling, add olive oil and seasonings to a large bowl.
After boiling, carefully toss cooked potatoes in seasoned oil until they are fully coated.
If they are firm enough to be picked up, dip the potato disks back into the remaining seasoned oil. If they are too soft to pick up, brush the remaining oil onto the tops of the potatoes using a silicone brush then repeat this process once they have been flipped.
Place the smashed potatoes back onto the baking sheet, sprinkle with a generous serving of salt, and place in the oven.
After 30 minutes in the oven, flip the potatoes and roast for an additional 30 to ensure an evenly cooked result.
Remove from the oven and let cool before enjoying dipped in your favorite sauce or with whatever toppings you desire.