Introduction
Smashed Potatoes with Paprika and Cumin are the perfect game day side dish, offering a crispy, flavorful exterior with a creamy, tender interior. The smokiness of paprika combined with the warm, earthy notes of cumin creates a bold, irresistible flavor that will elevate your Super Bowl spread. These potatoes are simple to prepare and perfect for sharing, making them an excellent choice for large gatherings. Whether served alongside wings, nachos, or veggie platters, these smashed potatoes will steal the show and leave everyone asking for the recipe.
I remember the first time I made these for a game day gathering, and they quickly became the star of the spread. The combination of spices gives the potatoes such a unique and vibrant flavor that pairs perfectly with any of your favorite game day snacks. The crispy edges and creamy insides make every bite a satisfying experience, and the smell of them baking in the oven fills the house with anticipation.
What’s great about these smashed potatoes is how versatile they are. You can adjust the amount of paprika and cumin to suit your taste, or even add a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make! Just boil the potatoes, smash them gently, and roast with the seasonings until golden brown. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving a comforting side dish, these smashed potatoes are sure to be a hit!
Perfect for:
- Super Bowl parties
- Game day snacks
- Family gatherings
- Comfort food lovers
- Vegetarians and plant-based eaters (no pork, bacon, or alcohol)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Smashed Potatoes with Paprika and Cumin will become a go-to recipe for any gathering:
- Crispy and Creamy: The smashed potatoes offer the best of both worlds—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside.
- Bold, Smoky Flavor: The combination of paprika and cumin brings a unique smoky and earthy flavor to the dish, perfect for enhancing simple potatoes.
- Easy to Prepare: You don’t need to be a chef to make these potatoes—they’re simple, fun, and quick to prepare.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, making these potatoes as bold or mild as you like.
- Perfect for Sharing: These potatoes are easy to serve and share, making them an ideal Super Bowl snack for a crowd.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
- Key Nutrients: Carbs: 35g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 7g, Fiber: 4g
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make Smashed Potatoes with Paprika and Cumin:
For the Potatoes:
- 1 ½ lbs small baby potatoes (or your preferred type of potato)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Paprika: Adds smokiness and a beautiful color to the potatoes.
- Cumin: Offers a warm, earthy flavor that complements the paprika.
- Olive Oil: Helps to crisp up the potatoes and gives them a delicious, golden exterior.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the flavor without overpowering the spices.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Smashed Potatoes with Paprika and Cumin:
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until they are fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).
- Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure they crisp up properly.
Smash the Potatoes:
- Smash the Potatoes: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the boiled potatoes. Using the back of a fork or a potato masher, gently smash each potato until it’s about ½ inch thick. Be careful not to break them apart completely.
Season the Potatoes:
- Season the Potatoes: Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes. Sprinkle paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the potatoes. Toss them gently to coat the potatoes in the seasoning mixture.
Bake the Potatoes:
- Bake the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the seasoned potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden on the edges. For extra crispiness, flip them halfway through.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
How to Serve
- Super Bowl Snack: Serve these smashed potatoes as a hearty and flavorful snack for your Super Bowl party. They pair wonderfully with dips like sour cream, guacamole, or a spicy aioli.
- As a Side Dish: These potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, veggie burgers, or a fresh salad.
- Topped with Cheese: For a cheesy variation, sprinkle shredded cheddar or crumbled feta cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy twist.
- In a Bowl: Serve the smashed potatoes in a bowl with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side.
Additional Tips
- For Extra Crispy Potatoes: Be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before smashing them to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference—add extra cumin for a deeper flavor or more paprika for a smokier kick.
- Use Different Potatoes: While baby potatoes work great for this recipe, you can also try Yukon golds or red potatoes for a different texture.
- Make Ahead: You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time and then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
Recipe Variations
- Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Smashed Potatoes with Rosemary and Thyme
- Spicy Cajun Smashed Potatoes
- Lemon Herb Smashed Potatoes
- Cheddar and Chive Smashed Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Smashed Potatoes
- Vegan Smashed Potatoes with Nutritional Yeast
- Smoky Chipotle Smashed Potatoes
- Truffle Oil Smashed Potatoes
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Vegan Sour Cream
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: These potatoes can be frozen after baking. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispiness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain their crispy texture.
Special Equipment
- Potato masher or fork
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
FAQ Section
- Can I make these potatoes ahead of time? Yes, you can boil and smash the potatoes in advance, then bake them just before serving.
- Can I use other spices? Yes, try adding onion powder, chili powder, or smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Can I make them without oil? Yes, you can use vegetable broth for a lower-fat version, though they won’t be as crispy.
- Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes work wonderfully for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Can I make these potatoes spicier? Absolutely! Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Conclusion
These Smashed Potatoes with Paprika and Cumin are the ultimate game day snack that’s sure to steal the spotlight at your Super Bowl party! Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with smoky, earthy flavors from the paprika and cumin, these potatoes are a crowd favorite every time.
Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re the perfect addition to your spread, whether you’re watching the game with friends or hosting a casual gathering. With each bite, you get the satisfying crunch and rich, aromatic spices that make this snack a true winner.
I’d love to see how your Smashed Potatoes with Paprika and Cumin turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy!