Save This crispy ranch smashed potato recipe transforms ordinary spuds into a spectacular side dish with a tangy pickle-infused ranch drizzle that will have everyone fighting for seconds. The contrast between the golden, crunchy exterior and fluffy interior creates the perfect texture experience, while the zesty ranch adds a playful twist that elevates these potatoes beyond the ordinary.
I created this recipe last Thanksgiving when I needed something to wake up our traditional menu, and it's become our most requested side dish. My nephew, who typically avoids potatoes, now asks for "those pickle potatoes" at every family gathering.
Ingredients
- Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes: Choose small, uniform sized potatoes for even cooking and the perfect bite size after smashing
- Olive oil: The key to achieving that golden crispy exterior, use a good quality oil for best flavor
- Garlic and onion powder: These provide aromatic flavor without burning like fresh garlic might at high temperatures
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the tangy ranch perfectly
- Sour cream and mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for our ranch dressing with the ideal texture
- Buttermilk: Thins the ranch to drizzling consistency while adding classic tang
- Dill pickles and brine: The secret ingredient that transforms ordinary ranch into something special with bright acidity
- Fresh herbs: Chives and dill add color, freshness, and a garden flavor that balances the richness
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes:
- Start with cold water and add salt generously as this seasons the potatoes from the inside out. Simmer until fork tender but not falling apart, usually 15 to 20 minutes depending on size. The potatoes should offer just slight resistance when pierced.
- Steam Dry:
- After draining, allow the potatoes to sit in the colander for a full 5 minutes. This critical step allows excess moisture to evaporate, which is essential for achieving maximum crispiness later.
- Smashing Technique:
- Arrange potatoes with space between each one on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use gentle, even pressure with a flat-bottomed glass or potato masher to flatten each potato to about half an inch thickness without completely breaking them apart. You want them to hold together while creating plenty of edges that will crisp up.
- Season Thoroughly:
- Drizzle olive oil generously over each potato, ensuring some oil reaches the pan around them too. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly, making sure to hit all the nooks and crannies where flavor can hide.
- Roast to Perfection:
- Bake at 425°F for the full 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Look for deeply golden edges that have become visibly crisp and crunchy. The contrast between crispy exterior and fluffy interior is what makes these irresistible.
- Make the Pickle Fix Ranch:
- Whisk all ingredients until completely smooth, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed. The pickle brine adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the potatoes beautifully. Let the flavors meld in the refrigerator while the potatoes finish roasting.
Save My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the pickle fix ranch. I discovered it by accident when I ran out of ranch seasoning and improvised with what I had in my refrigerator. The pickle brine adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the potatoes perfectly, creating a flavor combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Make-Ahead Options
While these potatoes are best served fresh from the oven, you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. Boil and smash the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance, then store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, season and roast them directly from cold, adding about 5 minutes to the cooking time. The pickle fix ranch can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which actually improves as the flavors have time to meld.
Perfect Pairings
These crispy ranch smashed potatoes complement a wide variety of main dishes. They shine alongside grilled or roasted meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops. For a vegetarian meal, serve them with a hearty salad or roasted vegetable platter. During the holidays, they make a welcome addition to the traditional spread, offering a modern twist that still feels comforting and familiar. The pickle fix ranch also makes an excellent dipping sauce for other items on your table, from crusty bread to crudités.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your potatoes aren't getting crispy enough, there are a few likely culprits. First, ensure you've allowed them to steam dry completely after boiling. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Second, check that your oven is properly preheated and that you're using the middle rack for optimal heat circulation. Finally, don't overcrowd the baking sheet. The potatoes need space around them for steam to escape and crispiness to develop. If necessary, use two baking sheets rather than cramming all potatoes onto one.
Seasonal Adaptations
- Summer Incorporate fresh garden herbs like basil, tarragon, or summer savory into the ranch for a seasonal twist
- Fall Add roasted garlic to the potatoes and stir some pumpkin seed oil into the ranch for a nutty finish
- Winter Mix in horseradish to the ranch and top the finished potatoes with crispy fried shallots for extra warmth
Save For the absolute crispiest potatoes, try this chef's secret: after boiling and before smashing, toss the potatoes in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This creates an ultra-thin coating that develops an incredible crunch in the oven. Another trick is to heat your baking sheet in the oven before adding the smashed potatoes – the contact with the hot surface immediately begins the crisping process.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How do I get extra crispy smashed potatoes?
Ensure the potatoes are thoroughly dried after boiling and use enough olive oil. Broiling briefly at the end of roasting adds extra crunch.
- → Can I make this dish ahead?
Potatoes can be smashed and roasted in advance. Reheat in a hot oven before drizzling with the chilled ranch and serving.
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Small Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well due to their creamy texture and thin skins. Baby potatoes are ideal for crisp edges.
- → Is the Pickle Fix ranch spicy?
No, it’s creamy and tangy with dill and pickle flavors, but you can add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for mild heat if desired.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store potatoes and ranch separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat potatoes in the oven for best texture.
- → Are there suggested garnishes?
Chopped fresh chives and dill add extra freshness and color. For a twist, try crumbled bacon or blue cheese sprinkled on top.