Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort side dish, look no further than this Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe. I absolutely love how it combines tender potatoes infused with apple cider and white wine or broth, then finished with that irresistible nutty brown butter and fragrant sage—every bite is a crunchy, buttery delight. Whether I’m making a cozy dinner for my family or impressing guests with something different, this recipe never fails to get rave reviews.

What really makes this Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe stand out is how easy it is to pull off but feels so gourmet. You’ll find that the apple cider roast softens the potatoes perfectly while adding a subtle tang, and then smashing and roasting them with Parmesan and fresh herbs gives you that incredible crispiness every potato lover dreams about. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your new go-to side!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe plays an essential role—whether it’s the cooking liquid that tenderizes the potatoes or the herbs boosting flavor. I always recommend fresh sage and quality Parmesan for that authentic touch that makes this dish unforgettable.

• Small to medium potatoes: Yukon golds or russets work great—choose firm potatoes of similar size for even cooking.
• Apple cider: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth, making the potatoes slightly tangy and tender.
• Chicken broth or dry white wine: You can use either depending on preference; both help infuse flavor during roasting.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning just right—adjust to your taste.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Used for drizzling before roasting to boost crispiness and add richness.
• Salted butter: The star for browning—creates that luscious brown butter flavor when cooked with sage.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami crunch that complements the potatoes beautifully.
• Fresh sage leaves: Fresh is best here, since the butter cooks them until crisp, releasing intense aroma.
• Fresh chopped thyme: Adds a subtle herbaceous note, balancing the richness of butter and parmesan.
• Garlic powder: Provides a gentle hint of garlic without overpowering the other flavors.

Variations

I love playing around with this Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Personalizing the herbs or swapping ingredients keeps it fresh and exciting every time I make it.

• Herb swaps: I’ve tried rosemary or thyme alone instead of sage, and it still turns out fantastic with a slightly different aroma.
• Veggie-friendly: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Cheese variations: Sometimes I sprinkle some crumbled feta or sharp cheddar instead of Parmesan for a fun twist.
• Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes before roasting brings a nice warmth to the dish.

How to Make Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Roast Potatoes in Apple Cider and Broth

I start by preheating my oven to 400°F, then placing the potatoes in a covered casserole dish. Pouring in apple cider and chicken broth (or dry white wine) covers the potatoes partially, which gently steams and flavors them as they roast. After about 45 minutes, test for softness with a fork—the potatoes should be so tender that they easily smash without falling apart.

Step 2: Smash and Season

Once tender, crank up the oven to 425°F and transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet. Here’s where the fun begins: press down each potato gently with a fork or a potato masher, smashing them to about half their original thickness. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes to help them crisp, then add slices of cold butter on top, followed by parmesan cheese, garlic powder, fresh sage, and thyme.

Step 3: Roast Until Crispy and Serve

Pop the tray back into the oven for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes turn golden and crispy on the edges. I always peek a bit earlier to avoid burning the sage—crispy but not charred is the goal here. Once out, spoon the brown butter and sage drippings over the top, season with sea salt and black pepper, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing off these potatoes with an extra sprinkle of fresh sage leaves crisped in brown butter—it adds extra crunch and aroma. A little flaky sea salt on top right before serving brings out all those wonderful flavors even more. Sometimes I add a touch of fresh thyme or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a juicy steak. I also enjoy it alongside sautéed greens or a simple mixed salad for a well-rounded meal. It’s a versatile side that feels special enough for holidays but easy enough for weeknight dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange these potatoes in a rustic wooden board layered with fresh herbs and edible flowers for a pop of color. They also look fantastic served in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets to keep them warm and crispy at the table. Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top adds a gourmet finish that guests always ask about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ve kept well for up to 3 days without losing too much texture. When refrigerated properly, the flavors actually deepen overnight, though they do lose some crispiness.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing these potatoes, and while it works fine, the texture isn’t quite the same after thawing. If you want to freeze, I recommend doing so before the final crisping step, then roasting freshly when ready. This way, they’re almost as good as freshly made.

Reheating

To reheat, I use a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Microwaving makes them soft, which is not ideal, so I avoid that unless in a pinch. Reheating with a brief broil also crisps up the edges nicely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels fancy but is so simple to make. It’s become a family favorite and one I love sharing because it never disappoints. Once you try it, I think you’ll understand why it’s worth every buttery, crispy bite. So go ahead, give it a whirl — your kitchen and your taste buds will thank you!

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