How to Make Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes

If you’re craving a side dish that combines crispy golden edges with buttery, herbal richness, you’ve come to the right place. Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes bring together perfectly cooked, tender potatoes smashed to create a rustic texture, then fried or baked in nutty browned butter infused with fresh sage leaves. This magical combination delivers a warm, aromatic flavor and that irresistibly crunchy bite everyone loves—making it an absolute showstopper for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Golden Crispy Edges: Each bite offers a satisfying crunch thanks to the smashed and browned potatoes.
• Rich and Buttery Flavor: Brown butter adds depth with its nutty aroma enhancing every morsel.
• Herbal Freshness: Sage lends an earthy, slightly peppery note that perfectly balances richness.
• Simple Ingredients: The magic lies in minimal, quality ingredients that come together effortlessly.
• Versatile Side Dish: Complements meats, salads, or vegetarian mains with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These easy-to-find ingredients each play a crucial role in creating the harmony of texture, flavor, and aroma that defines Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes. With a few basics from your pantry and fresh herbs, you’ll have an impressive dish in no time.

• Baby Potatoes: Small potatoes like new potatoes or fingerlings provide tender interiors and crispy edges when smashed.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for making that rich brown butter base without overpowering saltiness.
• Fresh Sage Leaves: Adds aromatic herbal flavor and pairs beautifully with browned butter.
• Olive Oil: Helps crisp the potatoes further during roasting or pan-frying.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
• Garlic (optional): Infuses a gentle savory note that complements the butter and sage.

Variations for Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to make it your own unique creation.

• Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar over the potatoes before baking for a gooey, savory finish.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the butter for subtle heat.
• Herb Swaps: Replace sage with rosemary, thyme, or tarragon to experiment with different herbal profiles.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of dairy butter to keep it plant-based.
• Lemon Zest: Add brightness by grating fresh lemon zest into browned butter just before coating the potatoes.

How to Make Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by washing your baby potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot of salted water and boil until tender when pierced with a fork—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet

While the potatoes cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Once cooked and drained, place the potatoes on the baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass, a potato masher, or your palm to gently press down and flatten each potato to approximately ½-inch thickness without breaking them apart.

Step 4: Make Brown Butter Sage Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook it until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Add fresh sage leaves and cook briefly until fragrant, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Brush Potatoes and Roast

Generously brush the smashed potatoes with olive oil, then spoon the brown butter and sage mixture over them. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are crisp and golden on the edges.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the satisfying crunch paired with the aromatic richness of browned butter and sage.

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes

• Choose Small Potatoes: Baby or new potatoes hold shape better and get crispier edges when smashed.
• Don’t Over-Smash: Flatten just enough to increase surface area but keep the potato intact for best texture.
• Brown Butter Watch: Stay close while browning butter as it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
• Use Fresh Sage: Fresh leaves offer more vibrant flavor than dried versions.
• Flip Potatoes Halfway: This ensures evenly crisped edges on both sides.
• Season Generously: Salt and pepper make all the difference in highlighting flavors.

How to Serve Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Top your potatoes with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or finely chopped parsley for added color and flavor contrast. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

These smashed potatoes are excellent alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a simple green salad. They balance hearty mains with their buttery crispiness but also pair wonderfully with vegetarian dishes like sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these crispy potatoes as part of an appetizer platter with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or mustard mayo. You can also stack them layered with melted cheese and fresh herbs for a tempting presentation that’s as fun to eat as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They tend to lose some crispiness but retain excellent flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked smashed potatoes by laying them flat on a tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly in the oven for best texture.

Reheating

Re-crisp your potatoes by reheating in a 400°F (200°C) oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, but smaller potatoes work best since they roast evenly and smash easily without falling apart. If using larger potatoes, cut them into thick slices and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil, and omit Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative to maintain a rich flavor and crispy finish.

How do I know when the butter has browned enough?

Look for a golden amber color and a nutty aroma. The butter will foam and then the foam will subside; this is your signal to add the sage and remove from heat to prevent burning.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can boil and smash the potatoes a day in advance, keeping them refrigerated. Then finish with butter, sage, and roasting on the day you plan to serve.

What if I don’t have fresh sage?

Dried sage can be used but should be added sparingly since it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, herbs like rosemary or thyme also complement brown butter wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly delightful about Crispy Brown Butter Sage Smashed Potatoes—the way simple ingredients transform into a crave-worthy dish with crispy edges and a buttery, aromatic punch. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers a warm, hearty side full of texture and flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor each crunchy, herby bite!

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