Garlic Smashed Potatoes

What was your favorite food as a kid? What became your new favorite food as a teenager? And now, as an adult, do you have another favorite food? For me, I loved spaghetti as a girl, hard shell tacos as a teen, and potatoes (among a few other things) as an adult.

Every time I cook potatoes, I’m reminded of how much I absolutely love them. The texture and flavors are one of the most appealing tastes to my mouth. Add garlic and it’s practically heaven! 

Red potatoes are the variety I prefer because they tend to be smaller, cook faster, and the skin has a pleasant earthy flavor. But you can certainly make this recipe with any potato that’s in your pantry.

Wash and scrub the potatoes well, because you will not be peeling them. Dice them small and boil in salted water until fork tender. Drain. Add some butter to the bottom of the hot pan so it begins to melt. Top with the warm potatoes and let sit for a minute.

Here’s where the recipe takes a turn. Add a generous amount of garlic powder to potatoes. If you have a garlic sauce, like Papa John’s Garlic Sauce, add that to the pan too. Pour a bit of milk on top and begin to mash. Well, it’s actually more like smashing since the skins are there too. 

Once they’re smooth, take a taste. Can you taste the garlic? If not, add more! Smash again. Taste again. Enjoy while they’re hot. They pair well with…everything! Hamburgers, chicken, steak, salad, pork, or whatever you’re serving for dinner.