Next Post
Blackberry Tequila Lemon Cooler.
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
The most perfect extra Crispy Salt and Vinegar Smashed Potatoes. Made simply with baby Yukon gold potatoes, vinegar, cheese, fresh herbs, plenty of flaky sea salt and black pepper. Each bite is perfect and so delicious. The secret? Cooking the potatoes in the instant pot first, smashing them, and then oven roasting them at high heat. Serve these crispy smashed potatoes over a bed of tangy Greek yogurt or sour cream for the perfect crunchy, to creamy balance. Simple and beyond good.
Is there really anything more perfect than a salty and perfectly crisp potato? I mean, I know it’s a crazy simple concept, but man, salty, crispy potatoes are one of those foods that are always crave-worthy. Sure, potatoes can be a delicious addition to salads, they’re fun to use on a galette, and delicious when baked into rolls. But nothing beats a simple, crispy smashed potato.
Do you know what I mean?
No summer cookout is complete without a really dang good potato side dish. With the 4th of July being on Thursday, now is the time to share these salt and vinegar smashed potatoes. Warning, they’re addicting. Honest truth? I’d probably fill up on these potatoes and all the summer fruit before even looking at anything else on the table.
Salt + carbs + fruit. My favorites.
(potatoes after cooking in the instant pot)
(smashing the potatoes down)
(smashed potatoes before roasting)
Here’s the deal. Since I like to keep recipes as simple as possible for us all, I figured out the “no fuss” way to make smashed potatoes, and I’m sharing my secret.
First up, pre-cook the potatoes in the instant pot. Yes, the instant pot to the rescue. Instead of boiling the potatoes for 20-30 minutes, I prefer to cook the potatoes in the instant pot for, wait for it – 6 minutes. That’s all it takes to get a fork-tender potato that’s all ready to be smashed down.
Second, cook the potatoes in vinegar. Now, this might seem odd, but if you love salt and vinegar potatoes, you’ll love this. And even if you don’t love salt and vinegar chips, you’ll still love these potatoes. Cooking the potatoes in vinegar seasons them from the very start. It adds a bit of acid…so you have salt + fat (olive oil) + acid (vinegar) + heat. If you ever watch the Netflix series, SALT FAT ACID HEAT then you know what I’m talking about.
If don’t watch, and have no idea, no worries, just trust me…
So, cook the potatoes in vinegar in the instant pot for 6 minutes. Now drain the potatoes and get them really dry.
Note: I’ve also included stove-top cooking directions for those of you who don’t own an instant pot.
Third, put the potatoes on a sheet pan. Now place another sheet pan on top of the potatoes, and SMASH. Use some force, let your anger out, and really push down. Using a single sheet pan to smash all the potatoes at once saves a lot of tedious work and time. This isn’t a new trick by any means, and it’s certainly not one I created, but it’s a genius trick.
Fourth, toss those smashed up potatoes with olive oil, a touch of onion powder, garlic, salt, and pepper. Then roast until the potatoes are golden and looking DELICIOUS.
Just before the potatoes are fully done cooking, add some cheddar cheese. Then throw the potatoes back into the oven to get them extra crispy.
To serve, I love spooning plain Greek yogurt onto a serving plate and then arranging the potatoes over the yogurt. I love that savory meets tangy flavor, and crunchy meets creamy texture.
Again, addicting. Like potato chip style addicting.
To make things pretty… You can finish with fresh herbs, or you can just go with flaky sea salt (Maldon is my favorite). Either or both are GREAT.
And that’s about it. You now have all the tools and knowledge you need to make the perfect crispy smashed potato. SO can we please add these to our 4th of July menus… and then every other summer cookout that’s to follow? Once you make these potatoes, there will be no turning back.
Potato side dish go-to!
If you make these crispy salt and vinegar smashed potatoes, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Watch the How-To Video:Â
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Hello! I had fun cruising around your website/blog. Your recipe for Crispy Salt & Vinegar Smashed Potatoes caught my eye. I LOVE salt & vinegar potato chips, so it was a natural that I’d love your potatoes. I hadn’t unpacked my instant pot yet, so used your stove method to bake the potatoes. Not liking Greek yogurt, I used sour cream. We have an herb garden back behind the condo, so I was able to get lots of cilantro for garnish. Thanks for sharing your recipe. They were YUMMY!!
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you for trying this recipe, Nancy! xTieghan
I am so excited to try these! We just got back from Quebec, and a place that we visited made poutine with smashed potatoes. Guess what I’m going to do with these smashed potatoes? Yum!
YUM! That sounds delicious! I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Can’t wait to make these! Love that you referenced Salt Fat Acid Heat, great show! Is it okay to use regular sized Yukon potatoes? If so, how should I soften them for smashing? Should I bake them in the oven first or should I cut them into smaller pieces and simmer them still. Thank you!
Hi there! I am sure regular Yukon potatoes will be fine. I would cut them into smaller pieces, boil, then smash! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
WOW! These potatoes are fabulous! Everyone at the table debated which potatoes were their favorite, the Crispy Salt & Vinegar or the Crispy Oregano Smashed Potatoes with Feta and Lemon. A difficult choice! The Crispy Salt and Vinegar Potatoes are special with the added creaminess of sour cream! Truly delicious! Everyone loved this!
That is so amazing!! Thank you for trying this Catherine! xTieghan
Made for our Fourth of July party tonite and they were EXCEPTIONAL. Used fresh basil and chives and I think next time I’ll add scallions! Thanks for another amazing recipe!!
Thank you so much Ashley! So glad you loved this! xTieghan
Wow, these look and sound so good! Love the smashing technique. Can’t wait to try for my fam, pinned!
Thank you Jess! xTieghan
Can the steps before roasting be done ahead of time? I like to do as much prep as possible before guests come over. I’m wondering what you think about breaking up the steps so that I do the finishing steps in the evening after doing the first cook in the morning and refrigerating in between.
HI there! Yes, you can steam the potatoes, chill and then roast just before serving OR you can roast potatoes and then warm the potatoes before serving. Either is an equally great option. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Omg these look insanely delicious and super simple!! Winning!!! Thanks!!
Thank you so much Lindsay! xTieghan
Hi! Quick question. Would you recommend these hot from the oven or do you think they’d also do well as a BBQ potluck dish, likely out at room temp for a while?
Hey Lauren! These are delicious hot or cold, either is great! And yes, they are great for a BBQ, but keep the yogurt in the fridge until 30 minutes before serving. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe and happy 4th of July! Thank you! xTieghan
Did you use the steamer basket in the instant pot or just have the potatoes in the liquid?
Hey Blair! I don’t use the steamer basket, just add the potatoes right tot he instant pot. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe and happy 4th of July! Thank you! xTieghan
I am sold. Added to my Thursday menu. CAN’T WAIT *insert heart eye emoji*
I hope you LOVE this! Thank you Sydney! xTieghan
I sure would never have thought about putting vinegar on potatoes.I am not fond of the taste of vinegar but I bet my husband would like this. They look very tasty.
Hope you have a very restful vacation.
Thank you so much Charlotte! Have you tried vinegar with ketchup on potatoes? It is also super good! xTieghan
So good!!! Trying this super soon!
Thank you Sheenam! xTieghan
I love anything potatoes!!!
SO GOOD! I hope you try these! xTieghan
Simple but pure genius! <3 Salt and Vinegar chips are my absolute favorite, and my only regret is that I didn't think of this first…but I'm glad you did! On my must do list this week! 😀
Oh, enjoy your vacation to Costa Rica!
I hope you love this Aline!! Thank you so much! xTieghan