Crispy Ranch Smashed Potatoes Pickle (Print Version)

Crispy Yukon Gold potatoes topped with tangy ranch and dill pickles for a zesty, crowd-pleasing holiday favorite.

# Components:

→ Potatoes

01 - 2 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes
02 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for boiling)

→ Olive Oil & Seasoning

03 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt

→ Pickle Fix Ranch

09 - ½ cup sour cream
10 - ¼ cup mayonnaise
11 - 2 tablespoons buttermilk
12 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
13 - 1 tablespoon pickle brine
14 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
15 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
16 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
17 - ½ teaspoon dried parsley
18 - ½ teaspoon dried chives
19 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
20 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

21 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
22 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

# Method:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
02 - Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with cold water, and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and allow them to steam-dry for 5 minutes.
03 - Arrange the dried potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sturdy glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato to approximately ½ inch thickness. Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and kosher salt. Toss lightly to ensure an even coating, if desired.
04 - Roast the potatoes for 25–30 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and the edges are crisp.
05 - While the potatoes are roasting, combine all the Pickle Fix ranch ingredients in a bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Refrigerate the ranch until ready to serve.
06 - Transfer the crispy smashed potatoes to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared Pickle Fix ranch and garnish with fresh chives and dill. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just one hour from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior
  • The pickle fix ranch adds an unexpected but delicious tangy kick
  • Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts
  • Naturally gluten free and vegetarian friendly
02 -
  • The pickle fix ranch makes more than you need for the potatoes, which is intentional as it makes an incredible dip for raw vegetables
  • These potatoes are best served immediately while hot and crispy
  • Allowing the potatoes to steam dry after boiling is critical for achieving maximum crispness
  • The smashing technique creates more surface area for crisping, which is key to the texture
03 -
  • 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.
  • Finally, don't be afraid of salt at every stage; proper seasoning makes all the difference between good and unforgettable potatoes.
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