Touchdown! Oil-Free Smashed Potatoes: A Winner for Game Day Super Bowl

Looking for a game-day snack that’s delicious, hearty, and guilt-free? These oil-free smashed white or sweet potatoes are the perfect choice. They’re a great way to enjoy a crispy tasty treat without the extra calories or fat. 

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to add something healthier to your Super Bowl spread, these smashed potatoes are sure to impress.

My family is excited about the final Super Bowl play off game this Sunday which will determine if the Eagles (Our Philly team) will make it to the Super Bowl again this year~!

Regardless of which team wins and makes it to the Superbowl, you know you are going to want some hearty snacks while watching the game. 

In the past, I've served a variety of dips such as guacamole, spinach and artichoke dip, and loaded hummus. ( follow links for recipes) This year I adding these delicious smashed potatoes to the mix of appetizers. 

They are easy to make and they come out very crispy. A great alternative  to high fat foods. 

Why Choose Smashed Potatoes?

Potatoes are a beloved Super Bowl snack for good reason. They're versatile, filling, and everyone loves them! But what sets this recipe apart is that it's oil-free, which means you can enjoy the flavors you love without worrying about excess fats. The combination of white potatoes and or sweet potatoes brings a balance of creaminess and sweetness, making for a satisfying and nutritious dish.

By baking these potatoes and then smashing them, you get the crispy edges of roasted potatoes while maintaining the soft, fluffy interior. It’s the perfect mix of textures, making them the ideal base for all sorts of fun toppings and dips.

Why Oil-Free?

Traditional smashed potatoes and roasted potatoes are often cooked with oil or butter to add flavor and crispiness. However, by making them oil-free, you not only cut back on tons of calories and unhealthy fats but also let the natural flavors of the potatoes shine through. This recipe focuses on seasoning and herbs, letting the vegetables speak for themselves without the need for added fat.

Ingredients ;

• 6 medium white potatoes, washed and unpeeled
• Optional Seasonings: 
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky kick!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley work well)
• salsa 

How to Make Oil-Free Smashed Potatoes:

1. Prep the Potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes well. Since you’re keeping the skins on, make sure to scrub them clean. 

2. Steam the Potatoes

Instant Pot: Place a steamer basket in the liner of the IP. Add 2 cups of water. Add washed whole unpeeled potatoes to the steamer basket.  Secure lid on the IP. Set to cook for 13 minutes. When done, allow to sit for 10 more minutes then carefully release the steam manually according to the manufacturer's instruction. When all steam is released, carefully open the lid. 

 Pre-heat oven or air-fryer to 425 degrees

Place the whole potatoes on a parchment lined sheet to go into the air-fryer or oven. Using a potato masher (or anything to smash down the potatoes), smash, not mash, the potatoes. Season with seasonings of choice and then bake for 25 minutes until crispy. If not crispy enough, turn up to 450 for 10 more minutes. 

Tips for the Perfect Smashed Potatoes:

• Use a variety of potatoes: Mixing white potatoes and sweet potatoes gives you a wonderful balance of flavors, but feel free to experiment with different types like Yukon Gold or purple potatoes for a colorful twist.
• Don't overwork the potatoes: The key to a perfect smashed potato is not over-smashing them. You want them to be a bit chunky for texture.
• Play with seasonings: If you love spice, throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for some heat. If you're into more savory flavors, consider adding fresh rosemary, thyme, or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. How about a little salsa?

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Super Bowl :

• Healthy but satisfying: You get all the flavor without the heavy oils and fats typically found in game-day snacks.
• Easy to make in bulk: You can easily scale this recipe up to feed a crowd, and it holds up well if you need to prepare it in advance.
• Customizable: You can serve these smashed potatoes with an array of toppings to suit everyone's tastes—whether you're into spicy, cheesy, or herby flavors, there’s a topping for you.

Smashed Sweet Potato 

Final Thoughts:

I really love these amazing smashed potatoes.  This simple recipe makes a wonderful side dish for any meal that is hearty, super crispy, and delicious. Add any toppings of your choice and enjoy!!! It's also allergy friendly and meets gluten-free, dairy-free, and parve standards.