Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt are the ultimate side dish. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to getting them perfectly crispy every time. The warm, cozy potatoes are perfect for holiday meals. Start by boiling the potatoes until tender, then smash them and cook them in a hot oven until crispy. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowls and Refreshing Cherry Limeade Recipe.
Why This Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt Is Pure Comfort
- The crispy exterior and creamy interior make these potatoes irresistible.
- The za’atar seasoning adds a unique, delicious flavor that everyone will love.
- These potatoes are easy to make and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
- The creamy tahini yogurt sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy potatoes.
What You'll Need for Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp za’atar seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Za’atar seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Lemon wedges
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Baby potatoes: You can use any small potatoes for this recipe.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Olive Oil Dispenser — Makes it easy to measure and pour the perfect amount of olive oil. → See on Amazon
- Za’atar Seasoning — Adds a unique, delicious flavor to the potatoes. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
- Boil the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Smash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher to smash the potatoes until they are about 1/4-inch thick.
- Season the potatoes: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, za’atar seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the potatoes and toss to coat.
- Bake the potatoes: Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve the potatoes: Serve the potatoes hot, with the creamy tahini yogurt sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
- Common mistake and fix: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. If the potatoes are too close together, they won’t get crispy. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Pro tip: For extra crispy potatoes, flip them halfway through cooking.
- Pro tip: To make the creamy tahini yogurt sauce, mix together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The potatoes can be smashed and seasoned up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
Freezing Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
Freezing is not recommended for this dish.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheating in the microwave will make the potatoes soggy.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For the best results, use baby potatoes that are all about the same size.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the za’atar seasoning with a mix of dried thyme, oregano, and sumac.
- Make-ahead: The potatoes can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the potatoes are not getting crispy, try increasing the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C) and cooking for a few more minutes.
Want to level up this recipe?
Food Processor — Makes quick work of smashing the potatoes and ensures they are all evenly sized. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp za’atar seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Seasonings
- Za’atar seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Smash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher to smash the potatoes until they are about 1/4-inch thick.
- Season the potatoes: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, za’atar seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the potatoes and toss to coat.
- Bake the potatoes: Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve the potatoes: Serve the potatoes hot, with the creamy tahini yogurt sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For the best results, use baby potatoes that are all about the same size.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the za’atar seasoning with a mix of dried thyme, oregano, and sumac.
- Make-ahead: The potatoes can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the potatoes are not getting crispy, try increasing the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C) and cooking for a few more minutes.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this dish.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheating in the microwave will make the potatoes soggy.
- Make ahead: The potatoes can be smashed and seasoned up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt FAQs
Yes, the potatoes can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
If the potatoes are not getting crispy, try increasing the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C) and cooking for a few more minutes. Also, make sure the potatoes are not overcrowded on the baking sheet.
Za’atar seasoning is a Middle Eastern spice blend that typically includes dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, and sesame seeds.
Yes, you can make these potatoes in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
These potatoes are the perfect side dish for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a big salad. They also make a great appetizer or snack on their own.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
