Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. There’s just something so comforting about gathering with loved ones, savoring delicious homemade dishes, and creating lasting memories. And when it comes to Thanksgiving staples, Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes have become a non-negotiable part of my family’s celebration.
I can still remember the first time I tried this recipe a few years ago. I was determined to find a vegan alternative to the classic creamy mashed potatoes, but I wanted something with even more flavor and texture. As soon as I took that first bite of the crispy, herb-infused smashed potatoes, I knew I had found a new holiday favorite. The way the garlic, thyme, and rosemary meld together is simply magical, and the fluffy interior contrasted with the golden, crunchy exterior is absolute perfection.
Now, Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes have become a staple on our holiday table, bringing smiles and satisfied sighs with every forkful. It’s the dish I’m most excited to share with family and friends, and I love seeing their faces light up when they taste how amazing plant-based potatoes can be. Whether you’re hosting a full Thanksgiving feast or just looking for a cozy, comforting side dish, this recipe is sure to become a new tradition in your home too.
Why This Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes
What makes this Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes recipe so special is the unique cooking method that results in potatoes with a wonderfully crispy exterior and a fluffy, creamy interior. By first boiling the Yukon Gold potatoes until tender, then smashing them and tossing them in a flavorful oil and herb mixture, you get the perfect blend of textures and flavors.
The key is to let the smashed potatoes get nice and golden brown in the oven, allowing the edges to crisp up while the center stays soft and pillowy. And the combination of earthy thyme, fragrant rosemary, and aromatic garlic elevates these potatoes to a whole new level of deliciousness. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch chunks: Yukon Golds are the perfect choice for this recipe, as they have a creamy, buttery texture that holds up well to smashing.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The olive oil helps the potatoes get that wonderfully crispy exterior in the oven.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds an incredible depth of flavor to these smashed potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy, fragrant thyme complements the other herbs beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Woodsy rosemary provides the perfect balance to the thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A sprinkle of salt enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of black pepper provides a subtle heat and complexity.
With these simple, wholesome ingredients, you can create a side dish that’s sure to impress at any Thanksgiving (or any other!) gathering.
Step-by-Step Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes Instructions
Preparing Your Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes
Get ready to whip up a batch of irresistible Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes! This recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cook time, for a total of 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need a large pot, a baking sheet, and a potato masher or fork to make these delicious potatoes.
1- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potato chunks and cook until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2- Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, use a potato masher or the back of a fork to gently smash the potatoes, leaving some chunky texture.
3- In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
4- Transfer the smashed potatoes to a baking sheet and drizzle the herb-infused oil mixture over the top. Gently toss to coat the potatoes evenly.
5- Bake the potatoes at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re crispy and golden brown on the edges.
6- Serve these Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes hot, garnished with extra fresh thyme or rosemary if desired. Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy interior and crunchy exterior in every bite!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – spread the potatoes out in a single layer for maximum crispiness.
- Resist the urge to over-mash the potatoes. You want to leave some chunky texture for the best contrast.
- Bake the potatoes at a high temperature (400°F) to get that irresistible golden-brown crust.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be rewarded with smashed potatoes that are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and bursting with savory, herbal flavor in every bite.
Serving and Storing Your Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes
Perfect Pairings for Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes
These Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to a variety of holiday dishes. Serve them alongside your roasted turkey or tofurky, sautéed green beans, homemade cranberry sauce, and a glass of your favorite festive beverage for a complete Thanksgiving feast.
They also make a wonderful side for roasted vegetables, nut-based roasts, or even a simple salad for a more casual meal. And don’t forget about breakfast – these crispy, flavorful potatoes are a delicious and satisfying way to start the day.
With 6 generous servings, this recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner for two, Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleasing addition to your menu.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes are incredibly easy to make ahead and store for later. If you have any leftovers, simply let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat the potatoes in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re crispy and hot throughout. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the texture may not be quite as crisp.
For even longer storage, these smashed potatoes freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until hot and crispy.
Having a batch of these Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes stashed in the fridge or freezer makes it easy to enjoy a comforting, flavorful side dish anytime. They’re the perfect make-ahead option for busy holiday prep or a quick weeknight side.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes
Creative Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes Variations
While the classic version of Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes is absolutely delicious, there are plenty of ways to put your own twist on this recipe. Try swapping out the herbs for different flavors, like rosemary and garlic, or Italian seasoning and Parmesan-style vegan cheese.
You could also add some crumbled vegan bacon or shredded vegan cheese on top for an extra indulgent twist. For a pop of color and freshness, garnish the potatoes with chopped scallions, chives, or fresh parsley.
In the fall, try roasting the potatoes with cubed butternut squash and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. And during the summer, you can switch things up with diced tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing these Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes to suit your taste preferences and the season.
Making Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes Diet-Friendly
This Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes recipe is already plant-based and dairy-free, making it a great option for vegan and vegetarian diets. But it can be easily adapted to accommodate other dietary needs as well.
For a gluten-free version, simply make sure to use gluten-free seasonings and serve the potatoes without any additional breadcrumbs or flour-based toppings.
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can swap the Yukon Gold potatoes for riced cauliflower or mashed radishes. The cooking method and flavor profile will remain the same, just with a lower carb count.
And for those with nut allergies, you can easily omit the optional garnish of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts. The potatoes will still be absolutely delicious without them.
No matter your dietary restrictions, this versatile recipe can be easily customized to fit your needs while still delivering all the cozy, comforting flavors of the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato besides Yukon Gold?
A: While Yukon Golds are the best choice for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape when smashed, you can use other potato varieties if needed. Russet potatoes will also work well, though they may be a bit drier. Avoid using delicate new potatoes, as they may not hold up to the smashing and roasting process.
Q: How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?
A: For the crispiest Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes, be sure to spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake at a high temperature (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also try broiling the potatoes for the last 2-3 minutes to get them extra golden brown and crunchy.
Q: Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These smashed potatoes are perfect for making in advance. You can prep the potatoes up to 4 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy. You can also freeze the cooked potatoes for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe for Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes yields 6 generous servings. It’s the perfect amount to serve as a side dish for a holiday gathering or weeknight meal.
Q: What if my potatoes don’t get crispy?
A: If your smashed potatoes aren’t getting as crispy as you’d like, there are a few troubleshooting tips. Make sure you’re using a baking sheet and not overcrowding the potatoes. The potatoes also need to be in a single layer to maximize surface area for crisping. Lastly, check your oven temperature – it needs to be hot (400°F) to get that perfect golden-brown exterior.
Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the comforting, holiday-inspired flavors of these vegan Thanksgiving-style smashed potatoes. Perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they’re a delightful plant-based side dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
– 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or the back of a fork to lightly smash the potatoes, leaving some chunks.
4. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the seasoned oil over the smashed potatoes and gently toss to coat.
5. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For extra crispiness, try broiling the potatoes for 2-3 minutes at the end. You can also experiment with different herb and spice combinations to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes are a must-have side dish for your holiday table – or any time you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and utterly delicious. With their crispy edges, fluffy interior, and irresistible herb-infused flavor, these potatoes are sure to become a new family favorite.
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just enjoying an intimate meal, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your dietary needs and personal taste preferences. So what are you waiting for? Give these Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes a try, and get ready to savor every last bite!
Don’t forget to let me know how your potatoes turn out in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your experience and any variations you tried. Bon appétit!
