Dill Pickle Ranch Smash (Printable version)
Crispy smashed potatoes with tangy dill pickles, creamy ranch, and fresh herbs. An irresistible crowd-pleasing appetizer.
# Ingredient list:
→ Potatoes
01 - 1 lb baby gold potatoes
→ Ranch Sauce
02 - 1/2 cup sour cream
03 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
04 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
05 - 1/2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
06 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/4 tsp onion powder
08 - 1/2 tsp lemon juice
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Toppings & Finish
10 - 1/2 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
11 - 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños, diced (optional)
12 - 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, roughly chopped
13 - 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (optional)
14 - Olive oil, for drizzling
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Place baby potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Add salt and cook until fork-tender, 15-20 minutes.
03 - Drain potatoes and let cool slightly. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Use a glass or potato masher to gently smash each potato to about 1/2 inch thickness.
05 - Drizzle the smashed potatoes generously with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
06 - Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
07 - Remove potatoes from oven. Spread or drizzle ranch sauce over each potato.
08 - Sprinkle with chopped dill pickles, jalapeños (if using), fresh herbs, and parmesan (if desired). Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of creamy ranch and tangy pickles hits every craving at once
- They look impressive but come together in under an hour with pantry staples
- People literally hover around the baking sheet waiting for them to come out of the oven
02 -
- Smashing cold potatoes makes them crack and fall apart, let them cool just enough to handle while still warm
- Don't skimp on the olive oil before baking, that's what creates those irresistible crispy edges that everyone fights over
03 -
- Use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to smash potatoes for evenly thin rounds that crisp up uniformly
- Sprinkle a little flaky salt on top right before serving for those satisfying crunch bursts