Lemon Potato Smashers
These Mini Greek Lemon Potato Smashers are a crispy, oven-roasted Mediterranean alternative to traditional fried game-day potatoes. Made with tender baby potatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, bright lemon, garlic, and aromatic Greek oregano, they’re crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside—no frying required. Perfect as a Super Bowl snack, party appetizer, meze board component, or easy side dish, these Greek potato smashers showcase the best of the Mediterranean diet: olive oil, citrus, and herbs combining to create satisfying comfort food that’s lighter, flavorful, and ideal for sharing on game day or any get-together.Whether you’re hosting friends or building a Greek meze spread with dips like Tzatziki (Greek Yogurt Dip) or Easy, Spicy Greek Yogurt Dip. This recipe adds crowd-pleasing texture and zest to your table.
Ingredients
- 1½ –2 lbs baby potatoes Yukon Gold or fingerlings
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil divided
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1–2 lemons to taste
- 2 –3 cloves garlic grated or finely minced
- 1½ tsp dried Greek oregano
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme
Instructions
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Boil the potatoes
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Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until just fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well and let steam-dry for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
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Smash
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Transfer the potatoes to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato to about ½ inch thick.
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Season generously
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Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, and lemon zest.
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Roast until crispy
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Roast in a 425°F / 220°C oven for 35–45 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until deeply golden with crisp edges.
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Greek lemon finish
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Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice and a final splash of olive oil. Scatter with herbs if using. Serve hot.
Notes
How to Serve as a Snack
Arrange on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Serve with Greek yogurt dips such as Tzatziki (Greek Yogurt Dip)
or Easy, Spicy Greek Yogurt Dip for a tangy complement.
Pair with olives, hummus, pita, and other elements of a Greek meze board for a full grazing experience.
These crispy lemon potato smashers are a lighter, crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional fries, making them ideal for grazing during a game, cocktail hour, or holiday spread.
Make-Ahead & Hosting Tips
Make ahead: Boil and smash the potatoes up to 1 day in advance; refrigerate covered.
Just before serving: Roast until crispy for maximum crunch.
Diet-friendly
Naturally vegetarian and Mediterranean-diet approved—heart-healthy olive oil and fresh citrus boost flavor without heaviness.
Why This Recipe Works
Are potato smashers healthier than fries?
Yes. These potato smashers are baked, not fried, and use extra-virgin olive oil instead of seed oils, making them a lighter Mediterranean alternative to traditional fried potato snacks.
Can I make these for a party or Super Bowl gathering?
Absolutely. They’re easy to prep ahead and roast, making them ideal finger food for crowds, game day, or casual entertaining.
What makes them Greek?
The signature bright lemon, robust olive oil, savory oregano, and simple, rustic method reflect classic Greek and Mediterranean cooking principles.
If you like this Greek potatoe recipe, you’ll want to try these great accompaniments, too!
- Tzatziki, Greek Yogurt Dip – Classic cucumber-yogurt dip perfect with these potatoes.
- Easy, Spicy Greek Yogurt Dip – Quick and flavorful yogurt dip that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
- Avocado Tzatziki – A creamy twist on traditional tzatziki with avocado.
- Tzatziki with Purslane, Cucumbers and Herbs – Herb-rich Greek yogurt dip with purslane and cucumbers.
- Easy Carrot Tzatziki – Bright and crunchy carrot-based yogurt dip.
Notes & Variations
Swap baby potatoes for small red potatoes or fingerlings if unavailable.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper for a subtle kick.
Serve with a squeeze of fresh oregano or dill for added fragrance and color.
