Zingy Crispy Cajun Smashed Potatoes with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these crispy cajun smashed potatoes with lemon garlic aioli deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Potatoes become the star of the show when seasoned with bold cajun spices and smashed to crispy perfection.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch that breaks through a soft, tender interior.

The zesty lemon garlic aioli adds a creamy, tangy complement that elevates these spuds from simple side dish to culinary sensation.

Crusty edges and a golden-brown surface guarantee a satisfying texture that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.

Serve these potatoes alongside grilled meats or as a standalone appetizer that packs a punch of southern-inspired flavor.

Cajun Smashed Potatoes & Aioli Perks

• Crush Potatoes with Ease: Smash each potato to create a unique texture that guarantees crispy edges and soft interiors, making this recipe a delightful culinary adventure.
• Spice Up Your Meal: Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary potatoes into a bold, zesty dish that adds excitement to your dining experience and wakes up your taste buds.
• Quick Prep, Big Flavor: Minimal ingredients and simple steps allow you to whip up a restaurant-quality side dish that impresses family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or as a standout side dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its crispy texture and bold flavors.

Cajun Smashed Potatoes & Aioli Ingredients

• Potatoes: Small round potatoes perfect for smashing and creating a crispy exterior.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden and crispy surface for the potatoes.
• Cajun Seasoning: Provides a spicy and flavorful Cajun-style coating for the potatoes.

• Garlic, Lemon: Ingredients that combine to create a zesty and tangy aioli sauce.

• Parchment Paper, Water: Essential for preparing and cooking the potatoes evenly and preventing sticking.

Cajun Smashed Potatoes & Aioli Steps

Step 1: Whisk Zesty Aioli Sauce

Blend the aioli ingredients in a small mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.

Refrigerate the sauce to let the flavors meld while preparing the potatoes.

Step 2: Boil Tender Potato Base

Wash potatoes thoroughly under cool running water.

Transfer potatoes to a large pot and cover completely with water.

Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

Cook potatoes for 20-25 minutes until a knife slides easily through the center.

Drain potatoes in a colander and discard cooking water.

Step 3: Prepare Roasting Setup

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Season Potato Foundations

Place boiled potatoes in a spacious mixing bowl.

• Olive oil
• Cajun seasoning

Gently toss potatoes until each one is evenly coated with seasonings.

Step 5: Smash Potato Transformation

Spread seasoned potatoes onto prepared baking sheet.

Use a flat-bottomed glass or potato masher to gently flatten each potato.

Aim for a consistent thickness – thinner means crispier edges, while thicker preserves soft interiors.

Optional: Sprinkle additional Cajun seasoning on top.

Step 6: Achieve Crispy Perfection

Bake potatoes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.

Watch for golden brown edges and crispy texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove potatoes from oven and transfer immediately to serving plate.

Accompany with chilled lemon garlic aioli for dipping.

Cajun Smashed Potatoes & Aioli Tips

• Use a flat-bottomed glass or potato masher to create crispy edges while keeping the potato intact.
• Thinner smashed potatoes result in extra crunchiness, while thicker ones maintain softer interiors.
• Sprinkle additional Cajun seasoning before baking for an intense flavor boost.
• Thoroughly drain boiled potatoes to ensure maximum crispiness when roasting.
• Enjoy these potatoes right out of the oven for the ultimate crispy texture and peak flavor experience.

Cajun Smashed Potatoes & Aioli Options

• Herb-Infused Smashed Potatoes: Replace Cajun seasoning with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley for an aromatic Mediterranean-style potato dish.
• Vegan Spicy Potato Wedges: Swap Cajun seasoning for a dairy-free nutritional yeast and chili powder mix, using avocado oil instead of olive oil for a plant-based version.
• Keto-Friendly Cauliflower Smash: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, using almond flour for coating and keeping the crispy texture while reducing carbohydrates.
• Low-Sodium Herb Potatoes: Use a salt-free herb blend instead of Cajun seasoning, adding fresh ground pepper and garlic powder for flavor without extra sodium.

Serving Cajun Smashed Potatoes & Aioli

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange smashed potatoes on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs sprinkled on top for a stunning appetizer presentation.
• Sidekick Sensation: Pair these crispy potatoes with grilled chicken, blackened fish, or juicy steak for a complete southern-inspired meal that'll wow dinner guests.
• Brunch Boost: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty weekend breakfast that brings serious flavor and texture to your morning spread.
• Dipping Delight: Create a potato bar with multiple aioli variations like spicy sriracha, herb-infused, or classic garlic to let everyone customize their taste experience.

Storing Cajun Smashed Potatoes & Aioli

• Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.
• Place cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Spread potatoes on a baking sheet. Warm at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy edges return. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
• Heat cast-iron or non-stick skillet with olive oil. Pan-fry potatoes 3-4 minutes per side, creating extra crispy exterior. Serve immediately with fresh aioli.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme that gives a spicy, robust flavor to dishes originating from Louisiana.

• Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, small red potatoes or baby potatoes work best for smashed potatoes because they hold their shape well during cooking and have a creamy interior.

• How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?

Ensure potatoes are well-dried after boiling, use enough oil, spread them out on the baking sheet, and smash them thin for maximum crispiness. A hot oven around 400 degrees helps create that perfect crunchy exterior.

Crispy Cajun Smashed Potatoes with Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy cajun smashed potatoes deliver a spicy southern charm that dances between crunchy edges and creamy centers. Zesty lemon garlic aioli complements these golden potato bites, inviting you to savor each bold, irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) baby potatoes
• 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

Garnish and Seasoning:

• 2 green onion stalks (sliced)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Craft the lemon garlic aioli and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld while preparing potatoes.
2. Thoroughly wash potatoes and submerge in a large pot of water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat and cook for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender. Carefully drain and let steam evaporate.
3. Heat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal potato roasting.
4. Transfer potatoes to a spacious mixing bowl and generously coat with olive oil, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and gently toss to distribute spices uniformly.
5. Arrange seasoned potatoes on prepared baking sheet. Using a flat-bottomed glass or potato masher, gently flatten each potato, maintaining structural integrity. Adjust pressure for desired crisp level – less pressure creates crunchier exteriors.
6. Optional: Dust additional Cajun seasoning over smashed potatoes for extra flavor intensity.
7. Roast in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, rotating sheet midway to ensure consistent browning and achieving desired golden, crispy texture.
8. Remove from oven when potatoes are beautifully caramelized and serve immediately alongside chilled lemon garlic aioli for dipping.

Notes

• Boil potatoes until fork-tender to ensure a creamy interior while maintaining a crispy exterior when roasted.
• Use small or medium-sized potatoes for the best smashing technique and even cooking.
• Try different seasoning blends like herbs de Provence or Mediterranean spice mix for flavor variations.
• Adjust oven temperature and baking time slightly based on your potato size and desired crispiness level.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg