Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt – golden, crispy edges and a creamy middle. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting them perfectly crispy every time. The warm, cozy aroma of za’atar fills your kitchen, making these potatoes a family favorite. Try them with my Easy Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe for Dinner. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Pandan Coconut Overnight Oats with Mango Drizzle and Easy Rhubarb Crisp Recipe with Oat Topping.
Why This Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, crispy edges and a creamy middle
- Packed with warm, cozy za’atar flavor
- Better than takeout and so easy to make
- Perfect side dish for any meal
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.
- Russet potatoes
- Za’atar seasoning
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Za’atar seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley
- Optional: Sumac
- Optional: Lemon wedges
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Za’atar seasoning: A Middle Eastern spice blend, available at most grocery stores or online.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat distribution for perfectly crispy potatoes → See on Amazon
- Potato masher — Mashes potatoes to the perfect consistency → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
- Boil potatoes: Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and let them sit for 5 minutes.
- Squish potatoes: Squish potatoes with a potato masher until they're about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season potatoes: Season with za’atar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook potatoes: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and cook until crispy and golden brown.
- Make tahini yogurt: Mix tahini, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and salt. Add water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve potatoes with tahini yogurt, fresh parsley, sumac, and lemon wedges.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
- : For extra crispy potatoes, don't flip them until they're golden brown on the bottom.
- Common mistake and fix: If your potatoes are sticking to the pan, try using a bit more oil or cooking them a little longer before flipping.
- : For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the za’atar mixture.
- : Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Potatoes can be boiled and squished up to a day ahead. Season and cook just before serving.
Freezing Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Microwaving will make them soggy.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, toss potatoes with a bit of minced garlic before cooking.
- Best substitution: If you can't find za’atar, you can make a simple substitute with dried thyme, oregano, and sumac.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your potatoes are still sticking to the pan, try using a bit more oil or cooking them a little longer before flipping.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality za’atar seasoning — Makes a world of difference in flavor, pays for itself vs takeout → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Russet potatoes
- Za’atar seasoning
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon
Seasonings
- Za’atar seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley
- Sumac
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Boil potatoes: Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and let them sit for 5 minutes.
- Squish potatoes: Squish potatoes with a potato masher until they're about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season potatoes: Season with za’atar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook potatoes: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and cook until crispy and golden brown.
- Make tahini yogurt: Mix tahini, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and salt. Add water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve potatoes with tahini yogurt, fresh parsley, sumac, and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, toss potatoes with a bit of minced garlic before cooking.
- Best substitution: If you can't find za’atar, you can make a simple substitute with dried thyme, oregano, and sumac.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your potatoes are still sticking to the pan, try using a bit more oil or cooking them a little longer before flipping.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Microwaving will make them soggy.
- Make ahead: Potatoes can be boiled and squished up to a day ahead. Season and cook just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- 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, see storage notes for make-ahead tips.
Try using a bit more oil or cooking them a little longer before flipping.
Yes, but russet potatoes have the best texture for smashed potatoes.
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend, typically made with dried thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds.
Yes, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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!
