Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt are the perfect side dish. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to getting those golden, crispy edges. The warm za’atar spices and creamy yogurt make this dish a family favorite. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet with Spinach and Easy High Protein Turkey Meatballs Meal Prep Recipe.
Why This Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, crispy edges
- Creamy center with a hint of tanginess
- Warm za’atar spices
- Easy to make and better than takeout
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.
- Potatoes
- Za’atar Spice Blend
- Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Lemon
- Za’atar Spice Blend
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Tahini Yogurt Sauce
- Optional: Fresh Parsley
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Za’atar Spice Blend: You can find this at specialty stores or make your own with sumac, thyme, oregano, marjoram, and sesame seeds.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Potato Masher — Ensures even smashing for perfect texture → See on Amazon
- Cast Iron Skillet — Achieves crispy edges and even cooking → 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.
- Smashed Potatoes: Smash potatoes with a potato masher, leaving some chunks. Mix in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Season with Za’atar: Sprinkle za’atar spice blend over potatoes and mix well.
- Crispy Edges: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Add potatoes and cook until golden and crispy. Flip and repeat.
- Prepare Tahini Yogurt: Mix tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and water until smooth.
- Serve: Serve potatoes with a dollop of tahini yogurt and fresh parsley.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcrowd the skillet when crisping the potatoes. Cook them in batches if needed.
- : For extra crispy edges, add more olive oil to the skillet and let it heat up before adding the potatoes.
- : Make sure your potatoes are completely dry before smashing. This helps achieve the best texture.
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 for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Potatoes can be smashed and seasoned up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to crisp.
Freezing Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegan version, omit the yogurt or use a plant-based alternative.
- Best substitution: Substitute za’atar spice blend with a mix of sumac, thyme, oregano, marjoram, and sesame seeds.
- Make-ahead: See storage section for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If potatoes are sticking to the skillet, add more olive oil and let it heat up before flipping.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-Quality Za’atar Spice Blend — Ensures authentic flavor and pays for itself vs takeout → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Tahini Yogurt
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Potatoes
- Za’atar Spice Blend
- Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Lemon
Seasonings
- Za’atar Spice Blend
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Tahini Yogurt Sauce
- Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and let them sit for 5 minutes.
- Smashed Potatoes: Smash potatoes with a potato masher, leaving some chunks. Mix in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Season with Za’atar: Sprinkle za’atar spice blend over potatoes and mix well.
- Crispy Edges: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Add potatoes and cook until golden and crispy. Flip and repeat.
- Prepare Tahini Yogurt: Mix tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and water until smooth.
- Serve: Serve potatoes with a dollop of tahini yogurt and fresh parsley.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegan version, omit the yogurt or use a plant-based alternative.
- Best substitution: Substitute za’atar spice blend with a mix of sumac, thyme, oregano, marjoram, and sesame seeds.
- Make-ahead: See storage section for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If potatoes are sticking to the skillet, add more olive oil and let it heat up before flipping.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Potatoes can be smashed and seasoned up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to crisp.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- 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 section for make-ahead tips.
Add more olive oil and let it heat up before flipping the potatoes.
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made with sumac, thyme, oregano, marjoram, and sesame seeds. It has a tangy, earthy flavor.
Yes, but make sure they are completely thawed and dried before smashing.
Toss potatoes with olive oil, spread them on a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for 20-25 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!
