When it comes to side dishes, few things beat the combination of crispy potatoes, creamy dips, and a drizzle of flavorful spicy oil. These Smashed Baby Potatoes with Whipped Feta & Chili Oil are one of those recipes that deliver big results with simple ingredients. They’re crunchy, creamy, tangy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying—everything you want in a crowd-pleasing dish.
If you’re looking for a recipe that checks every box for flavor, texture, and presentation, this one does it all. The potatoes turn shatteringly crisp in the oven, the whipped feta becomes airy and luxurious, and the chili oil ties everything together with warmth and depth. It’s the kind of dish that looks restaurant-level but is easy enough for weeknights.
Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a side dish for roasted meats, or a stunning vegetarian option for holiday dinners, this recipe is guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
⭐ 1. Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy Inside
The par-boil + smash + roast method creates perfect texture—crispy edges and soft centers.
⭐ 2. Whipped Feta = Pure Creaminess
Feta blends with yogurt or cream cheese to make a smooth, salty, tangy dip that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
⭐ 3. Chili Oil Adds a Flavor Explosion
A drizzle of warm, aromatic chili oil takes the entire dish to another level. It brings heat, color, and richness.
⭐ 4. Great for Any Occasion
From holiday tables to game night spreads, it fits everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Potatoes
- Baby potatoes (yellow or red)
- Olive oil
- Salt & black pepper
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic
- Optional: rosemary, thyme, paprika
For the Whipped Feta
- Feta cheese
- Greek yogurt or cream cheese
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice & zest
- Black pepper
For the Chili Oil
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Chili flakes
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic
- Optional: chili crisp
All ingredients are easily accessible and budget-friendly, but the result tastes gourmet.
How to Make Smashed Baby Potatoes with Whipped Feta & Chili Oil
🔥 Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Cook the baby potatoes until fork-tender. This step is crucial—if they’re too firm, they won’t smash well.
🔨 Step 2: Smash Them
Place the potatoes on a sheet pan and gently smash them using the bottom of a glass.
The thinner the smash, the crispier the result.
🧂 Step 3: Season + Oil
Drizzle generously with olive oil and season well. Crispiness depends on the oil coating.
🔥 Step 4: Roast Until Golden
Bake at high heat until deeply browned, crispy, and irresistible.
🧀 Step 5: Make the Whipped Feta
Blend feta, yogurt/cream cheese, lemon, and oil until smooth and fluffy.
🌶 Step 6: Warm the Chili Oil
Heat oil with chili flakes and garlic until fragrant. Pour warm chili oil over whipped feta.
🍽 Step 7: Serve
Serve the crispy potatoes around the whipped feta bowl or spread on a platter with dollops of feta and drizzles of chili oil.
Tips for Extra Crispy Potatoes
- Use baby potatoes—they crisp better than large potatoes.
- Smash them evenly so they roast consistently.
- Cook at high heat (425–450°F).
- Don’t overcrowd the tray—airflow = crispiness.
- Flip halfway if you want both sides to crisp.
Flavor Variations
This recipe is also super customizable:
⭐ Garlic Parmesan Version
Add grated Parmesan during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
⭐ Mediterranean Style
Top with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano.
⭐ Herbed Lemon Version
Add fresh dill, parsley, and extra lemon zest.
⭐ Spicy Ranch
Replace chili oil with ranch + hot sauce drizzle.
It’s one of those recipes you’ll adapt over and over again.
What to Serve With This Dish
These smashed potatoes go with almost everything:
- Grilled chicken
- Baked salmon
- Steak
- Holiday roasts
- Vegetarian grain bowls
- Mezze platters
- Brunch spreads
They’re equally good as a snack, side dish, or appetizer board centerpiece.
Storing & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes to return crispiness.
- Whipped feta keeps for 3–4 days in the fridge.
Why This Recipe Is Going Viral
Food creators love this recipe because it’s:
- Visually beautiful
- Easy to customize
- High crunch factor
- Trend-friendly (feta, chili oil, smashed potatoes all viral ingredients)
Perfect for Pinterest, Instagram Reels, or a food blog.
