Smoked then Crispy-Smashed Baby Gold Potatoes with Parmesan & Rosemary
By Marcus Vance, RD, Pitmaster & Certified Clinical Dietitian · US & Metric Measurements · Ready in 1 hr 30 min
Creamy Yukon Gold baby potatoes smoked at 250°F (121°C) until fork-tender at 205°F (96°C), flattened with the bottom of a mason jar to quadruple their crispy surface area, and roasted at 425°F (218°C) in duck fat or beef tallow.
Ingredients (8)
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Helpful tools for making Smoked then Crispy-Smashed Baby Gold Potatoes with Parmesan & Rosemary:
- → ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
- → Traeger Signature Blend 100% All-Natural Hardwood Pellets (20 lb Bag)
- → Bryco Goods Pink Kraft Butcher Paper Roll (18 Inch x 175 Feet, Unwaxed)
- → MEATER Plus Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer with Bluetooth Repeater
- → Traeger Pellet Grill BAC363 Drip Tray Liners (5-Pack)
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Step-by-Step Instructions
💡 Chef Tips for Best Results
- ✓Pro Tip 1: Potatoes must reach an internal temperature of 205°F–208°F (96°C–98°C) for their starch granules to gelatinize completely before smashing; otherwise they crack into raw chunks.
- ✓Pro Tip 2: Brushing the smashed potatoes with rendered brisket tallow (saved from trimming your packer brisket!) creates the crunchiest crust imaginable.
- ✓Pro Tip 3: Clinical Nutrition Note: Cooking and cooling or roasting Yukon Gold potatoes creates Type 3 retrograded resistant starch, which lowers the glycemic index by up to 30%.
🧊 Storage, Freezing & Safe Reheating
Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Re-crisp at 400°F (204°C) on the Traeger or in an air fryer for 8 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I boil the potatoes indoors first and just do the 425°F smash-roast on the Traeger?
Yes! If you're making these on a busy weeknight alongside reverse-seared steaks, boil the baby potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes indoors, smash them on a sheet pan, and roast them on the Traeger at 425°F (218°C) for 25 minutes.
Which potato variety works best for smashed potatoes?
Creamy, medium-starch baby Yukon Gold (yellow) or Red Bliss potatoes hold together in a neat medallion when smashed, whereas high-starch Russet potatoes crumble apart.
📖 More Recipes from The Ultimate Traeger Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Cookbook
Adapted from The Ultimate Traeger Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Cookbook by Marcus Vance, RD, Pitmaster & Certified Clinical Dietitian. Explore all 30 recipes in this collection or look up the print & Kindle edition on Amazon.
Recipe by Marcus Vance, RD, Pitmaster & Certified Clinical Dietitian
Adapted from The Ultimate Traeger Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Cookbook and edited for American kitchens by the RecipeVault Pro editorial team — US & metric measurements, USDA-safe doneness temperatures, and practical tips. Our editorial policy
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