'They're better than chips!' Why smashed potatoes are the ultimate Christmas side dish

Everyone loves the golden deliciousness of a crispy potato – it's the kind of snack that, once you try it, becomes a favourite go-to.

Smashed potatoes is the trendiest take on the dish at the moment, going seriously viral on TikTok to have you covered just in time for Christmas.

Paying homage to the traditional Latin American street food 'tostones', the potato in this method replaces plantain, which is a type of banana containing a high amount of starch.

As the name suggests, instead of simply roasting the potatoes, you need to 'smash' them first. Many cooks use the bottom of a glass to do this, creating a larger surface area that will crisp up in the oven.

Watch three of TikTok's most popular smashed potato recipes in the video above.

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Smashed potatoes are so simple and easy to make, they'll be the perfect dish for the festive season. 

They're a fun way to use up the bag of potatoes in your pantry, plus they're gluten free, vegan and taste amazing. 

So, what makes the perfect smashed potato?

According to TikTok sensation Maya Leinenbach (@fitgreenmind), they're "better than chips".

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Leinenbach's step-by-step guide to the perfect smashed potato has been viewed 2.5 million times and received thousands of likes and comments.

While they're not the quickest way to serve up the spud, they're sure to be a favourite for your Christmas lunch or dinner. 

Other TikTok users have put their own spin on the seasoning, with one user saying "the crispy potatoes taste like garlic bread but in potato form." 

Leinenbach's recipe (below) makes delicious, crispy, golden potatoes which can then be served as a side dish perfect for dipping, or as a snack on their own (this recipe serves two).

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For Leinenbach's take on smashed potatoes, you're going to need:

500g of potatoes
4 tbsp oil 
1 tsp paprika 
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder 
Salt and pepper to taste

Start off by preheating your oven to 200°C or 400°C Fahrenheit. 

Next, you want to wash your potatoes and place them in a pot of salty water (make sure they're completely covered). Boil until they're 'fork' tender for around 15 minutes. 

Place the potatoes on a tray with a baking sheet and 'smash' them down with a glass. 

Next you want to mix the oil, garlic and onion powder, paprika and salt and pepper together. Brush the potatoes with the mixture and bake in the oven for around 30-35 minutes until crispy. 

Enjoy!