Ingredients

For the potatoes

• 1 1/2 to 2 lb baby Yukon Gold potatoes, or baby yellow potatoes

• Flaky sea salt, for finishing (optional)

• Chopped fresh chives, for finishing (optional)

For the seasoned oil

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

For the roasted garlic herb butter

• 1 whole garlic bulb

• 1 to 2 tsp olive oil, for roasting the garlic

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

• 2 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped, or 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Roast the garlic

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Slice the top off the garlic bulb so the cloves are exposed. Set it on a piece of foil, drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil, then wrap it loosely. Roast for 35 to 45 minutes, until the garlic is soft and lightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and let it cool enough to handle.

2. Boil the potatoes

While the garlic roasts, add the baby potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil, then lower to a steady simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Drain well and let them sit for 5 minutes so the excess moisture can evaporate. This helps them crisp better in the oven.

3. Preheat the baking sheet

Place a large sheet pan in the oven for a few minutes while the potatoes steam dry. A hot pan helps the bottoms crisp up faster.

4. Make the seasoned oil

In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

5. Smash the potatoes

Carefully remove the hot sheet pan and lightly grease it if needed. Place the potatoes on the pan with a little space between each one.

Use the bottom of a glass, jar, or measuring cup to gently press each potato until it flattens to about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t press too hard—you want them flattened and craggy, not completely broken apart.

6. Season and bake

Brush the tops of the potatoes with the seasoned oil.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bottoms and edges are deeply golden and crisp. For extra crispiness on both sides, carefully flip them and bake another 8 to 12 minutes.

7. Make the roasted garlic herb butter

Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a small bowl and mash them with a fork until smooth. Add the softened butter, rosemary, and thyme or parsley. Mix until well combined.

8. Finish with the garlic butter

Brush or spoon the roasted garlic herb butter over the hot potatoes, letting it fall into the cracks and over the edges. Return the pan to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the butter melts in.

If you want even crispier edges, broil for 30 to 60 seconds at the end, but keep a close eye on them.

9. Serve

Let the potatoes sit for a few minutes before serving. Finish with flaky sea salt and chopped chives, if you like.

If you can already hear the crispy edges, save the image below to your Pinterest board and keep this one for later. These smashed potatoes are too good to forget.

Quick Notes

• Baby Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal here because they stay creamy inside and hold together well after boiling.

• If your baby potatoes are on the larger side, they may need a few extra minutes in the water.

• Letting the potatoes steam dry after boiling is one of the easiest ways to get better browning.

• You can use thyme or parsley in the butter depending on the flavor you want. Thyme gives it a slightly deeper savory flavor, while parsley keeps it fresher.

This version keeps things simple but gives the sweet potatoes more flavor with olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic, cinnamon, chili powder, and a little brown sugar to help everything roast up beautifully. They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but they also look and taste good enough to serve with a bigger spread when you want something a little more special.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prep the sweet potatoes.
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces close in size so they roast evenly and finish at the same time.

3. Season everything.
Place the sweet potato cubes in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, black pepper, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Toss well until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated and no dry spices are left sitting at the bottom of the bowl.

4. Spread them out.
Transfer the sweet potatoes to a large sheet pan and spread them into a single layer. Make sure the pieces are not piled on top of each other. Space helps them roast and brown instead of turning soft and steamy.

5. Roast until tender and caramelized.
Roast for 27 to 35 minutes, flipping every 10 to 15 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender inside and browned on the edges. The brown sugar will help them develop deeper color as they roast.

6. Serve hot.
Serve right away while they are hot and caramelized, with the edges at their best.

Love a side dish that’s simple but still feels worth making? Pin the image below to your Pinterest board so these roasted sweet potatoes are easy to find the next time you need them.

Tips and Tricks

Cut the sweet potatoes evenly
Try to keep the cubes close in size so they roast at the same pace. If some pieces are much smaller, they can brown too fast before the larger ones are tender.

Do not overcrowd the pan
Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer with a little space between them. If they are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, and you will miss out on those caramelized edges.

Coat them well
Toss the sweet potatoes thoroughly with the olive oil, spices, and brown sugar so every piece is evenly covered. This helps with both flavor and color.

Let them roast undisturbed between flips
Flip the sweet potatoes during baking, but do not move them around too often. Leaving them in place for a while helps them develop better browning.

Watch them near the end
Because of the brown sugar, they can go from nicely caramelized to too dark pretty quickly in the last few minutes. Start checking for doneness around the 27-minute mark.

Store leftovers the right way
Let the sweet potatoes cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If they are still warm when stored, they can trap moisture and turn soft faster.

Reheat for the best texture
To bring back some of the roasted edges, reheat them in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. The microwave works, but it will make them softer.

Make them ahead if needed
You can peel and cube the sweet potatoes ahead of time, then keep them in cold water in the fridge for several hours. Just dry them very well before seasoning and roasting so they brown properly.

This rosemary garlic chili oil is my favorite way to bottle that feeling: warm chili flakes for heat, sesame for nuttiness, peanuts for crunch, and a little rosemary in the bake to give the whole jar a subtle, savory backbone.

Yield

About 2 to 2 1/2 cups (500–600 ml)

Ingredients

For the bake

• 2 cups peeled garlic cloves (250 g)

• 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil (500 ml)

• 1 small sprig rosemary (3–4 inches)

Stir in after baking

• 4 Tbsp chili flakes

• 2 Tbsp sesame seeds

• 4 Tbsp chopped peanuts

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp sugar

Optional

• 1 Tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

Equipment

Small oven-safe baking dish (or loaf pan) + foil + clean glass jar

Instructions

1) Preheat

Heat oven to 320°F (160°C).

2) Arrange the garlic

Spread the peeled garlic cloves in an even layer in a small baking dish.

3) Add oil + rosemary

Pour in the olive oil until the garlic is fully submerged. Tuck in the rosemary sprig (it should sit in the oil, not on top).

4) Cover and slow-bake

Cover tightly with foil and bake 60–90 minutes, until the garlic is:

• fork-tender (very soft),

• lightly golden (not browned),

• and the oil has gentle bubbling (quiet simmer, not frying).

5) Remove rosemary

Take the dish out of the oven. Rest covered 5 minutes, then uncover carefully.
Use tongs or a fork to remove the rosemary sprig and discard it (this keeps the flavor fresh, not bitter).

6) Stir in the chili, seeds, and peanuts

While the oil is still hot, add:
chili flakes, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, salt, and sugar.
Stir gently to combine. For a stronger garlic flavor, lightly mash 5–8 cloves against the side of the dish—keep the rest whole for texture.

7) Optional: add soy + vinegar (best timing)

Let the oil cool 5–10 minutes (still warm, not ripping hot), then stir in:

• 1 Tbsp soy sauce (optional)

• 1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (optional)

8) Bake again to infuse

Cover again and return to the oven for 10–15 minutes.

9) Cool and store

Cool completely at room temp. Transfer to a clean jar, making sure the garlic stays under the oil. Store in the fridge.

Love this Rosemary Garlic Chili Oil? Save the image below to your Pinterest board so you’ve got it ready the next time you want to level up pasta, eggs, pizza, or bread.

Storage and safety (garlic-in-oil)

• Keep refrigerated (don’t store at room temp).

• Keep garlic fully submerged.

• Use within 10–14 days, or freeze in small portions.

Serving Suggestions

• Noodles: Toss 1–2 Tbsp with hot noodles + a splash of cooking water to make it glossy.

• Eggs & toast: Drizzle over fried eggs, scrambled eggs, or avocado toast.

• Rice bowls: Spoon on rice with chicken/tofu + cucumbers or greens.

• Roasted potatoes/veg: Add right after they come out of the oven.

• Dumpling dip: Mix 1 Tbsp oil + (optional) 1 tsp vinegar + 1 tsp soy sauce.

Ingredients 

• 12–16 garlic cloves, peeled (about 1 large head)

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (120 ml), plus a splash more if needed

• 1/2–1 tsp chili flakes, to taste

• 12 oz spaghetti (340 g)

• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt for the pasta water (or salt it “like the sea”)

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

• Parmesan, finely grated (optional, for serving)

• Black pepper, to finish (optional)

Instructions

1) Roast the garlic in oil

1. Heat oven to 300°F (150°C).

2. Add peeled garlic to a small oven-safe dish (or a small loaf pan). Pour in the olive oil so the cloves are mostly submerged.

3. Roast 35–45 minutes, until the garlic is soft enough to smash with a spoon and lightly golden (not browned and dry).

Important: Don’t add chili flakes yet unless you’re doing the “last 5–10 minutes” method.

2) Cook the pasta + save the water

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Salt it well, then add the pasta.

3. Cook until just al dente.

4. Right before draining, scoop out 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of pasta water. You’ll use this to make the sauce.

3) Blend the roasted garlic into a sauce

1. Pour the roasted garlic and all the oil into a blender (or use an immersion blender in a tall container).

2. Add 3/4 cup (180 ml) of hot pasta water to start.

3. Blend until smooth and creamy.

What you’re looking for: it should look like a loose, glossy sauce—not watery, not thick like hummus.

4) Finish in a pan (this is where it turns “restaurant”)

1. Set a large pan over medium heat.

2. Pour in the blended garlic sauce.

3. Add chili flakes now and stir for 20–30 seconds (this blooms them without burning).

4. Add the drained pasta straight into the pan.

5. Toss hard for 60–90 seconds, adding extra pasta water a splash at a time, until the sauce clings and looks shiny.

If it looks dry: add pasta water.
If it looks thin: keep tossing—starch + movement thickens it fast.

5) Finish and serve

• Turn off the heat.

• Stir in parsley if using.

• Plate, then top with Parmesan and black pepper.

Parmesan note: Traditionally, aglio e olio doesn’t always use cheese, but it’s your kitchen—Parmesan works great here because the roasted garlic is mellow and sweet.

If this Roasted Garlic Aglio e Olio made you hungry, do me a quick favor—save it for later. Tap the image below and pin it to your Pinterest pasta (or weeknight dinner) board, so it’s right there the next time you’re craving garlicky noodles and don’t feel like thinking.

Tips and Tricks

• Roast until smashable: The garlic should mash easily with a spoon. If it’s still firm, the sauce won’t blend silky.

• Add chili flakes later: For the cleanest flavor, stir chili flakes into the warm sauce in the pan for 20–30 seconds (they can turn bitter if roasted too long).

• Save more pasta water than you think: Grab at least 1 1/2 cups. It’s how you control thickness at the end.

• Blend with less water first: You can always loosen the sauce in the pan, but you can’t “un-water” it.

• Toss in the pan to make it cling: Keep tossing for 60–90 seconds. That movement is what makes it glossy and coats the pasta.

• Thin vs thick fix: Dry? add a splash of pasta water. Too loose? toss a bit longer on medium heat.

• Cheese goes on top: Parmesan is best as a finishing sprinkle (not blended in), so the sauce stays smooth.

Ingredients

Salad

• 2 large ripe avocados, cut into quarters, then sliced into 1 cm / 0.4-inch slices

• 3 cucumbers (about 17 cm / 7 inches each)

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (optional, but recommended)

• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, roughly chopped (optional, but recommended)

• 1 to 2 tsp black sesame seeds (for finishing)

Dressing

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 3 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice), plus more to taste

• 1/2 to 1 tsp chili oil (adjust to heat preference)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 3/4 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

1) Smash the cucumbers (this is the whole point)

Wash cucumbers and trim the ends.

Lay one cucumber on a cutting board and smash it gently with the flat side of a big knife (or a rolling pin) until it splits and cracks. You want it broken and textured, not flattened.

Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2–3 cm / 1 inch). Repeat with the rest.

2) Shake the dressing in a large jar

Use a large jar with a tight lid (big enough for everything).

Add to the jar:

• olive oil

• lime juice

• chili oil

• black pepper

• salt

Close the lid and shake hard for 10–15 seconds until it looks blended.

3) Add the salad ingredients and shake again

Add to the jar:

• smashed cucumbers

• red onion

• dill + cilantro (if using)

Close and shake until the cucumbers are glossy and coated.

4) Add avocado and shake gently (so it stays chunky)

Add the sliced avocado to the jar.

Close the lid and shake gently — think slow flips and soft shakes, 6–10 seconds total. The goal is to coat the avocado without smashing it.

5) Finish with black sesame

Pour into a bowl (or serve straight from the jar).

Sprinkle with black sesame seeds and taste. Add a squeeze more lime or a pinch of salt if it needs a final pop.

If you’re the type who says “I’ll remember this,” you won’t. Save the image below to Pinterest.

Tips, Tricks & Variations

• Smash, don’t slice. A gentle smash is enough. You want cracks and rough edges so the dressing clings. If you completely flatten the cucumbers, they’ll go soft fast.

• Use a big jar (with headroom). The avocado needs room to tumble. If the jar is packed tight, the avocado gets squished instead of coated.

• Shake in two stages for the best texture.

  1. Shake cucumbers + onion + herbs with the dressing.

  2. Add avocado and do a gentle shake (slow flips, a few soft shakes).

• Pick the right avocado. Slightly firm-ripe works best. If it’s very soft, it’ll turn creamy when you shake (still tasty, just less “salad-y”).

• If your cucumbers are watery (big ones):

  • Either scoop out the seedy center, or

  • Toss with a pinch of salt and let sit 10 minutes, then drain before adding to the jar.
    Mini/Persian cucumbers usually don’t need this.

• Dial the heat your way. Chili oil varies a lot. Start with 1/2 tsp, taste after shaking, then add more if you want it hotter.

• Black sesame upgrade: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Cool, then sprinkle on top for a stronger nutty flavor.

• Want it more “meal-like”? Add one of these: shredded rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, chickpeas, or cooked shrimp.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Best eaten fresh: This salad is at its crunchiest and prettiest in the first 30–60 minutes.

• Storing leftovers:

  • Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

  • After that, the cucumbers soften and the avocado changes texture (still edible, just not as crisp).

• How to keep it nicer for later:

  • Shake the cucumbers/onion/herbs with dressing and refrigerate.

  • Add avocado and sesame right before serving.

• If it looks “watery” the next day: That’s normal (cucumbers release liquid). Drain a little, then add a squeeze of lime and a tiny pinch of salt to wake it back up.

Serving Ideas

• Serve as a side with grilled chicken, salmon, or kebabs.

• Scoop it up with pita chips or tortilla chips.

• Pile it onto toast (thick bread) for a fast lunch.

Everything goes into one large jar, the dressing gets poured in last, and a few gentle shakes bring it together without turning it into mush. It’s fast, messy in the best way, and perfect for chips, tacos, grilled chicken, or eating straight from the spoon while the chips are still in the bag.

Ingredients 

• 4 ripe avocados, cubed (not mashed)

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 12 oz / 340 g), halved

• 1/2 cup parsley, chopped (or do half parsley + half cilantro for a more classic guac vibe)

• 1/2 cup corn kernels (cooked and cooled, or drained if canned)

• 1/3 cup finely diced red onion (or 2 tbsp scallions)

Optional 

• 1 small jalapeño/serrano, finely diced

Dressing 

• 3 tbsp lime juice

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp kosher salt (start with 3/4 tsp, then adjust)

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional but very guac)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• Pinch chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

Fast cherry tomato hack (lid method)

1. Spread tomatoes on a board in one layer.

2. Press a flat lid/plate/second board on top to hold them steady.

3. Slice straight through the middle with a sharp knife.

Jar method (no smashing)

1) Load the jar (no dressing yet)
Use a big jar (1.5–2 quarts / 1.5–2 L) so the avocado has room.

Add in this order:

1. Corn kernels

2. Cherry tomatoes

3. Onion/jalapeño (if using)

4. Parsley (and cilantro if using)

5. Avocado cubes last

2) Mix the dressing separately
In a small bowl or cup, whisk (or shake in a small jar) the lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, cumin, pepper, and chili flakes.

3) Pour dressing into the big jar
Pour it over everything, seal tightly.

4) Shake gently, in short bursts
Do 5–8 quick, gentle shakes, like you’re “tossing” the salad inside the jar.
Stop, open, check. If needed, do 2–3 more gentle shakes.

Goal: glossy, coated chunks — not guacamole paste.

5) Taste + adjust
Add a pinch more salt or another squeeze of lime if it tastes flat.

Pin this one before you forget it — this Lazy Guacamole Salsa is the kind of quick recipe you’ll want again for chips, tacos, and last-minute snacks.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/59VtZpw_q8s

Tips & Tricks

• Use avocados that are ripe, but not super soft.
  They should give a little when pressed. If they’re too soft, they’ll break down when you shake the jar.

• Cut the avocado into larger cubes.
  Bigger pieces hold their shape better than small dice.

• Use a large jar, not a crowded one.
  A roomy jar gives the ingredients space to move, so they mix instead of getting crushed.

• Add the dressing last.
  This helps coat everything evenly and keeps the avocado from getting handled too much.

• Shake gently in short bursts.
  Think “toss,” not “blend.” Start with a few quick shakes, check it, then shake again only if needed.

• Add avocado last every time.
  Corn, tomatoes, onion, and herbs can go in first. Avocado should always be the final ingredient before the dressing.

• Taste after shaking, not before.
  Once everything is coated, the salt and lime will taste stronger and more balanced.

• Want it more classic guacamole-style?
  Add a little finely diced red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Those ingredients push it more into guacamole territory without mashing.

• Want it less watery?
  If your tomatoes are very juicy, let them sit on a paper towel for a few minutes before adding to the jar.

Storage

• Best eaten fresh (same day).
  The texture is best right after mixing, when the avocado is bright green and chunky.

• Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly sealed jar for up to 24 hours.
  The lime juice helps slow browning, but some darkening is normal.

• To reduce browning:
  Press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface before sealing the jar (if storing in another container, do the same).

• Do not freeze.
  The avocado texture turns watery and mushy after thawing.

• If making ahead:
  Prep the tomatoes, corn, herbs, and dressing in advance, but add and shake in the avocado right before serving.

Ingredients

Chicken mixture (blended)

• 1 lb chicken breast

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for spicy)

For shaping

• 1 cup cornstarch (for rolling + shaping nuggets)

Seasoned batter

• 1 cup self-rising flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 1/2 cups cold water

For frying

• Neutral oil (vegetable/canola/peanut), enough for deep frying

Instructions (clear + foolproof)

1) Blend the chicken base

Cut chicken into chunks so it blends evenly. In a food processor (best) or blender, combine:

• chicken

• egg

• salt

• hot sauce (if using)

Blend/pulse until you get a thick, sticky paste. It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth, but there shouldn’t be big pieces.

2) Scoop → roll in cornstarch → shape

Pour cornstarch into a shallow bowl.

• Scoop about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture.

• Drop it into the cornstarch and roll until fully coated.

• Gently press and shape into a nugget (oval or rounded rectangle).

Tip: Dust your hands with cornstarch so the mixture doesn’t stick to your fingers.

Place shaped nuggets on a parchment-lined tray.

3) Freeze for 1 hour

Freeze the tray for 1 hour.
This step firms the nuggets so they stay intact when battered and dropped into hot oil.

(If you want, you can freeze longer—once solid, transfer to a freezer bag.)

4) Heat the oil

Heat oil to 390°F (199°C) in a deep pot or fryer.
Use a thermometer if possible—this is the difference between crisp and greasy.

5) Make the seasoned batter (keep it cold)

In a bowl, whisk together:

• self-rising flour

• salt

• paprika

• garlic powder

• onion powder

• cayenne (if using)

Whisk in cold water until smooth.

Batter consistency: It should coat a spoon and drip off in a steady ribbon—like thin pancake batter.

6) Batter the frozen nuggets

Take nuggets straight from the freezer.

• Dip each nugget in the batter.

• Let extra batter drip off for a second.

7) Deep fry (small batches)

Fry at 390°F for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown.

Don’t crowd the pot—oil temperature drops fast and the coating turns soft.

8) Drain and serve

Remove to a wire rack (best for crunch) or paper towels.
Let them sit 1–2 minutes before eating—the inside is hot.

Save the photo below to your Pinterest so you can come back to these nuggets when you want something crispy fast.

Tips and Tricks

• Keep the chicken cold: It’s easier to blend, scoop, and shape when the mixture stays cold.

• Don’t skip the cornstarch: Rolling each scoop in cornstarch helps the nuggets hold their shape.

• Freeze until firm: That 1-hour freeze makes battering and frying much easier.

• Keep the batter cold: Cold batter gives you a crispier coating.

• Fry in small batches: This keeps the oil temperature steady so the nuggets stay crispy, not greasy.

• Use a thermometer if possible: Frying at 390°F helps them cook fast and turn golden.

• Let extra batter drip off: This keeps the coating even and prevents thick batter clumps.

• Drain on a wire rack: It keeps the crust crisp better than paper towels.

Ingredients 

• 2 English cucumbers (about 1–1.25 lb / 450–570 g)

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated

• 1 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil (22 ml)

• 3 Tbsp light soy sauce (45 ml)

• 3 Tbsp honey (about 63 g)

• 4 Tbsp rice vinegar (60 ml)

• 3 Tbsp chili oil (45 ml)

• 2 Tbsp black sesame seeds (about 18 g)

You’ll need

• Large jar with a tight lid (at least 1 quart / 1 liter)

• Chef’s knife or cleaver + cutting board

Instructions

1) Smash first, then cut

1. Wash and dry the cucumbers.

2. Place a cucumber on a cutting board. Lay your knife flat over it (blade parallel to the board).

3. Press down firmly with your palm until it cracks. Repeat a few times along the length so it’s split and jagged, but not crushed into mush.

4. Now slice the smashed cucumber into bite-size chunks (about 1–1.5 inches / 2.5–4 cm).

5. If there’s lots of cucumber liquid on the board, leave most of it behind so the dressing stays bold.

2) Add cucumbers + dressing to the jar, then shake

1. Add the cucumber chunks to your jar.

2. Add garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, chili oil, and black sesame seeds.

3. Close the lid and shake hard for 20–30 seconds (honey needs a little extra shaking).

4. Open and check the bottom—if honey is still sitting there, shake another 10 seconds.

3) Rest (optional)

• Eat right away or chill 10–20 minutes, then shake once more.

If this smashed cucumber salad is your kind of snack, hit “Save” and pin the photo below so it’s waiting for you next time you need something quick and crunchy.

Tips & Tricks (so it stays crunchy and the flavor hits)

Smash technique that actually works

• Press in 3 spots per cucumber: one near each end + one in the middle.
  You’re aiming for cracks and splits, not a flattened pancake.

• Stop when it “gives.” If the cucumber breaks open and looks crinkly, you’re done. Any more and you’ll squeeze out too much water.

Cut size matters more than people think

• Bite-size, but not tiny: about 1–1.5 inches.
  Too small = watery fast. Too big = dressing doesn’t cling as well.

• Include some long-ish pieces. A mix of shapes (chunks + a few strips) makes it feel more “restaurant-style.”

Keep the dressing bold (avoid cucumber soup)

• After smashing + cutting, you’ll see liquid on the board. Leave most of it behind.

• If you want it extra crisp: salt nothing. Your soy sauce already seasons it, and salt pulls water out fast.

Make the honey behave in a cold jar

Honey loves to stick to glass. Two easy fixes:

• Order matters: soy sauce + rice vinegar → honey → oils → sesame. Then shake.

• Shake like you mean it: 20–30 seconds, pause, then another 10 seconds if you still see honey at the bottom.

Chili oil: control the heat without ruining the balance

• If your chili oil is the crunchy flake-heavy kind, it’s usually hotter. Start at 2 Tbsp, taste, then add the last tablespoon.

• If it’s mostly red oil with little sediment, 3 Tbsp is usually fine.

Black sesame tip (so it doesn’t taste “dusty”)

• Add the black sesame after the liquids, not first. That way it suspends instead of clumping.

• For a smoother vibe, do 1 Tbsp black + 1 Tbsp white. Still looks great, slightly lighter flavor.

The 10-minute rule

• Right away: sharp, loud crunch.

• After 10–20 minutes in the fridge: the garlic/sesame sinks in and it tastes more “finished.”
  Just don’t push it too long—after a couple hours it starts losing snap.

Quick serving upgrades (optional, but worth it)

• More aroma: add a few drops extra sesame oil right before serving (not more than 1/2 tsp).

• More bite: an extra splash of rice vinegar at the end brightens everything instantly.

• Cleaner presentation: if your jar has a lot of dressing pooled at the bottom, tip it into a bowl for serving so you can spoon that last bit over the top.

Ingredients

Potatoes

• 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (Russets work too)

• Flaky sea salt + chopped chives (optional, to finish)

Seasoned olive oil (for brushing before baking)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Roasted garlic herb butter

• 1 whole garlic bulb

• 1–2 teaspoons olive oil (for roasting the garlic)

• 1/4 cup butter (½ stick), softened

• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely minced

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely minced (optional)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  (Use thyme or parsley—both work. If you love herbs, you can do a little of each.)

Instructions

1) Roast the garlic

1. Heat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Slice the top ¼ inch off the garlic bulb so the cloves are exposed.

3. Place on foil, drizzle with 1–2 tsp olive oil, and wrap into a loose packet.

4. Roast 35–45 minutes, until the cloves are soft and caramelized.

2) Preheat the sheet pan

• While the garlic roasts, place a large sheet pan in the oven to preheat.

3) Cut potatoes into rectangles

1. Trim a thin slice off all 4 sides of each potato to square it off.

2. Slice into ¼-inch thick rectangles/planks.

3. Keep them in cold water as you work to prevent browning.

4) Cut the accordion pattern (with skewers/chopsticks)

1. Place one potato rectangle on a cutting board.

2. Lay two wooden skewers (or chopsticks) lengthwise along the two long sides of the potato. This stops your knife so you don’t slice all the way through.

3. Using a sharp knife, make thin cuts straight across the potato, very close together, letting the skewers stop the blade.

4. Flip the potato over, reset the skewers if needed, and slice again on a 45° diagonal, same close spacing.

5) Parboil (5–6 minutes)

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil.

2. Add the potato planks and simmer 5–6 minutes (tender, not falling apart).

3. Lift them out carefully with a slotted spoon/spider.

4. Let them steam-dry 2–3 minutes, then pat dry gently.

6) Mix the seasoned olive oil

• Stir together olive oil, kosher salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

7) Bake (build the crust)

1. Carefully remove the hot sheet pan and lightly oil it.

2. Brush both sides of each plank with the seasoned olive oil.

3. Arrange in a single layer on the hot pan.

4. Bake 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are crisp and deeply golden.

5. Flip and bake 10–15 minutes more, until browned and sizzling at the edges.

8) Make the roasted garlic herb butter

1. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a bowl and mash into a paste.

2. Mix with softened butter, rosemary, and thyme or parsley (your choice).

9) Finish with roasted garlic butter

1. Pull the pan out and brush the tops generously with the roasted garlic butter, working it into the cuts.

2. Return to the oven 2–4 minutes to melt and set.

3. Optional: broil 30–90 seconds for extra crunch—watch closely.

10) Serve

Let the potatoes sit 5 minutes on the pan (they crisp up even more). Finish with flaky sea salt and chives if you want.

Want to make these again without hunting for the recipe? Save it the easy way—pin the photo below to your Pinterest board.

Tips & Tricks for Crispy Accordion Potato Rectangles

• Make the rectangles first (it’s worth the extra minute). Trimming the sides gives you flat, even planks that sit steady on the pan and brown more evenly than rounded slices.

• Keep the planks around ¼ inch thick. Thinner planks get fragile once you start slicing the accordion pattern. Thicker than ¼ inch takes longer to crisp and won’t open up as nicely.

• Skewers are your insurance policy. Set one along each long side so your knife stops automatically. It keeps the potato in one piece and makes the cuts consistent—even if you’re rushing.

• Go for “lots of cuts,” not “deep cuts.” Tight spacing is what creates that accordion look. The goal is many thin slices while leaving a small hinge at the bottom.

• Simmer, don’t blast them with a hard boil. A gentle boil for 5–6 minutes softens the inside without breaking the planks. If the water is violently rolling, the crosshatch can split.

• Steam-dry after draining. Let the potatoes sit in the colander 2–3 minutes before patting dry. That little bit of steam helps surface moisture evaporate so you get crispier edges in the oven.

• Preheat the sheet pan like it’s cast iron. Starting on a hot pan gives you instant sizzle and better browning. If you skip this, the bottoms tend to go soft.

• Brush with the smoked paprika oil first. It builds flavor and color where you actually want it—on the crisp crust—without risking burnt herbs.

• Save the roasted garlic butter for the end. Butter and herbs can darken too fast at 425°F. Brushing it on during the last few minutes keeps the garlic sweet and the herbs fresh-tasting.

• Broil only when you’re already happy with the color. Think of the broiler as a quick “final crunch,” not the main cooking step. Thirty seconds can be enough.

• Want extra-crispy edges? Don’t crowd the pan. Leave a little space between planks so hot air can circulate and the potatoes roast instead of steaming.

• If a plank breaks, roast it anyway. Broken pieces still crisp up beautifully—and they’re usually the first ones to get “taste-tested” off the tray.

The key is seasoning both sides differently: rosemary and thyme on one side, then cinnamon and brown sugar on the cut side so it bakes into a sweet, sticky glaze. A brush of melted butter halfway through is what brings it all together. It’s a simple sheet-pan recipe, but the flavor feels like something you’d order as a side at a great restaurant.

Ingredients

• 5 medium sweet potatoes, halved lengthwise

• 4–5 Tbsp oil, divided (about 2 Tbsp for the pan + 2–3 Tbsp to coat)

• 3 Tbsp butter, melted

Seasonings

• 3 tsp dried rosemary, divided

• 3 tsp dried thyme, divided

• 1 1/4 tsp salt (skin side only)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 

• 2 tsp adobo seasoning 

• 2 Tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

1) Preheat + prep the pan

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Spread a thin layer of oil over a large sheet pan so the potatoes can roast (not stick).

2) Oil the sweet potatoes

Cut your sweet potatoes in halves, and place them cut-side down on the oiled pan and slide them around a bit so the cut sides pick up oil.
Flip them over and rub a light coat of oil over the skins and cut sides so they brown evenly.

3) Season side #1 (skin side / salted side)

With the skin side facing up, season with:

• half the rosemary

• half the thyme

• all the salt

4) Flip and season side #2 (cut side)

Flip the potatoes so the cut side faces up, then season with:

• remaining rosemary

• remaining thyme

• cinnamon

• adobo seasoning

• brown sugar (spread it in a thin, even layer so it caramelizes instead of burning)

5) First roast

Roast for 20 minutes.

6) Flip + butter halfway

Pull the pan out and flip the potatoes again.
Brush/spoon the melted butter over the tops. (It’ll run down and help baste the edges.)

Return to the oven and roast 18–25 minutes more, until deeply caramelized.

7) Know when they’re done

They’re ready when:

• a fork slides in easily, and

• the edges look dark and roasted with caramelized spots, and

• the surface looks “set” (not wet or grainy with sugar)

Optional: extra-dark, crispier edges

Broil briefly at the end, watching closely so the sugar doesn’t burn.

If these roasted sweet potatoes made it onto your “make again” list, do me a favor—save the photo below to your Pinterest board so you’ve got it ready the next time you’re craving that caramelized, buttery edge.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Results

• Pick the right sweet potatoes. Medium ones roast more evenly than huge ones. If you’re using very large sweet potatoes, expect a longer cook time.

• Cut them evenly. Try to keep the halves similar in thickness so they finish at the same time. If one half is much thicker, it’ll still be firm when the others are done.

• Spread the brown sugar thin. A light, even layer caramelizes into a glossy coating. Big piles tend to burn before the potatoes are fully roasted.

• Use the edges as your “crisp meter.” The centers should be soft, but the real magic is at the edges where the sugar and butter concentrate and get dark and sticky.

• Crowding = steaming. Give the potatoes space. If they’re packed in, moisture builds up and you’ll miss that deeper roasted finish. Use two pans if needed.

• Butter halfway, not at the start. Adding melted butter mid-roast helps it cling, baste the sides, and deepen browning without burning too early.

• Watch closely if you broil. It’s the fastest way to get that darker “video-style” finish, but brown sugar can go from perfect to bitter in a minute. Keep the oven door cracked and don’t walk away.

• Let them sit for a few minutes. Right out of the oven, the sugar is still soft. A short rest helps the glaze set up so the tops feel less sticky and the edges stay crispier.

• Reheat the right way. For leftovers, use the oven or air fryer to bring back the roasted edges. The microwave works, but it softens everything.

Leftover Storage & Reheating

How to store

• Let the sweet potatoes cool to room temp (don’t leave them out longer than about 2 hours).

• Transfer to an airtight container.

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing (optional)

• You can freeze them for up to 2 months, but the texture will be softer after thawing and the caramelized top won’t stay as “roasty.”

• Freeze in a single layer on a tray first, then move to a freezer bag/container.

Best ways to reheat (to bring back the edges)

• Oven: Spread on a sheet pan and reheat at 400°F until hot and the edges look lively again.

• Air fryer: Reheat in a single layer at 375–400°F until warmed through.

Microwave (quickest)

• Works fine for speed, but expect a softer texture. If you want, microwave to warm them, then finish for a few minutes in a hot oven/air fryer to crisp the edges again.