Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it's ready for baking the potatoes later.

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water, then bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Boil the potatoes until they're fork-tender, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

Once cooked, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool for a few minutes until they're safe to handle.

Transfer the boiled potatoes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they're evenly spaced out.

Gently press down on each potato using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass to flatten them, but be careful not to completely mash them.

Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring each potato is lightly coated.

Season the potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences, and optionally add herbs or garlic powder for extra flavor.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the smashed potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they're crispy and golden brown.

Once baked to perfection, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Optionally, garnish the smashed potatoes with toppings like grated cheese, chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Serve the crispy and flavorful smashed potatoes hot as a delightful side dish or appetizer, and enjoy every delicious bite!