Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove.
Once the water is boiling, add the potatoes, and set a timer for 15-16 minutes.
While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the sauce for the potatoes.
To do that, whisk together the olive oil, mashed garlic, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper.
When your timer goes off, test the potatoes for doneness, by poking one of them with a fork - if it comes out easily, then the potatoes are done. If it doesn't, add an extra minute or two of boil time.
Once the potatoes are done, remove from the pot from the heat and drain all of the water.
Next, preheat oven to 450.
Rub some olive oil all over a baking sheet (this is so the potatoes get extra crispy).
Line up the potatoes on the oiled baking sheet.
Use the bottom of a glass/mug to smash each potato, about 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick.
Next, coat the potatoes evenly with the mixture that you prepared earlier.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are nice and crispy - ovens vary and so does the thickness of your potatoes, so just keep an eye on them, and remove from the oven at your desired time.
If you are going to make the balsamic drizzle, simply whisk together the ingredients and drizzle it evenly over the baked potatoes!