Put potatoes on a baking sheet with 3/4 cup water.
Cover tightly with foil then bake at 500 ° F for 25 - 30 minutes or until a paring knife can easily poke through the foil and into a potato.
Take out of the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
Drizzle 3 Tablespoons of the oil onto the potatoes and gently roll to coat.
Space evenly and put a 2nd baking sheet on top of the first, then push down, (don't be afraid to push hard) and with you fist, give the pan a few thumps until all the potatoes are smashed to about 1/3-1/2 inch thick.
Drizzle with the remaining 3 Tablespoons of the oil, them sprinkle with the thyme, then with salt and pepper.
Put the potatoes back into the oven (still at 500° F) for an additional 35 - 40 minutes.
The result will be a crispy and delicious smashed potato that can only rival a well-made French fry.