If you’re on the lookout for a comforting yet impressively flavorful side dish, this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. Crispy on the outside with tender, fluffy insides, these little smashed potatoes are smothered in a garlicky, cheesy coating that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe brings together the best of simple ingredients and easy preparation to deliver a dish everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun when making this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and achieving that perfect balance of crispy and creamy textures.
- 1 lb baby potatoes: These small potatoes cook quickly and hold their shape well, making smashing easier and more effective.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that crisps the potatoes beautifully and helps the garlic and cheese adhere.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds that savory, nutty richness which truly elevates the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: This fresh garlic infuses the potatoes with an aromatic kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to season and bring out the potatoes’ natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of color and fresh herbaceous note that brightens the savory richness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) because timing matters for crispiness. Boil the baby potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until they’re fork-tender—soft enough to smash but not falling apart. This boiling step creates that fluffy interior essential to the recipe’s success.
Step 2: Prep for Smashing
Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle. Place them on a baking sheet lined for easy cleanup. Here’s a little tip: use the bottom of a glass or a sturdy fork to gently press down and flatten each potato to about half their original thickness, creating more surface area to crisp up in the oven.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Oil
Drizzle the smashed potatoes generously with olive oil—this is what’ll turn them golden and crunchy. Sprinkle minced garlic and Parmesan cheese evenly on top to ensure every bite is infused with those irresistible flavors. Don’t skimp on the cheese; it melts into a perfect crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the sheet into your preheated oven and let those potatoes bake for 20-25 minutes. During this time, they transform—crispy on the edges while the insides stay soft and delicious. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden color signaling they’re ready to enjoy.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle salt, freshly ground pepper, and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. The salt enhances all the flavors, pepper adds a mild heat, and parsley offers a fresh contrast to the richness.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other garnishes like chives, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or even a light drizzle of truffle oil for a more luxurious twist. These little finishing touches can add unexpected depth and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These smashed potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a simple green salad. Because they’re hearty yet flavorful, they complement everything from a casual weeknight meal to a festive holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe bites on a rustic wooden board or in small individual ramekins topped with dollops of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce. They’re also fabulous tossed into a bowl with extra parmesan and herbs for a shared appetizer style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be hard to resist), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps preserve their texture and flavor without drying them out.
Freezing
While these potatoes taste best fresh, you can freeze them after baking and cooling fully. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within 1 month for best results, and remember that reheating might lose some crispness.
Reheating
To bring those crispy edges back to life, reheat your leftovers in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use larger potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just adjust the boiling time accordingly to ensure they’re fork-tender before smashing. Larger potatoes may need a bit longer in the water and more careful smashing.
What can I use if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be excellent substitutes, offering a similar salty, nutty flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
You can make a vegan version by swapping out Parmesan for a plant-based cheese alternative and ensuring the oil and seasonings are vegan-friendly. Fresh nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor punch.
Can I add other herbs or spices to this recipe?
Definitely! Rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of chili flakes can be fantastic additions. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs to make this recipe truly your own.
How crispy do the potatoes get?
The exterior crisps up nicely thanks to the olive oil and high oven heat, creating a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, fluffy center. Baking time and potato thickness will influence crispiness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the simplicity and indulgence this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe brings to the table. It’s easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and hits that perfect balance between crispy and creamy. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a recurring favorite in your kitchen—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish that combines the comforting texture of boiled potatoes with a flavorful topping of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Easy to make and perfect for any meal, they offer a satisfying blend of savory and cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 lb baby potatoes
Seasoning and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the potatoes to a crispy finish.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the baby potatoes into a pot of salted water and boil them for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender, meaning a fork can easily pierce through without resistance. Drain and allow them to cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
- Smash Potatoes: Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet. Using a fork, gently press down to flatten each potato without breaking it apart completely. This creates more surface area to crisp up in the oven.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle the potatoes evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese all over, ensuring each smashed potato gets a good coating of flavor.
- Bake to Crisp: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake until the potatoes turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior while remaining soft inside.
- Season and Garnish: Remove the potatoes from the oven. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- For extra crispiness, use a metal baking sheet instead of glass or ceramic.
- Make sure not to over-boil the potatoes, as they might become too mushy to smash properly.
- These potatoes pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a standalone snack.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
