If you’re searching for a side dish that’s irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe. Combining buttery richness, a punch of garlic flavor, and the nutty tang of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, these potatoes are an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re whipping up a comforting weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a simple yet elegant treat, this recipe promises a delightful dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to give each potato the perfect balance of texture and taste. Every component plays its part: from the creamy potatoes to the sharp, savory Parmesan that crowns them.
- 1 lb small red potatoes: Small potatoes hold their shape well and provide a creamy interior once smashed.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds rich, luscious flavor and helps crisp the potatoes beautifully in the oven.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses each bite with gentle, savory garlic notes without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness and lovely reddish color to the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out and balance all the flavors.
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts to form a golden, crispy topping packed with umami goodness.
- Optional fresh chives: Sprinkle for a fresh, oniony contrast that brightens every bite.
- Optional sour cream: Adds cool creaminess that pairs perfectly with the crispy edges and savory cheese.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by placing your small red potatoes in a large pot, covering them with plenty of water and a good pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then let the potatoes cook until they’re fork tender, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. This step ensures the inside is soft and fluffy, ready to be smashed into crisp perfection.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
While the potatoes cook, preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside. Having the oven ready ahead of time means the potatoes can go in immediately after smashing, which helps achieve that irresistible crispy texture.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes and place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out a bit. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, press down on each potato until it flattens. Pressing thinner will yield crispier potatoes, but striking a balance keeps the center nice and soft. This step is where the dish truly comes to life.
Step 4: Season and Add Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over each smashed potato, letting it seep into every crevice. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the tops. These seasonings add layers of flavor that transform simple potatoes into something spectacular.
Step 5: Bake and Add Parmesan
Bake the potatoes in your preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the edges to turn gloriously crispy. Then, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the tops and pop them back in for another 2 minutes. This final touch creates a beautiful golden crust that’s packed with cheesy flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped chives brightens the flavors with a subtle onion-like snap and beautiful green color. A dollop of sour cream on the side invites creaminess that balances the crispy, savory potatoes perfectly, making every bite a dream.
Side Dishes
These smashed potatoes pair wonderfully with a variety of mains — think roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even hearty vegetarian dishes. Their versatility means you can customize your meal to suit any occasion, whether casual or festive.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try topping the potatoes with crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or even a drizzle of garlic aioli. Serving them on a rustic wooden board or alongside a vibrant salad adds visual appeal that’s sure to impress at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh, so you can enjoy that same delicious crispiness without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
While tempting, freezing isn’t recommended for this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe, as thawing can compromise that perfect texture and crispness. These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy magic after refrigeration, reheat the potatoes in a 400°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that satisfying crunch; the oven’s dry heat is what keeps them tasting fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While small red potatoes work wonderfully for their size and creaminess, you can also use baby Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes. Just make sure they are small enough to smash easily for the best results.
What’s the difference between using garlic powder and fresh garlic?
Garlic powder offers a subtle, even garlic flavor that won’t burn during baking. Fresh garlic can be stronger and risks browning or becoming bitter if baked too long. Garlic powder keeps the flavor balanced and consistent in this recipe.
Is it necessary to melt the butter before drizzling?
Yes, melted butter spreads evenly over the potatoes, allowing every bite to be infused with buttery richness. Solid butter would be difficult to distribute and wouldn’t coat the potatoes as well.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can easily swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and either omit or replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan substitute. While the texture may vary slightly, the flavors will still be deliciously satisfying.
How crispy do the potatoes get when baked?
When smashed thin and baked at 425°F, the edges of the potatoes become delightfully crispy and golden, while the insides remain soft and fluffy. That contrast is what makes this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe so addictive.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe is a game-changer that transforms simple potatoes into a flavor-packed, crispy masterpiece. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, it’s a fun and satisfying dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you for it!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a crispy, buttery, and garlicky side dish that’s easy to make with just 7 ingredients. Perfect for serving alongside any meal, they combine tender boiled potatoes smashed thin, flavored with garlic, paprika, and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a deliciously crispy finish. Ready in under an hour, they make an impressive and flavorful addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 lb small red potatoes, or any small type of potato you like
Seasoning & Toppings
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional for Serving
- Fresh chives
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Spray a baking sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside to ensure the potatoes don’t stick during baking.
- Boil potatoes: In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover them with enough water to submerge completely. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes until fork tender but not falling apart.
- Preheat oven: While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking the smashed potatoes.
- Drain and smash potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and place them on the prepared sheet pan with some space between each. Use a potato masher or the bottom of a glass to press down each potato, flattening them thinly but leaving some volume for a soft interior.
- Add butter and seasoning: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over each smashed potato. Season generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a balanced flavor profile.
- Bake the potatoes: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes at 425°F for 20 minutes, allowing them to crisp up nicely.
- Add Parmesan cheese and finish baking: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes, then bake for an additional 2 minutes so the cheese melts and forms a delicious crust.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm topped with fresh chopped chives and a dollop of sour cream if desired, adding freshness and creaminess to each bite.
Notes
- How to Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing as it alters the texture.
- How to Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 400°F for 5 to 10 minutes to restore crispness. Microwaving is not recommended as it reduces crunchiness.
