If you have a soft spot for crispy, cheesy bites of comfort food, you are going to adore this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe. These golden, crunchy little potatoes burst with garlicky goodness and a nutty Parmesan flavor, making them the perfect side or snack to satisfy any craving. They’re easy to whip up, packed with texture, and irresistibly flavorful, turning everyday baby potatoes into a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe shine, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry.
- Baby potatoes: The star of the dish, small potatoes are perfect for smashing and baking to crispy perfection.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty flavor and adds a crispy, golden crust when baked.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with savory, aromatic depth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance the flavors and bring out the best in each bite.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds color and a fresh finish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, boil the baby potatoes in salted water for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for them to be fork-tender, so they are soft enough to smash but still hold their shape. This step is crucial for that perfect balance of soft inside and crispy outside.
Step 2: Smash the Potatoes
Once boiled, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet and gently press down with the back of a fork to smash each potato just until it flattens but remains in one piece. This gives more surface area to crisp up in the oven.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Toppings
Drizzle the smashed potatoes generously with olive oil, then sprinkle the minced garlic and Parmesan cheese over them. The oil helps the cheese melt and crisp up while the garlic tenderly roasts, infusing the potatoes with tons of flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the potatoes turn a beautiful golden brown and the Parmesan forms a crispy crust. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning the cheese.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the potatoes with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. The parsley not only adds a burst of color but also a fresh, mildly peppery note that balances the richness.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is a classic, you can also try garnishing with chopped chives, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or even a drizzle of creamy aioli. These add extra layers of color and exciting flavor twists, perfect for impressing friends or simply elevating your everyday meal.
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes make a fantastic side to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. Their crispy, cheesy texture pairs beautifully with juicy meats and fresh salads, making any dinner feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these potatoes as a party appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces like tangy sriracha mayo, garlic ranch, or even a zesty marinara. You can also top them individually with sour cream and bacon bits for a loaded potato twist that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while preserving that garlic Parmesan flavor without losing too much of the crisp texture.
Freezing
Freezing smashed potatoes is not ideal as it can change the texture, making them soggy once thawed and reheated. For best results, enjoy this recipe fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy goodness, reheat leftovers in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes rather than using a microwave. This will help restore their crispy edges and warm the potatoes evenly.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes work best for even cooking and smashing, you can use regular potatoes cut into similar-sized chunks. Just adjust boiling and baking times accordingly to ensure they cook through.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary, or can I substitute it?
Parmesan adds that signature nutty and crispy topping, but you can try substitutes like Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheeses if you want a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure whatever cheese you choose melts well and crisps up nicely.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor, and use olive oil as usual. The garlic and herbs will still provide fantastic taste and aroma.
How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Make sure the potatoes are well drained and dry before smashing. Using enough olive oil and baking at a high temperature helps, plus don’t overcrowd the baking sheet so each potato has space to crisp.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes, they’re great for meal prep as a hearty side. Just prepare and bake them ahead, then reheat in the oven for best texture. They maintain flavor well and make quick weeknight dinners more exciting.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about the combination of crispy edges, soft insides, rich garlic, and cheesy Parmesan in this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of comfort and flavor that feels special but is so easy to make at home. Give it a try and see how this simple dish can quickly become your new favorite side that everyone raves about!
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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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. This easy recipe features boiled baby potatoes smashed and baked with a delicious mixture of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, making a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 lb baby potatoes
Seasoning
- 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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for crisping the potatoes.
- Boil the potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in salted boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly to handle.
- Smash the potatoes: Arrange the boiled potatoes on a baking sheet, and use a fork or the bottom of a glass to gently press each potato until it flattens but still holds together.
- Add toppings: Drizzle the smashed potatoes evenly with olive oil, minced garlic, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over them.
- Bake: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden and crispy on the edges.
- Season and garnish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use baby potatoes of similar size for even cooking.
- Boiling potatoes until fork-tender ensures they smash easily without falling apart.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for stronger or milder flavor.
- Parmesan cheese adds a savory crust; for a vegetarian version, make sure the Parmesan is suitable.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or other herbs like chives for added freshness.
- Serve hot for the best texture and taste.
