Baked Smashed Potatoes With Garlic & Parmesan Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite potato side dish: Baked Smashed Potatoes With Garlic & Parmesan. These little golden rounds are irresistibly crispy on the outside, fluffy in the center, and packed with savory garlic-Parmesan flavor. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this recipe is an easy way to turn simple potatoes into something truly special, and every bite feels like a celebration of comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long grocery list to whip up Baked Smashed Potatoes With Garlic & Parmesan, and each ingredient plays a starring role. From buttery baby potatoes to a shower of freshly grated Parmesan, these kitchen staples combine for big flavor and the most playful textures.

• Baby potatoes: Their creamy texture and petite size make them perfect for smashing and roasting to a crisp.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the potatoes brown perfectly in the oven; use the best quality you have.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses every bite with aromatic depth and that crave-worthy flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the potatoes from tasting flat.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthiness that balances the creaminess of the potatoes.
• Smoked paprika (optional): Lends an extra pop of warmth and color, making the dish even more appealing.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into golden, nutty crisps that create delightful little crusts on each potato.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the topping and pairs wonderfully with the olive oil for flavor and browning.
• Fresh parsley: A fresh, green finish that wakes up all the flavors and gives a beautiful touch at the end.

How to Make Baked Smashed Potatoes With Garlic & Parmesan

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a lively boil. Toss in a hearty pinch of salt for seasoning and add your baby potatoes. Simmer them for 15 to 20 minutes, just until they’re fork-tender. If you can slide a fork in with no resistance, they’re perfect. Drain and let them cool on the counter for a few minutes. This brief wait makes them much easier to handle—and trust me, it’s worth it.

Step 2: Prep Your Baking Sheet

While the potatoes are cooling down, set your oven to preheat at 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with olive oil. This little prep step guarantees those irresistible crispy edges and prevents the potatoes from sticking.

Step 3: Smash Those Potatoes

Now for the fun: arrange the slightly cooled potatoes on your prepared baking sheet. Grab the bottom of a sturdy glass, a potato masher, or even a fork, and press each potato until it’s about a half inch thick. Don’t fret if some split or look rustic—those extra-crispy bits are delicious!

Step 4: Make and Add the Garlic-Parmesan Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together your olive oil, freshly melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Drizzle or brush this savory mixture over every smashed potato so they’re luxuriously coated. Just before baking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops—this is when the magic happens.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your pan in that hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until each potato has a deep, golden color and those edges turn crackly and crisp. For the ultimate crunch, you can broil for an extra two or three minutes—just watch closely so nothing burns. Once out of the oven, shower with chopped fresh parsley and a little red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick.

How to Serve Baked Smashed Potatoes With Garlic & Parmesan

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley right after baking highlights the vibrant flavors, while a touch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat. For an extra flourish, you can grate a bit more Parmesan on top or even add lemon zest for a pop of brightness.

Side Dishes

Baked Smashed Potatoes With Garlic & Parmesan are perfect beside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a simple green salad. They also shine on brunch tables alongside eggs, bacon, or smoked salmon—seriously, they’re a crowd-pleaser wherever you serve them!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these potatoes as small bites with toothpicks for appetizers, or create a platter with bowls of different dips like garlic aioli, sour cream, or a zesty sriracha mayo. For special occasions, stack them in layers or arrange them in concentric circles for a table centerpiece that will have everyone reaching in for just one more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Baked Smashed Potatoes With Garlic & Parmesan left, allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and still taste fantastic, especially when you reheat them the right way.

Freezing

Though freshly baked is best, you can freeze these potatoes. Arrange the cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. When you’re craving a quick snack or side, take out just what you need!

Reheating

For the crispiest results, place cooled or thawed potatoes on a baking sheet and reheat in a 400°F oven for 10–15 minutes. This brings back their signature crunch and warms them through perfectly, making them taste almost as fresh as the day you made them.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Absolutely! You can cut larger potatoes into chunks roughly the size of baby potatoes before boiling and proceed as directed. Stick with Yukon Golds or red potatoes for the best texture.

What’s the best way to smash the potatoes if I don’t have a potato masher?

A sturdy glass or even a large fork will do the trick. Just press gently and evenly for the perfect thickness—don’t worry if things get a bit rustic!

Can I add other seasonings or cheeses?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, and try swapping the Parmesan for pecorino, sharp cheddar, or even crumbled feta for a new flavor twist.

Is it possible to make Baked Smashed Potatoes With Garlic & Parmesan vegan?

Yes, just use plant-based butter and swap the Parmesan for your favorite vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a delicious, dairy-free option.

How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?

Be sure to thoroughly dry the cooked potatoes before smashing and be generous with the olive oil. Giving them space on the pan and broiling for a minute or two also brings out irresistible crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you cannot go wrong with Baked Smashed Potatoes With Garlic & Parmesan. The crispy edges, cheesy tops, and garlicky aroma are simply irresistible. Give them a try—they’re sure to become your new go-to for weeknights, parties, and everything in between!

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