Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Few side dishes offer the perfect mix of crispy texture, cheesy goodness, and savory flavor like Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. With a golden, crunchy exterior and a creamy, fluffy interior, these potatoes are a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re planning a holiday meal, a dinner party, or just a delicious weekday dinner, this dish is a showstopper that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve.
Introduction
Smashed potatoes are the perfect hybrid of mashed potatoes and roasted potatoes. They start by being boiled until fork-tender, then smashed and baked until their edges are crispy. Add garlic, herbs, and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, and you’ve got one of the most irresistible side dishes ever created.
What Are Smashed Potatoes?
Unlike mashed potatoes, which are whipped smooth with butter and milk, smashed potatoes are left chunky. The technique involves boiling small potatoes until tender, lightly smashing them flat, then roasting them in the oven until their surfaces are crispy and golden.
The result? A potato dish with creamy insides and crunchy edges, perfect for pairing with just about anything.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crispy and creamy: A perfect contrast of textures.
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Loaded with flavor: Garlic, butter, and Parmesan create an irresistible combination.
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Easy to make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
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Crowd-pleasing: Great for family dinners or potlucks.
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Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or even bacon for variety.
Pro Tips for Crispy Smashed Potatoes
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Choose the right potatoes: Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes have the perfect size and waxy texture for smashing.
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Don’t over-smash: Flatten enough to create a larger surface area, but not so much that they fall apart.
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Dry potatoes = crispier results: Let the potatoes steam dry for a few minutes after draining.
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Use a hot oven: 425°F ensures the edges crisp up properly.
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Don’t skimp on oil or cheese: Both contribute to the flavor and crispy texture.
Flavor Variations
Smashed potatoes are incredibly customizable. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
1. Cheddar & Chive Smashed Potatoes
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Replace Parmesan with shredded cheddar and top with fresh chopped chives after baking.
2. Bacon Ranch Smashed Potatoes
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Add crumbled bacon before baking and drizzle with ranch dressing before serving.
3. Herb Butter Smashed Potatoes
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Infuse melted butter with rosemary or thyme and brush it over the potatoes.
4. Spicy Cajun Smashed Potatoes
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Mix Cajun seasoning into the garlic butter and top with pepper jack cheese.
Serving Ideas
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a side dish that can complement almost any meal. Here are some great pairings:
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Grilled or roasted meats (chicken, steak, pork chops)
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Salmon or other fish
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Vegetarian mains like roasted veggies or stuffed peppers
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Holiday meals as an alternative to mashed potatoes
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Appetizer platter with dips like sour cream, aioli, or ranch
Storage and Reheating
Storage:
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
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Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes to regain crispiness.
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You can also reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes.
Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use larger potatoes?
A: You can, but they’ll need to be cut in half before boiling, and they won’t crisp up quite as well as small potatoes.
Q: What type of Parmesan should I use?
A: Freshly grated Parmesan from a block provides the best texture and flavor. Pre-shredded Parmesan may not melt or brown as nicely.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time. Just refrigerate and bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! After boiling and smashing, place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes or until crispy.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes strike the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. They’re rustic yet refined, simple yet full of flavor. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again—not just for the holidays, but any day you want a spectacular side dish.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs (about 700g) baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: Extra Parmesan for sprinkling before serving
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes:
Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Boil for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly. - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Smash the potatoes:
Place boiled potatoes on the baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or potato masher to gently smash each potato to about ½-inch thickness. - Add flavor:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs. Spoon or brush the mixture over each smashed potato. - Sprinkle Parmesan:
Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top of each potato. - Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy around the edges. Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness if desired. - Serve:
Garnish with extra herbs or Parmesan. Serve hot!