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If you love crispy yet tender potatoes infused with rich flavors, you are going to adore this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe. These little golden beauties start soft and fluffy inside with a perfectly crunchy outside crust, all wrapped in a garlicky, cheesy embrace. It’s comfort food elevated with Italian herbs and that irresistible Parmesan finish, making every bite a celebration of flavor that’s incredibly satisfying and easy to make for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the magic behind this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe. Each component plays a key role in building layers of savory flavor, crispy texture, and color that makes this dish pop on your plate.
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes: Choose evenly sized ones for uniform cooking and smashing ease.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: This helps crisp the potatoes and carries the garlic flavor beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives that aromatic punch that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Basic seasonings that enhance every other flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: A blend like oregano, thyme, or rosemary adds an earthy, herbaceous depth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star topping that melts and crisps to golden perfection.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh pop of green color and a mild herbal finish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your potatoes crisp perfectly without sticking, creating a golden crust that’s absolutely delicious.
Step 2: Boil the Baby Potatoes Until Tender
Place your baby potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt for seasoning. Bring to a rolling boil and cook them for 15-20 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork. This step makes sure the interiors are soft and ready to take on crispy edges when baked.
Step 3: Cool and Prepare for Smashed Action
Drain the potatoes carefully and let them cool just enough to handle safely. This cooldown makes smashing easier without losing their shape.
Step 4: Smash Each Potato Gently
Arrange the potatoes on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a potato masher or the flat side of a fork to gently press each one down, flattening slightly but keeping them intact. This smashing increases the surface area, giving you more crispy edges to enjoy.
Step 5: Mix Your Flavorful Garlic Oil
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and your dried Italian herbs. This flavorful oil blend will soak into every crease of those smashed potatoes, creating an irresistible garlic aroma.
Step 6: Drizzle and Coat the Potatoes
Pour the garlic herb oil generously over the smashed potatoes, making sure every spud is evenly coated for maximum flavor absorption and crispy texture.
Step 7: Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese Evenly
Top the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt and brown beautifully in the oven, adding a nutty richness and slight crunch that makes this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe truly special.
Step 8: Bake Until Crispy and Golden
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that perfect golden-brown color and irresistible crispy edges signaling that they’re ready.
Step 9: Add a Fresh Parsley Garnish
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the potatoes. This adds a vibrant color contrast and a fresh flavor note that balances the richness.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these hot as a fantastic side or appetizer. Their crispy, cheesy, garlicky goodness will make everyone ask for seconds. This Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe is perfect for weekend dinners or anytime you want a comforting treat.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish for this dish, but feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chopped chives for an extra touch of color and flavor contrast that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these smashed potatoes with grilled chicken, steak, or a crisp green salad. The crispy, cheesy potatoes complement juicy meats wonderfully, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful presentation, serve the potatoes in individual mini cast-iron skillets or on a rustic wooden board garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. This makes for a stunning appetizer or side that wows guests visually and taste-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe even after the initial feast.
Freezing
While best fresh, you can freeze cooked smashed potatoes by placing them on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Use within 2 months for a convenient snack or side anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, bake leftovers in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that signature golden crunch of the Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just choose small to medium-sized regular potatoes and adjust the boiling time accordingly. Baby potatoes are convenient because they cook faster and hold shape well when smashed.
Is Parmesan necessary or can I use another cheese?
Parmesan is ideal for its nutty flavor and crisping ability, but you can try Pecorino Romano or even shredded mozzarella for a different twist. Just keep in mind that Parmesan brings a unique texture when baked.
Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can boil, smash, and season the potatoes ahead of time, then store them covered in the fridge. Bake them fresh when ready to serve for best crispiness.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top can add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What herbs work best in the garlic oil mixture?
Dried Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary work beautifully. Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs for an even more vibrant aroma.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe is a standout side that combines simplicity with indulgence perfectly. Its crispy edges and luscious, garlicky cheese make it a crowd-pleaser every time. If you’re looking for an easy way to impress at your next meal, this recipe is your secret weapon. Go ahead, give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with potatoes all over again!
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Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are an irresistible side dish or appetizer. Baby potatoes are boiled until tender, then gently smashed and coated with a flavorful garlic and herb olive oil mixture, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, and baked to golden perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley, they offer a delicious blend of textures and savory flavors that complement any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes
Garlic Herb Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary)
Topping & Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the potatoes.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them cool slightly so they can be safely handled for smashing.
- Smash Potatoes: Arrange the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using a potato masher or the flat side of a fork, gently press down on each potato to flatten it slightly, ensuring that each one remains mostly in one piece.
- Make Garlic Herb Oil: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs until well combined.
- Coat Potatoes: Drizzle the garlic herb olive oil evenly over the smashed potatoes, coating each potato generously with the flavorful mixture.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly across all the potatoes for a cheesy, savory topping.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy, golden brown, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Garnish: Remove from oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the potatoes to add a fresh, bright flavor and color.
- Serve: Serve the garlic parmesan smashed potatoes hot as a delicious side dish or appetizer to complement your meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the potatoes for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes to the garlic oil mixture for a spicy kick.
- Make sure to not smash the potatoes too thin as they might fall apart while baking.
- These potatoes are best served immediately but can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
