When it comes to comfort food, potatoes are a staple ingredient. Whether mashed, roasted, or baked, they are versatile, easy to prepare, and loved by many. However, if you want to elevate your potato game, Baked Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parmesan are the way to go. This recipe offers the best of both worlds – crispy, golden potatoes on the outside with a soft and fluffy interior, all infused with the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan.

Whether you’re serving them as a side dish for dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are sure to impress. With just a handful of simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you can prepare this delicious dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

There’s something magical about the combination of garlic, Parmesan, and crispy potatoes. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Here’s why this recipe will quickly become your go-to side dish:

Crispy On The Outside, Soft On The Inside: The baking method ensures the potatoes are crispy on the outside while maintaining their soft, fluffy texture on the inside. It’s the perfect balance of textures that makes every bite satisfying.
Flavorful Garlic and Parmesan: The garlic infuses the potatoes with a savory depth of flavor, while the Parmesan adds a salty, umami richness that makes them irresistible.
Easy and Quick to Prepare: Unlike traditional mashed potatoes, these smashed potatoes are not only simple to make but they also cook much faster. It’s a fuss-free side dish that can be prepared in just under an hour.
Customizable: While this recipe is already bursting with flavor, it’s easy to customize to your taste. Add some smoked paprika for a smoky kick or experiment with fresh herbs to suit your flavor preferences.

The Essential Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Before you dive into the preparation, let’s take a look at the key ingredients for making these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes:

1 ½ pounds baby potatoes: Red or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe. These small potatoes hold their shape well when boiled and smashed, making them perfect for this dish.
3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred): Olive oil is used to coat the potatoes before baking, helping to create that crispy, golden exterior. Extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity and rich flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the star of this recipe, infusing the potatoes with a savory depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the Parmesan cheese.
½ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors and ensures that your potatoes are well-seasoned.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a bit of heat and complexity to the dish.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor): Smoked paprika adds a mild smoky flavor that perfectly complements the garlic and Parmesan. It’s optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the potatoes to give them that irresistible umami flavor. It also crisps up beautifully in the oven.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Butter adds richness and flavor to the potatoes. It’s drizzled over the potatoes after baking to enhance the overall taste.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish, making it visually appealing as well as flavorful.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s break down the process of making these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes step by step. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and visually stunning.

1. Boil the Potatoes

The first step in preparing Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes is boiling the potatoes. Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, and then add the baby potatoes. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You’ll want them soft enough that a fork can easily slide in, but not so soft that they fall apart.

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool slightly. You can set them aside for a few minutes while you preheat your oven.

2. Preheat the Oven

While the potatoes are cooling, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to achieve the crispy, golden texture that’s characteristic of Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Additionally, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

3. Smash the Potatoes

Now comes the fun part – smashing the potatoes! Take each potato and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork or a potato masher to gently press down on each potato until it flattens slightly but remains intact. The goal is to create a smashed, rustic look, so don’t worry if they break apart a little.

4. Season & Bake the Potatoes

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir the mixture well to combine the flavors. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each smashed potato with the garlic oil mixture. Be sure to cover every surface of the potato to ensure maximum flavor.

Once all the potatoes are coated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The potatoes should become golden brown and crispy on the edges. Keep an eye on them as they bake to make sure they don’t burn.

5. Add Parmesan & Butter

After the potatoes have reached the perfect level of crispiness, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of each smashed potato, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. The heat from the potatoes will melt the cheese, creating a delicious, gooey topping.

Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the Parmesan to melt and crisp up.

6. Garnish & Serve

Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes hot, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Use the right potatoes: Red or Yukon Gold potatoes are the best options for this recipe because they hold their shape well and have a smooth, creamy texture.
Don’t over-boil the potatoes: Be sure to cook the potatoes just until they are fork-tender. Over-boiling can cause them to become mushy and difficult to smash.
Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to add other seasonings to customize your mashed potatoes. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes can add extra flavor.
For extra crispiness: If you prefer your potatoes extra crispy, you can flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure both sides get evenly crispy.
Make it a meal: These smashed potatoes are a perfect side dish, but you can easily turn them into a main by adding cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg on top.

Nutritional Information

While Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are undeniably delicious, they’re also a relatively healthy option when made in moderation. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 400mg

These values will vary depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but overall, this dish is satisfying and flavorful without being overly indulgent.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, you’ll love these other savory potato-based dishes:

Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks – Soft, cheesy breadsticks that pair perfectly with any meal.
Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes – Roasted potatoes with crispy bacon and a touch of honey for a sweet-savory flavor.
Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs – Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into delicious cheesy puffs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to make crispy garlic smashed potatoes?

To achieve the crispiest Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, follow these key tips:

Use the right potatoes: Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best as they have a creamy texture but crisp up beautifully when baked.
Boil just until fork-tender: Overcooking can make them too soft while undercooking makes them difficult to smash.
Let them dry after boiling: Excess moisture prevents crispiness. Drain the potatoes well and let them sit for a few minutes before smashing.
Use enough oil: Generously brush the potatoes with olive oil to ensure they crisp up in the oven.
Bake at high heat: A temperature of 425°F (220°C) is ideal for achieving crispy edges.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Space the potatoes apart on the baking sheet so air circulates around them, helping them crisp evenly.
Finish with Parmesan and butter: This adds a final layer of crunch and rich, cheesy flavor.

How do you make Rachael Ray’s smashed potatoes?

Rachael Ray’s method for smashed potatoes is slightly different but just as delicious:

Boil whole potatoes until fork-tender in salted water.
Drain and lightly smash each potato with a fork or masher.
Heat olive oil and butter in a pan, then add minced garlic and seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs.
Pan-fry the smashed potatoes in the garlic-infused oil until crispy and golden on both sides.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives and serve immediately.

This stovetop method results in crispy, golden potatoes with a rich buttery flavor.

What to season smashed potatoes with?

Smashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be seasoned in many ways. Here are some tasty seasoning options:

Classic garlic and Parmesan: A mix of garlic, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese adds rich flavor and crispiness.
Smoky & spicy: Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes can add a little heat.
Herb-infused: Fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, oregano, or parsley bring an earthy aroma.
Cheesy & savory: Aside from Parmesan, try cheddar, Gouda, or feta cheese for extra cheesiness.
Citrus & zesty: A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten up the flavors.

Experimenting with different seasonings allows you to customize the dish to your taste!

Why do you need to soak potatoes before baking?

Soaking potatoes before baking removes excess starch, leading to crispier results. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

Removes excess starch: Starch can make potatoes gummy instead of crispy. Soaking in cold water for at least 30 minutes helps achieve a better texture.
Prevents sticking: Less starch means the potatoes won’t stick to the baking sheet.
Improves crispiness: When starch is removed, potatoes crisp up more evenly when baked.

For smashed potatoes, soaking isn’t necessary since they are boiled first, but if you want even crispier results, letting them dry thoroughly after boiling can help!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are the perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and flavorful. Whether you’re making them for a holiday meal or as a simple weeknight side, these potatoes are sure to become a household favorite. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and crispy edges makes them irresistible, and with just a few simple ingredients, they’re easy to prepare. So the next time you’re looking for a side dish that’s both comforting and flavorful, give these smashed potatoes a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes – Crispy & Flavorful!

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These crispy, Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate side dish that combines creamy potatoes with savory garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of butter. Perfectly roasted to golden brown, these smashed potatoes are packed with flavor and crunch, making them a crowd-pleasing treat for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (red or Yukon Gold work best)
3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Boil Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add baby potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Smash Potatoes: Place boiled potatoes on the baking sheet. Use a fork or potato masher to gently press each potato down until flattened but still intact.
Season & Bake: Mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Brush over each smashed potato. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Add Parmesan & Butter: Remove from the oven, drizzle melted butter over the potatoes, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for another 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top of the potatoes before serving.
You can substitute olive oil with melted butter for a richer taste.
If you want your potatoes even crispier, try adding a dash of baking powder to the olive oil mix.
For a kick, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (of 4 total)
Calories: 200 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, Crispy Smashed Potatoes, Smashed Potatoes with Garlic, Parmesan Potatoes, Oven Roasted Smashed Potatoes, Potato Side Dish, Garlic Potatoes, Parmesan Potatoes Recipe