Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Let’s talk about Parmesan Smashed Potatoes—they’re everything you didn’t know you needed in a potato side dish! Picture creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a golden, crispy exterior that adds the perfect crunch. Then, we sprinkle in the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic. Seriously, what’s not to love? These potatoes are the ideal balance of comfort and flavor, and trust me, they’re bound to be the star of any dinner table. Whether you’re serving them alongside a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or just enjoying them on their own with a dollop of sour cream, these smashed potatoes will have everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

• Crispy and Creamy: The outside gets perfectly crispy while the inside stays soft and creamy. It’s the ultimate texture combo!
• Cheese, Please: Parmesan cheese gives these potatoes a savory, nutty flavor that elevates them from basic mashed potatoes to something extraordinary.
• Easy to Make: These potatoes are simple to prepare, and you don’t need any fancy techniques to make them shine. Just smash, season, and bake!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a side to go with your weeknight meal, these potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the flavors to your liking—add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, or spice them up with a dash of paprika or chili flakes.

Ingredients

For the Parmesan Smashed Potatoes:

• Baby Potatoes: Small potatoes work best for smashing, as they cook quickly and have a naturally creamy texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the potatoes and gives them a lovely golden finish.
• Butter: For that rich, creamy texture inside.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives these potatoes a deep, savory flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic or garlic powder for that aromatic kick.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning to taste.
• Fresh Herbs (Optional): Fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley add a pop of freshness and color.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get smashing!

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 12-15 minutes or until they are fork-tender. You want them soft enough to smash but not falling apart.

Step 2: Smash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using the back of a fork or a potato masher, gently smash each potato, pressing down just enough to flatten them slightly—don’t go too hard; we’re aiming for a rustic, lumpy texture. Space them evenly on the baking sheet.

Step 3: Season and Add the Good Stuff

Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and melted butter. Sprinkle them generously with Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. If you’re adding herbs, sprinkle them over the top as well.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown. The cheese will melt and form a beautiful, slightly crisp crust around the potatoes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. For an extra burst of freshness, top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrate: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin A: 6%
Vitamin C: 15%
Calcium: 12%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

• With Grilled Meats: These potatoes pair beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or lamb. The crispy edges and cheesy flavor complement the richness of the meat perfectly.
• As a Side to Roasted Vegetables: Serve them alongside roasted veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini for a well-rounded meal.
• With Sour Cream or Ranch: For a little extra indulgence, serve these potatoes with a side of sour cream or your favorite ranch dressing.
• In a Bowl with Cheese: For the ultimate cheesy experience, sprinkle more Parmesan over the top and melt it under the broiler for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Additional Tips

• Use Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, you can also mix in other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a unique twist.
• Herb Variation: Rosemary and thyme are amazing with Parmesan, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil, oregano, or even sage.
• Make It Ahead: You can boil the potatoes ahead of time, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, smash, season, and bake for a quick and easy side dish.
• Smash Them Twice: For even crispier edges, you can smash the potatoes, bake them, then smash them again halfway through cooking. This results in extra crunch!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
A1: Yes! You can use larger potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into smaller chunks before boiling to ensure they cook evenly.

Q2: Can I make these potatoes without Parmesan cheese?
A2: You can use other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella, but Parmesan gives them that unique, nutty flavor. You could also skip the cheese for a dairy-free option.

Q3: Can I prepare these potatoes in advance?
A3: You can boil the potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to serve, just smash, season, and bake them.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover Parmesan smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep the crispy texture.

Q5: Can I freeze these potatoes?
A5: Yes! You can freeze them after smashing and seasoning, then bake from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for about 30 minutes or until crispy.

Q6: How can I make these potatoes spicier?
A6: Add some chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix to give the potatoes a spicy kick.

Q7: Can I make these potatoes with a different type of oil?
A7: Yes, you can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even butter for a different flavor.

Q8: Can I use a different herb instead of parsley or rosemary?
A8: Absolutely! You could use thyme, sage, oregano, or even basil to complement the flavor of the potatoes.

Q9: How do I make sure the potatoes are crispy?
A9: Make sure you drizzle enough oil and butter over the smashed potatoes, and bake them at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) for enough time to get that crispy golden finish.

Q10: Can I add bacon to these potatoes?
A10: Yes! Crumbled bacon would make a fantastic addition for a smoky, savory flavor. Sprinkle it over the top before baking or mix it into the potatoes before smashing.

Conclusion

These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are everything you want in a side dish—crispy, cheesy, and totally irresistible. They’re the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them an ideal accompaniment to almost any meal. Whether you’re having a laid-back weeknight dinner or preparing for a special occasion, these potatoes are sure to make an impact. So grab some baby potatoes, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most comforting, mouthwatering side dishes ever!

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