Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are an easy side dish that feels totally gourmet! They’re buttery, garlicky, and perfectly crisped in the oven with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Ellen’s Recipe Notes
I make these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes all the time, lately more than once a week. I just can’t help myself, they are truly that good! Boiled, smashed, baked, and topped lots of buttery garlic, parmesan cheese, and paprika… Trust me, just one bite and you’ll be hooked!
While they may take a little more effort than regular roasted baby potatoes, they’re well worth it and always sure to impress. I serve them with a little sour cream or fresh herbs on top, but honestly, they’re perfect just as they are.
Key Ingredient Notes
Below you will find helpful notes and substitutions for a few key ingredients. Visit the printable recipe card below for the full ingredient list and amounts.
- Small Potatoes: Red smashed potatoes are my favorite as they have a naturally creamy texture and thin skin, which gets deliciously crispy in the oven. However, you can use any small or baby potato you like, such as Yukon golds, fingerling potatoes, or new potatoes. If using baby potatoes, keep in mind they will cook faster and become fork-tender in less time.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan (the kind in the refrigerated cheese section) is the way to go! That way you really get the best flavor and consistency.
- Garlic: To keep it easy, I used garlic powder. For even more garlic flavor, use freshly minced garlic or a combo of both.
How To Make Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Below is a quick overview along with a few quick tips for making this parmesan smashed potatoes recipe. Visit the printable recipe card down below for the full instructions.
Boil: To get the best texture, make sure your potatoes are fully fork-tender before smashing them. If they’re too firm, they’ll break apart unevenly. Keep in mind that the potatoes will take a little longer to boil since they are whole.
Smash: I like to use a potato masher, or the bottom of a glass will also work, to gently press until they’re about ¼ to ½ inch thick. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get!
Season: Make sure to coat the potatoes with the melted butter first, then season them well before baking. This will help the seasonings to stick to the potatoes, making sure every bite is buttery, garlicky, and flavorful.
Roast: Make sure your oven is fully preheated so they roast up golden and crisp. Give each potato enough space on the sheet pan so the edges can crisp up instead of steaming.
Add Cheese: In the last few minutes of roasting, add the parmesan cheese and cook for just a couple of minutes more. This will brown the cheese and give it a little texture too.
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Can Smashed Potatoes Be Made Ahead?
While you can’t make them fully in advance, as they will never be as crisp again once reheated, you can do most of the work in advance. It’s a huge time-saver, especially when you’re hosting!
To prep this parmesan smashed potatoes recipe ahead of time, boil the potatoes until they’re fork-tender, then drain and let them cool completely.
Once cooled, place them on a sheet tray, gently smash each one, and cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can store them like this in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to serve, just drizzle with melted butter, season, and bake as directed. Add the Parmesan at the end, and they’ll come out just as crispy and flavorful as if you made them fresh.
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 lb small red potatoes, or any small type of potato you like
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Optional For Serving
- fresh chives
- sour cream
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Instructions
- Spray a baking sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large pot, add the potatoes. Add enough water and 1 tablespoon salt to cover the potatoes fully. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Drain the potatoes and place them on the prepared sheet pan, leaving a little space between each one. Use a potato masher, or the bottom of a glass, and press down on each potato until it is flattened. The thinner the potato, the crisper it will be. I like to smash mine thin but leave enough volume so that the inside is soft.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over each smashed potato. Season each potato with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bake 425°F for 20 minutes. Add the parmesan cheese to the top of the potatoes and bake for another 2 minutes.
- Serve warm topped with fresh chopped chives and sour cream.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! Leave the skin on. Small or baby potatoes have thinner skin which gets crispy in the oven and adds great texture and flavor.
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, depending on how thin you smash them and the size of your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket for best results.
There’s a ton of room for creativity here. Swap out our favorite seasonings with anything you prefer – lemon pepper, ranch seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, or whatever else floats your boat.
Absolutely! Try crumbled bacon, chives (or green onions), fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of mozzarella or cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
What To Serve With Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?
Your options are pretty limitless as they pair well with just about everything! We love to serve them with a juicy skirt steak or this easy cast iron steak. They also pair great with simple baked chicken breasts or this creamy chicken and gravy.
If you’re craving seafood, go for my favorite grilled shrimp or blackened shrimp. They also pair great with this quick air fryer Mahi Mahi or parmesan crusted cod.
More Potato Recipes To Try
- Head to your next potluck with German potato salad or Southern red potato salad!
- Crockpot cheesy potatoes travel well and you can keep them warm for hours.
- Decadent garlic mashed potatoes are incredibly creamy and garlicky.
- No-fuss air fryer potatoes and onions comes together in just a few minutes. Or, use your skillet to make fried potatoes and onions!
- Twice baked potato casserole is a stunning holiday side dish.
