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Perfect Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan

crispy smashed potatoes with garlic parmesan - featured image

These crispy smashed potatoes with garlic parmesan are a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for entertaining. With a creamy interior and shatteringly crisp exterior, they’re a crowd-pleaser that looks fancy but comes together in about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds small red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 12–15 potatoes, roughly 900g)
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt (for the boiling water)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (60g)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (45ml)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Extra Parmesan for sprinkling (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash and boil the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 2 inches. Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
  3. Drain and let steam dry: Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for about 5 minutes to dry the surface.
  4. Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine. Reserve about 2 tablespoons for after roasting.
  5. Smash the potatoes: Arrange the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Using a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass, gently press down on each potato until it flattens to about 1/2-inch thickness.
  6. Brush with the butter mixture: Generously brush each smashed potato with the garlic butter mixture, getting it into the cracks. Reserve about 2 tablespoons for after roasting.
  7. Sprinkle with Parmesan: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each potato (about 1 teaspoon per potato).
  8. Roast for 25-30 minutes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. Rotate the pan and continue roasting for another 5-10 minutes, until deep golden brown and crispy.
  9. Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and immediately brush or drizzle with the reserved garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan; give potatoes about 2 inches of space. Let potatoes dry after boiling for 5 minutes to ensure crispiness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and browning. Watch the garlic to prevent burning; add garlic powder for extra flavor without risk. Make extra as they disappear fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy smashed potatoes, garlic parmesan potatoes, smashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, side dish, potluck, easy recipe