Description
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are crispy, golden-brown on the outside and tender on the inside, coated with garlic-infused olive oil and topped with savory Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. This easy oven-roasted side dish makes a perfect accompaniment to any meal, delivering comforting flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (or any small potatoes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart.
- Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them sit for a few minutes to dry out slightly, which helps achieve a crispy texture during roasting.
- Smash the Potatoes: Once cooled enough to handle, gently smash each potato using the back of a fork or a potato masher. Keep them mostly intact but flattened to increase surface area for crisping.
- Add Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil or melted butter with the minced garlic. Brush or drizzle this garlicky oil evenly over all the smashed potatoes for flavor and moisture.
- Season and Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and add chopped fresh rosemary if using for an herbal note.
- Roast the Potatoes: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are crispy and deep golden brown.
- Optional Broiling: For extra crispiness, broil the potatoes for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of roasting. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish: Remove the potatoes from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor experience. Enjoy as a delicious side dish to complement any meal.
Notes
- Use small, firm potatoes like baby Yukon gold or red potatoes for best results.
- Do not over-smash the potatoes or they may fall apart during roasting.
- Adjust garlic and Parmesan amounts to taste for more or less flavor.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley add freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for extra crispiness.
- These smashed potatoes are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in an oven to regain crispness.
