If you’re looking for a side dish that brings a perfect combination of crunch, buttery richness, and a burst of savory flavor, this Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Each bite of golden, crispy edges with tender potato centers smothered in garlicky butter and topped with salty Parmesan cheese will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s comfort food elevated with simple ingredients that come together to create a memorable, irresistible dish perfect for weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe is how its simplicity shines through each ingredient. Every item plays a key role—from the creamy baby potatoes to the aromatic garlic and sharp Parmesan, making sure every bite bursts with flavor and texture.
- 2 lbs baby potatoes: Small and tender, perfect for quick cooking and smashing to the right thickness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds a luscious, rich base that crisps up beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp evenly and complements the butter’s flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated: Infuses a punch of savory aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and balances the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty finish with a perfectly melty texture when baked.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, bright contrast and lovely color for garnish.
- Optional pinch red pepper flakes: For those who like a subtle kick to spice things up.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes Until Tender
Start by placing those cute baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water, which seasons them gently as they cook through. Bring the water to a boil and let them cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender—meaning you can easily pierce them without resistance. Once done, drain and let the potatoes steam dry for about 5 minutes so they’re perfectly ready to be smashed without turning mushy.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
While the potatoes are steaming, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a gentle greasing to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures the potatoes crisp up nicely without any cleanup headaches later.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
Transfer the potatoes to your prepared baking sheet, then gently press down each one with a potato masher or the bottom of a flat glass until each is about half an inch thick. This smashing technique is what creates those gloriously crispy edges while keeping the insides tender and fluffy.
Step 4: Brush with Garlic Butter and Olive Oil
Combine the melted butter, olive oil, and finely minced garlic in a small bowl, stirring them together until fragrant and well mixed. Generously brush this luscious mixture over every smashed potato, ensuring each piece is infused with garlic goodness that will roast up beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Rotate the tray halfway through baking to promote even crisping. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are tantalizingly golden brown and crisp to the bite.
Step 6: Add Parmesan and Finish Baking
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking. Return them to the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt and develop those irresistible golden pockets of flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the potatoes for a pop of color and freshness. Serve these crispy delights warm, and watch them disappear from the plate in no time.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives are your best friends here—they brighten up the rich, buttery potatoes and add a lively green contrast. For a bit of extra flair, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle spicy warmth that pairs beautifully with the cheesy, garlicky crust.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Think roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty mushroom stroganoff. Its savory crunch makes it a delightful accompaniment that adds texture and depth to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve these smashed potatoes on a rustic wooden board garnished with extra Parmesan shards and fresh herbs. Or try individual plating by stacking them with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for an elevated casual side dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which can be hard!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to keep the crispiness intact as much as possible.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best fresh, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Arrange the cooled smashed potatoes on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents sticking and allows you to bake up a fresh batch whenever you need a quick snack or side.
Reheating
To bring back their crisp charm, reheat leftover smashed potatoes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes rather than using a microwave. This method revives that irresistible crunch and keeps the garlic butter and Parmesan flavors front and center.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just opt for smaller Yukon Gold or red potatoes and adjust boiling time accordingly. Larger potatoes may take a little longer to cook and may require more careful smashing.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor without dairy. The results will still be deliciously crispy and flavorful.
How do I ensure the potatoes get crispy?
Key tips include letting potatoes steam dry after boiling, smashing to an even thickness, and using a good amount of fat like butter or olive oil. Baking at a high temperature and rotating the tray helps create an even golden crust.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can boil and smash the potatoes a day ahead and store them in the fridge, but wait to brush with the garlic butter mixture and bake just before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.
What can I use as a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago work as great alternatives. For a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast adds a similar umami, cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about this Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe that makes it hard to resist. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and an unbeatable crispy-cheesy-garlic flavor combo make it a perfect side for any occasion. I hope you try this recipe soon and find it as delightful and addictive as I do!
Print
Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish featuring tender baby potatoes smashed and baked to golden perfection. Coated with a flavorful blend of melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, they offer a perfect crispy texture on the outside while remaining soft inside. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, these potatoes are easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them steam dry for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Smash the Potatoes: Transfer the potatoes to the baking sheet. Using a masher or a flat-bottomed glass, gently smash each potato to about 1/2 inch thickness. Be careful not to break them apart completely.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, and finely minced garlic until well combined. Brush this mixture generously over each smashed potato, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the potatoes have golden brown, crispy edges. Remember to rotate the tray halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: About 5 minutes before the potatoes finish baking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each potato. Return the tray to the oven for the cheese to melt and become golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, and optionally sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose baby potatoes that are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Steaming the potatoes after boiling helps to dry them and achieve a crispier texture during baking.
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture before brushing.
- These potatoes are best served immediately but can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor.
