These Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a real treat! They’re crispy on the outside and tender inside, topped with buttery garlic goodness and Parmesan cheese.
Honestly, who can resist a potato that’s both crunchy and soft at the same time? I love making these for dinner since they pair perfectly with just about anything—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Yellow Potatoes: These are perfect for their creamy texture and buttery flavor. You can substitute with red potatoes or Yukon Gold if needed. If you’re aiming for a lower-carb option, cauliflower works well too!
Unsalted Butter: This adds rich flavor and moisture to the potatoes. If you prefer a dairy-free version, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. In a pinch, garlic powder works as a substitute; just use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove needed.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely salty flavor. For dairy-free, look for vegan Parmesan, or skip it altogether for a simpler version.
Olive Oil: This helps the potatoes crisp up. If you’re out of olive oil, any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil will do. I personally love a drizzle of infused oils for an added flavor twist!
How Do You Get Those Potatoes Crispy and Crunchy?
The secret to crispy smashed potatoes lies in the baking process. After flattening them, you want to ensure they get evenly cooked and crisped up without burning.
- Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature (450°F). This helps kickstart the crisping.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Make sure you brush the garlic butter on every inch of the smashed potato for flavor and moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give them space for air circulation to achieve maximum crunch.
- Check for browning around the 20-minute mark, and if needed, let them bake a bit longer for extra crispiness.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby yellow potatoes
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, giving you a total of around 40-45 minutes until you enjoy your crispy deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First up, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier later on.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
Grab a large pot and toss in the baby potatoes. Cover them with water and add a small pinch of salt. Bring the pot to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. You want them soft enough to smash!
3. Drain and Cool:
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. You don’t want to burn your hands when it’s time to smash!
4. Smash the Potatoes:
When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, place them on your prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until it flattens but stays in one piece. Don’t mash them too much—just enough to create a nice flat surface!
5. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and minced garlic. This will add a fantastic flavor to your potatoes.
6. Brush with Garlic Butter:
Generously brush each smashed potato with your garlic butter mixture. Make sure to cover every bit for maximum flavor!
7. Season and Add Parmesan:
Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes. Then sprinkle them evenly with salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will become deliciously melty and crispy in the oven!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Now it’s time to pop the baking sheet into the oven! Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges of the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take them out of the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. If you want a bit of heat, don’t forget to add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
10. Enjoy!
Serve these crispy garlic butter Parmesan smashed potatoes warm as a mouthwatering side dish or a tasty snack. Enjoy every crispy bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby yellow potatoes are fantastic, you can also use red potatoes or Yukon Gold for a similar texture and flavor. For a healthier twist, consider using cauliflower as a low-carb alternative.
How Do I Store Leftover Smashed Potatoes?
Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them, covered, for a quick option.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and smash the potatoes, then cover and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. When ready to cook, just brush them with garlic butter and proceed with the baking instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re out of Parmesan, you can use other cheese like Pecorino Romano or even a dairy-free cheese alternative. If no cheese is available, simply skip it for a delicious garlic butter flavor on its own!
