These crispy garlic butter parmesan smashed potatoes are a tasty side dish! With a golden, crunchy outside and a fluffy inside, they’re sure to please everyone at your table.
I can’t resist that buttery garlic flavor and the cheesy sprinkle on top! Perfect for family dinners or when you’re just feeling fancy at home. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Yukon Gold and red potatoes are great choices for this recipe. They have a wonderful creamy texture. If you cannot find them, any small potatoes will do, like fingerling potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor twist!
Unsalted Butter: This adds rich flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using vegan butter or olive oil instead, although it will change the taste slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a savory kick! For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast, or try a vegan cheese substitute that melts well.
Fresh Parsley: This brightens up the dish. You can substitute with other herbs like chives or even basil, depending on your preference!
How Do I Make the Perfect Crispy Texture?
To achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior, the key is in both the boiling and baking processes. Start by boiling the potatoes until they’re tender, but make sure not to overcook them. This will give them a nice base to smash.
- After boiling, allow the potatoes to cool slightly to help them hold their shape when smashed.
- Use a potato masher or the bottom of a small bowl for even pressure—this helps create more crispy edges.
- Don’t skip the generous brush of garlic butter; it flavors the potatoes and helps crisp them up during baking.
- Finally, ensure your oven is preheated enough to achieve that crispy finish—450°F is ideal!
How to Make Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40-50 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes preparing and boiling the potatoes. After that, it takes around 20-25 minutes to bake them to crispy perfection. Your taste buds will thank you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 450°F (230°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleaning up easier later!
2. Boil the Potatoes:
In a large pot, place the baby potatoes and cover them with salted water. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. Let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork. You want them soft, but not falling apart!
3. Drain and Cool:
Once cooked, carefully drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool slightly. It’s important to let them cool a bit so they can hold their shape when we smash them!
4. Prepare to Smash:
Spread the potatoes out on your prepared baking sheet, making sure there’s space between each one. This helps them get crispy all around!
5. Smash the Potatoes:
Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each potato until it’s flattened but still holds together. You want some texture and surface area for that crispy edge!
6. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix it well so everything is combined and aromatic!
7. Brush the Potatoes:
Generously brush each smashed potato with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure they’re well coated as this is what will give them that delicious flavor!
8. Add Parmesan:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each potato. This will melt and create a wonderful cheesy crust as they bake!
9. Bake Until Crispy:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the potatoes bake for 20-25 minutes. You want them to be crispy and golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them towards the end!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once crispy, remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan and parsley if you like!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and red potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, you can use fingerling potatoes, new potatoes, or even small sweet potatoes for a unique twist on this dish.
Is it Possible to Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, swap the unsalted butter with vegan butter and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Olive oil can remain the same for added richness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Prepare These Potatoes in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the potatoes in advance! Boil and smash them the day before, then store in the fridge. When you’re ready, brush with the garlic butter and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they’re nice and hot.
