These crispy garlic butter parmesan smashed potatoes are pure comfort food! They have a crunchy top with a soft, fluffy inside, making them fun to eat and super tasty.
Honestly, who can resist buttery garlic goodness sprinkled with parmesan? I love serving these with dinner, and they’re a hit with everyone! Try not to eat them all at once—good luck with that! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Small yellow or baby potatoes are my go-to for their creamy texture. If you can’t find them, red potatoes or Yukon Golds work well too. Just make sure they’re small enough to smash easily!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really elevates the flavor. However, if you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a decent substitute. Use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove, but fresh taste better!
Butter: I love the richness unsalted butter brings. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using vegan butter or even olive oil for a lighter version. Just remember to adjust the seasoning.
Parmesan Cheese: The cheese adds a delightful umami kick. If you’re vegan, nutritional yeast is a great alternative. For a different flavor, try Pecorino Romano or an aged Gouda instead.
Dried Parsley Flakes: These add color and a hint of flavor. Fresh parsley is always better if you have it! Just chop some up and sprinkle it on before serving for a fresh touch that brightens every bite.
How Can I Smash Potatoes Without Making a Mess?
Smashed potatoes require just the right technique to get that perfect smash without falling apart. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- After boiling, let potatoes cool a bit to handle them easily.
- Place each potato on the baking sheet and use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher.
- Apply even, gentle pressure to flatten them to about 1/2 inch thick. Be careful not to push too hard; you want them smashed, not mashed!
This way, they remain intact but allow for crispy edges when baked. Enjoy the process, and don’t worry if a few break apart; it’s all part of the fun!
How to Make Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 lbs small yellow or baby potatoes
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: flaky sea salt for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes boiling the potatoes, followed by some time to smash and bake them until they are crispy and golden brown. Don’t forget you can serve them warm and enjoy right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, let’s get the oven ready! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the potatoes don’t stick.
2. Boil the Potatoes:
Give the potatoes a good wash to remove any dirt. Place the cleaned potatoes in a large pot and cover them with salted water. Bring this to a boil and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when you poke them with a fork.
3. Cool the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are soft, drain them in a colander. Let them cool for a few minutes until they are cool enough to handle safely.
4. Smash the Potatoes:
Now, it’s time to smash! Arrange the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using a potato masher, fork, or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato to about 1/2 inch thick. Remember, don’t break them into pieces—just give them a good press!
5. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, and minced garlic. This will add amazing flavor to your potatoes.
6. Add the Garlic Butter:
Brush or drizzle the garlic butter mixture generously over each smashed potato. Make sure they are well coated; you want that garlicky goodness!
7. Sprinkle on the Goodies:
Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the potatoes. Season them with salt, black pepper, and dried parsley flakes to taste.
8. Bake the Potatoes:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and let the potatoes bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are nice and golden brown and crispy around the edges.
9. Finish with Flaky Sea Salt:
If you want an extra crunch and burst of flavor, sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the potatoes right after you take them out of the oven.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, remove the potatoes from the oven and if desired, garnish with extra fresh parsley. Serve them warm and enjoy your crispy, garlicky, cheesy smashed potatoes!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While small yellow or baby potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, you can substitute with red potatoes or Yukon Golds. Just ensure they are small enough to easily smash!
How Can I Make These Potatoes Dairy-Free?
If you want a dairy-free option, simply replace the unsalted butter with vegan butter or use more olive oil. Nutritional yeast can be used instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy!
Can I Prepare These Potatoes in Advance?
Sure! You can boil the potatoes the day before and store them in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, simply smash, add the garlic butter mixture, and bake. They might take an extra few minutes to crisp up!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Flaky Sea Salt?
No problem! Regular kosher salt or sea salt works just as well, but consider using it sparingly since it can be more salting than flaky sea salt. Add to taste once the potatoes are baked!
