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- 2 pounds baby potatoes - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Olive oil (for drizzling) These main ingredients create a tasty dish. Baby potatoes are perfect for smashing. They have a creamy texture when cooked. Garlic adds a bold flavor, while Parmesan gives richness. Butter and heavy cream make the dish creamy and smooth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds color and a touch of freshness. A drizzle of olive oil helps achieve that crispy top. - Chopped green onions - Bacon bits - Sour cream - Additional cheese varieties (like cheddar or feta) Feel free to get creative! Chopped green onions add a mild onion flavor. Bacon bits bring a smoky crunch. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and tang. Mixing in different cheeses can give a whole new taste. - Use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of baby potatoes for a different texture. - Swap heavy cream with milk for a lighter version. - If you're out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. - Use vegan butter and cheese for a plant-based option. These substitutions can help if you have dietary needs or don’t have specific ingredients. The key is to keep the flavors balanced. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing the baby potatoes well. You want them clean and free of dirt. Next, place the potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a good pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes. They should become fork-tender. Once they are done, drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. While the potatoes cool, let’s prepare the garlic Parmesan mixture. In a small bowl, combine melted butter and minced garlic. Then, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined. This mixture gives the potatoes a rich and creamy flavor. Now it’s time to smash and roast the potatoes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the cooled potatoes. Use a potato masher or fork to gently smash each potato to about 1/2 inch thick. Spoon the garlic-Parmesan mixture over each smashed potato. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for that perfect crisp. Roast them in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the tops to turn golden and crispy. Once done, take them out and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your tasty side dish! To achieve crispy edges on your smashed potatoes, follow these steps: - Use Baby Potatoes: Their small size helps them roast evenly. - Smash Gently: Press down just enough to flatten, but not too much. - Drizzle Olive Oil: A light drizzle before roasting adds crispiness. - High Oven Temp: Roasting at 425°F (220°C) makes the edges golden. - Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give each potato space to breathe and crisp up. Seasoning can make or break your dish. Here are a few tips: - Salt the Water: Add a good amount of salt when boiling potatoes. - Garlic Infusion: Mix minced garlic in butter for a strong flavor boost. - Taste as You Go: Always taste your garlic-Parmesan mixture before spooning it on. - Fresh Herbs: Add fresh parsley after baking for a bright flavor. - Cheese Choice: Use high-quality Parmesan for the best taste. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun: - Potato Masher: A good masher helps you get the perfect smash. - Baking Sheet: Use a large, sturdy baking sheet for even roasting. - Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. - Mixing Bowls: Use different sizes for mixing ingredients easily. - Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure you get the right amounts for flavor. Pro Tips Choose the Right Potatoes: For the best texture, opt for waxy potatoes like baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes, as they hold their shape well when smashed. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooked potatoes can become mushy and lose their structure when smashed. Mix It Up: Feel free to customize the garlic-Parmesan mixture by adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost. Let Them Rest: Allow the smashed potatoes to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully. {{image_2}} You can change up the cheese for more flavor. Instead of Parmesan, try cheddar. It offers a rich and sharp taste. Gouda gives a nice creamy touch, while feta adds a salty zing. You could even mix them for a cheesy blend. Each cheese brings a unique taste, making your dish fun and new. Fresh herbs can boost the taste of your smashed potatoes. Try adding rosemary for a woodsy flavor. Thyme works well too, giving a light, fresh note. Chives add a mild onion taste that pairs nicely with cheese. You can also use basil for a sweet twist. Experiment with these herbs to find your favorite mix. Making this dish vegan is easy! Just swap the butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast in place of cheese. For a gluten-free option, this recipe is already safe as it doesn’t use any gluten. These modifications still keep the dish tasty and enjoyable for everyone. You can store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container. Let them cool first. Place them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep them sealed well to avoid drying out. Reheat your smashed potatoes in the oven for the best flavor. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but they may not get crispy. To freeze smashed potatoes, first cool them completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat. Yes, you can use other types of potatoes. While baby potatoes are great, you can try Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They have a nice flavor and texture. Just keep the cooking time similar. Fork-tender potatoes will still give you the best results. To make these potatoes ahead, cook and smash them as the recipe states. After that, cover them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to serve, just add the garlic-Parmesan mixture and roast. This way, you save time on busy days. These potatoes pair well with many dishes. Try them with grilled chicken or steak. They also go great with roasted veggies or a fresh salad. You can even serve them with a rich mushroom sauce for a fun twist. Smashed potatoes are easy and fun to make. We covered the main ingredients, optional add-ins, and substitutions. You learned how to prepare, mix, and roast them for the best taste. Tips for crispy edges and great seasoning were shared. Plus, variations for cheese, herbs, and dietary needs make this dish flexible. Finally, we talked about storing leftovers and answers to common questions. Now, you have all you need to make delicious Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes at home. Enjoy your cooking!

Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Deliciously smashed baby potatoes topped with garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds baby potatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
  • for drizzling Olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Begin by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly, ensuring that any dirt is removed.
  • In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.
  • Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly.
  • On a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the potatoes and use a potato masher or fork to gently smash each potato until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  • Spoon the garlic-Parmesan mixture evenly over each smashed potato.
  • Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the potatoes for extra crispiness.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden and crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure to drizzle enough olive oil.
Keyword garlic, Parmesan, potatoes, side dish, smashed