If you’re looking for a crispy, buttery, and flavorful potato side dish, these Baked Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parmesan will steal the show! They have the perfect balance of crispy edges, fluffy insides, and bold, garlicky goodness.
Unlike regular mashed or roasted potatoes, smashed potatoes are boiled, smashed, and then baked until perfectly golden and crispy. The garlic butter and parmesan cheese add an irresistible umami depth, making them the ultimate side dish for any meal.
Pair them with steak, chicken, or fish, or enjoy them as a snack with a creamy dip. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, these crispy smashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy on the Inside – A perfect textural contrast!
✔️ Garlic Butter Goodness – Bold, aromatic, and absolutely delicious.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal effort, BIG flavor.
✔️ Pairs Well with Everything – Great with meats, seafood, or as a stand-alone snack.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Boil in advance for quicker meal prep.
Ingredients (Measured in Grams)
- 800g baby potatoes (about 1.7 lbs)
- 40g unsalted butter (about 3 tbsp)
- 20ml olive oil (about 1.5 tbsp)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 50g grated parmesan cheese (about ½ cup)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 tsp salt.
- Add baby potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Preheat & Prepare the Garlic Butter
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and herbs. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
- Arrange the boiled potatoes on the baking sheet.
- Use a fork, potato masher, or the bottom of a glass to gently smash each potato to about ½-inch thickness.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
- Brush each smashed potato with the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, sour cream, or alongside your main dish!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and ingredient brands.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Smashed Potatoes
???? Use Small Potatoes – Baby potatoes work best because they get extra crispy.
???? Smash Gently – Don’t flatten them too much; you want fluffy insides and crispy edges.
???? Don’t Burn the Garlic – Adding garlic to melted butter prevents it from burning in the oven.
???? Parmesan = Crispy Perfection – It adds an extra crunch and savory depth.
???? Make-Ahead Friendly – Boil the potatoes up to 24 hours ahead, then bake when ready!
Serving Ideas & Variations
???? With Steak or Chicken – A perfect pairing for grilled meats!
???? Cheesy Upgrade – Add cheddar or mozzarella for an extra cheesy bite.
???? Spicy Version – Sprinkle with chili flakes or hot sauce before baking.
???? Loaded Smashed Potatoes – Top with bacon, sour cream, and chives.
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