Crispy Baked Smashed Potatoes

why make this recipe

This recipe makes small potatoes crispy on the outside and soft inside. It uses simple ingredients you likely have at home. You can make it for weeknight dinner or for guests. If you like roasted potatoes, you may also enjoy this roasted potatoes recipe for a different flavor.

introduction

These smashed potatoes are easy and fast. Boil the potatoes, smash them flat, add garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, then bake until crisp. The steps are clear and the result is a crunchy, tasty side dish. For another easy meal idea with similar flavors, try this garlic parmesan crockpot recipe.

how to make Crispy Baked Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parmesan

Follow the steps below. Work in simple steps: boil, cool, smash, season, and bake. The garlic and Parmesan give great taste and a golden top.

Ingredients :

• 2 pounds small to medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water. Leave the skins on for extra texture.
3. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
4. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
5. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly on a large baking sheet or tray.
6. Once cooled, use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently press down on each potato until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.
8. Brush the garlic and herb mixture generously over each smashed potato.
9. Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the edges.
10. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over all the potatoes.
11. Return the sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
12. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Transfer them to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
13. Serve immediately and enjoy!

how to serve Crispy Baked Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parmesan

Serve hot as a side to meat, fish, or a salad. They pair well with grilled chicken, steak, or a simple green salad. Try serving them with a squeeze of lemon for a fresh touch or with a dip on the side. If you want a matching seafood main, this lemon garlic parmesan cod pairs nicely.

how to store Crispy Baked Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parmesan

Cool the potatoes to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes to keep them crispy. Microwaving will make them soft, not crisp.

tips to make Crispy Baked Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parmesan

• Use small even-sized potatoes so they cook the same.
• Don’t over-boil; they should be fork-tender but hold shape.
• Smash to about 1/2 inch thick for best crispness.
• Brush oil and garlic well on all edges for good browning.
• Add Parmesan at the end so it melts and browns without burning.

variation (if any)

• Add paprika or chili flakes for heat.
• Use fresh rosemary instead of oregano.
• Swap Parmesan for grated Pecorino or cheddar for a different taste.
• For a richer finish, brush with melted butter mixed with garlic before baking.

FAQs

Q: Can I use large potatoes?
A: Yes, but cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly and smash well.

Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes?
A: No. Leave the skins on for texture and flavor.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can boil and chill the potatoes ahead, then smash and bake before serving.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: You can freeze cooked potatoes, but they may lose texture. Reheat in the oven from frozen for best result.

Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A: Yes. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried for equal flavor.

Conclusion

If you want a similar rich garlic and Parmesan flavor with extra butter, try this linked recipe for a close take: Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.

Crispy Baked Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parmesan

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These crispy baked smashed potatoes are golden on the outside and soft on the inside, flavored with garlic and Parmesan for a crunchy side dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds small to medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skins on.
3. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.
4. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
5. Drain the potatoes and cool slightly on a baking sheet.
6. Use a glass or potato masher to gently press each potato to about 1/2 inch thick.
7. Mix olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme in a bowl. Brush over smashed potatoes.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
9. Sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the potatoes and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
10. Cool for a minute, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use even-sized potatoes for even cooking. Brush oil well for good browning.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, garlic Parmesan potatoes