Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food that’s bursting with flavor and crunch: the Garlic Parmesan Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe. These golden, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside potatoes are a wonderful twist on a classic favorite. The perfect harmony of garlicky aroma, nutty parmesan, and herbaceous oregano makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a weeknight side or the star of your next gathering. I can’t wait to share how simple it is to create this dish that turns humble baby Yukon Gold potatoes into something irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to the Garlic Parmesan Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe lies in the simplicity of ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each one plays a vital role, building layers of texture, taste, and color that make every bite a delight.
- Baby Yukon Gold potatoes: Their creamy interior and thin skins crisp up beautifully when smashed and roasted.
- Olive oil: Adds a luscious richness and helps create that coveted crispy crust.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Impart a savory, aromatic punch that elevates the flavor.
- Dried oregano: Offers an earthy, slightly minty depth that balances the richness.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty finish that browns wonderfully in the oven.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note as a garnish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes Until Tender
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F, setting the perfect temperature for crisping. Cook the baby Yukon Gold potatoes in salted boiling water for about 15 to 20 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork. This ensures the inside stays soft and creamy even after smashing and roasting.
Step 2: Smash the Potatoes Gently
Once the potatoes are drained and slightly cooled, spread them out on a large baking sheet with raised edges. Use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently press down on each potato until it’s flattened but still in one piece. This step is crucial because it maximizes surface area, allowing for more crispy edges.
Step 3: Season Generously
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the smashed potatoes, then sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper across the pan. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese last, as it will melt and crisp beautifully during baking. Toss everything gently with your hands so each potato is well-coated and seasoned.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place the potatoes in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the bottoms turn a golden brown. Flip each potato with a spatula, optionally adding a drizzle more olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper for extra crunch and flavor. Return to the oven and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are irresistibly crispy and golden all over.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When the garlic parmesan crispy smashed potatoes come out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. This final touch adds a lovely freshness and makes the dish look as vibrant as it tastes.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, providing brightness and a fresh herbal bite that compliments the crispy, cheesy potatoes perfectly. For added texture and flavor, try a light sprinkle of chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the richness.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe pairs exceptionally well with grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or even a simple green salad. It can also act as a fantastic appetizer when served with a tangy aioli or a zesty dipping sauce on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these potatoes on a rustic wooden board piled high for a casual family meal, or plate them in a neat circle topped with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil for a dinner party. You can also sprinkle some extra parmesan or finely chopped chives on top for added visual appeal and flavor layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this Garlic Parmesan Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making them perfect for quick reheating.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispness, you can freeze them after the initial baking before the second crisping. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen for a delicious treat.
Reheating
To reheat and revive their crispiness, place leftover potatoes on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes or until hot and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave as it can turn them soggy, losing that wonderful texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby Yukon Gold?
Absolutely! While baby Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully due to their size and creamy texture, you can use regular potatoes cut into smaller pieces. Just adjust the boiling time accordingly to make sure they’re tender before smashing and roasting.
How can I make these potatoes extra crispy?
Drizzling enough olive oil and ensuring the potatoes have enough space on the baking sheet to roast rather than steam will make a big difference. Also, flipping them halfway through baking helps both sides get that perfect golden crunch.
Is parmesan cheese necessary for this recipe?
Parmesan cheese is key to achieving the nutty, crispy crust that makes this recipe stand out. However, if you’re avoiding dairy, you can experiment with nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative for a similar flavor profile.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika are fantastic additions that complement the garlic and parmesan beautifully. Feel free to mix and match based on what flavors you love most.
What dipping sauces go well with this dish?
Garlic aioli, ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a simple sour cream with chives are fantastic companions that add extra layers of flavor and creaminess to every bite of these crispy potatoes.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Garlic Parmesan Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s one of those cozy dishes that brings smiles to the table and has everyone coming back for more. The combination of simple ingredients turned into a crispy, flavorful masterpiece is proof that sometimes the best recipes are the simplest. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious side as much as I do—it’s sure to become a well-loved favorite in your recipe collection.
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Garlic Parmesan Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy, golden smashed potatoes are an irresistible side dish perfect for any meal. Boiled until tender, then smashed and baked with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and parmesan cheese, these flavorful potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 pound baby Yukon Gold potatoes (about 16 to 20)
Seasonings & Toppings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the smashed potatoes later.
- Boil the potatoes: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the baby Yukon Gold potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain them well and let them cool slightly so you can handle them safely.
- Smash the potatoes: Arrange the cooked potatoes on a large rimmed baking sheet. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each potato to flatten them to about half their original thickness.
- Season the potatoes: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the smashed potatoes. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, freshly grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper over them. Using your hands, toss and gently mix everything to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Bake the potatoes: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the bottoms turn golden and crispy. Then, carefully flip each potato using a spatula, optionally adding more olive oil, salt, and pepper for extra flavor, and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes until the potatoes are crispy and delicious on both sides.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the crispy smashed potatoes from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a fresh and colorful finish. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- You can use other small potato varieties like baby red potatoes if desired.
- Adjust garlic and seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- For extra crispiness, make sure potatoes are spread out on the baking sheet without overlapping.
- These potatoes are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- To make this dish vegan, omit the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
