Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes will quickly become your go-to side dish. Crispy and cheesy on the outside, yet tender and creamy on the inside, they make any meal special. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers, this dish offers a delightful twist that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese provides a burst of savory flavor.
- Versatile Side Dish: These potatoes pair well with meats, seafood, or as a standalone vegetarian delight.
- Perfectly Crispy: Baking them until crispy gives that satisfying crunch everyone craves.
- Easy Clean-Up: Using parchment paper ensures minimal mess and easy cleanup after cooking.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making these delicious Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Glass or flat object (for smashing)
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes evenly for perfect tenderness.
- Sheet pan: Provides a sturdy surface for baking the smashed potatoes while ensuring they cook evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
- Glass or flat object: Used for gently smashing the potatoes to achieve that crispy exterior without breaking them apart.
Ingredients
To create these delicious Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Potatoes
- 16 baby yellow potatoes
- 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (measure with your heart)
For the Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh dill (finely chopped or dried dill) to taste
How to Make Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Add the baby potatoes to a large pot filled with water.
- Bring it to a boil and cook until fully tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
- Once boiled, transfer the mini potatoes to the baking sheet.
- Coat each potato with the butter and Parm mixture.
- Using a glass or flat object, gently press down on each potato until slightly flattened.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary based on your oven.
Step 5: Cool Before Serving
- Allow the potatoes to cool before serving; this helps maintain their structure.
Step 6: Prepare Yogurt Dipping Sauce
- In a separate bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, salt, and dill.
- Serve alongside your crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes for dipping enjoyment!
Enjoy these deliciously crispy treats as your new favorite side dish!
How to Serve Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes make a delightful side dish that pairs well with various entrees. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Grilled Chicken
- Juicy grilled chicken complements the creamy texture of the potatoes, creating a balanced plate.
As a Side for Steak
- The crispy exterior and cheesy flavor of Parmesan Smashed Potatoes add richness to a hearty steak dinner.
Paired with Roasted Vegetables
- Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a colorful and nutritious meal.
Topped with Sour Cream
- A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Drizzled with Herb Oil
- A simple drizzle of herb-infused olive oil elevates the dish, adding freshness and aroma.
How to Perfect Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Perfecting your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes is all about technique. Follow these tips for the best results.
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Choose the right potatoes: Baby yellow potatoes have a creamy texture that works best for smashing.
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Don’t skip boiling: Boiling until tender is crucial; undercooked potatoes won’t smash well.
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Be gentle when smashing: Use light pressure to avoid breaking them apart completely; you want them smashed but still intact.
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic powder and high-quality Parmesan cheese significantly enhance flavor.
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Watch the baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your potatoes to prevent burning while achieving that crispy finish.
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Allow cooling time: Letting them cool before serving helps maintain their shape and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
When serving Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, consider complementing them with other delicious side dishes. Here are some great options:
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Grilled Asparagus: Tender grilled asparagus adds a vibrant green touch and is easy to prepare on the grill or in the oven.
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Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing, balancing the richness of the potatoes.
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Sweet Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn offers a burst of sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory smashed potatoes, especially during summer months.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy potatoes.
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Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans can add protein and sweetness, making for a satisfying meal combo.
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Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness of Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.
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Garlic Bread: For bread lovers, garlic bread is always a hit alongside any potato dish, offering extra flavor and texture.
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Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or meat create a visually appealing plate that complements your main dish beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To perfect your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, avoid these common pitfalls.
- Skipping the boiling step: Boiling the potatoes ensures they are tender. If you skip this, the smashed potatoes may not cook evenly.
- Not using enough seasoning: Seasoning is key for flavor. Be generous with salt and garlic powder; it makes a big difference in taste.
- Over-mashing the potatoes: Smashed potatoes should be slightly chunky. Over-mashing can lead to a gluey texture that isn’t appealing.
- Rushing the cooling process: Letting them cool helps maintain their shape. If you skip this step, they may fall apart during baking.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the correct temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer bags.
- They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a dash of oil for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby yellow potatoes?
Yes, you can use larger potatoes. Just cut them into smaller chunks before boiling.
How can I make my Parmesan Smashed Potatoes extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
Can I customize the seasoning in Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs or spices you love. Rosemary or paprika works wonderfully.
Are Parmesan Smashed Potatoes suitable for meal prep?
Yes! These potatoes store well and reheat easily, making them great for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are not just delicious but also versatile. They pair wonderfully with various main dishes and can be customized to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness with your favorite meals!
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, your new favorite side dish that’s guaranteed to impress at any meal. These golden, crispy potatoes have a savory crust of Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, while their insides remain tender and creamy. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, this quick-to-prepare recipe offers versatility that complements grilled chicken, steak, or even roasted vegetables. With minimal cleanup thanks to parchment paper, you can focus on enjoying these delicious morsels with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 16 baby yellow potatoes
- 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil the baby potatoes in a large pot of water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the boiled potatoes to the baking sheet and coat them in the butter mixture.
- Gently smash each potato using a glass or flat object until slightly flattened.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato - approximately 40g
- Calories: 111
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 178mg
- Fat: 5.3g
- Saturated Fat: 2.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15.6g
- Fiber: 1.4g
- Protein: 2.6g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
