If you are looking for a dish that perfectly blends crunch, buttery richness, and a hit of savory parmesan, look no further than this Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe. This recipe creates golden, crispy little potato gems with crispy edges and fluffy interiors, all coated in a fragrant garlic butter and topped with sharp parmesan cheese. It’s a simple recipe with ingredients that come together to create a deliciously indulgent treat perfect for any day of the week. Once you try these irresistible smashed potatoes, they’ll quickly become your new favorite comfort food side dish or snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe means setting yourself up for success with effortless, fresh flavors and textures. Each item in this list is essential in building the perfect balance of crispy, soft, and buttery, all while enhancing the natural earthy taste of the Yukon gold potatoes.
- 1 ½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes: Their creamy texture makes them perfect for smashing with crispy edges after roasting.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds rich, velvety flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp beautifully while complementing the butter.»
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory punch that infuses the butter mixture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance and balance the potato’s natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat and depth.
- â…“ cup grated parmesan cheese: Melts and crisps in the oven, delivering nutty, cheesy goodness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Provides a fresh, herbal brightness and a pop of color.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by placing your baby Yukon gold potatoes in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring it to a gentle boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is vital because perfectly tender potatoes will smash nicely without falling apart. Once cooked, drain and allow them to cool slightly to handle.
Step 2: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
While the potatoes are cooling, preheat your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This high temperature helps ensure those potatoes get that sought-after golden, crispy exterior.
Step 3: Smash Your Potatoes
Arrange the cooled potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Now the fun part—using the bottom of a glass or a sturdy cup, gently press down on each potato until it’s roughly half an inch thick. This smashing process increases the surface area and creates those wonderful crispy edges once roasted.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
Next, melt the butter together with olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and gently cook for one to two minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but hasn’t browned. This garlic butter mixture is the magic that will infuse your smashed potatoes with irresistible aroma and flavor.
Step 5: Coat and Season the Potatoes
Brush each smashed potato generously with the prepared garlic butter. This step ensures every bite bursts with buttery garlic goodness. After coating, season with salt and black pepper to taste, which balances and enhances every flavor note in the dish.
Step 6: Add the Parmesan
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over each smashed potato. As the potatoes roast, the cheese will melt and crisp up, adding a delightful nutty and savory crunch that takes this recipe from delicious to unforgettable.
Step 7: Roast to Golden Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they turn beautifully golden and crispy around the edges. If you want an extra layer of crunch, you can broil them for 2 to 3 minutes at the very end. Just be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once roasted to perfection, remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy, and get ready to enjoy every crunchy, buttery bite of your homemade Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
The classic garnish for this recipe is bright, chopped fresh parsley which adds a pop of fresh color and a subtle herbal note that balances the richness of the butter and cheese. Feel free to experiment with finely chopped chives or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a little smoky flair.
Side Dishes
These smashed potatoes are a dream side dish for almost any main. They pair beautifully with juicy grilled chicken, a tender steak, or even alongside roasted vegetables for a comforting vegetarian meal. Their crispy, cheesy texture also makes them an excellent accompaniment to rich dishes like beef stew or creamy mushroom sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these potatoes family-style on a large platter garnished with extra parmesan and herbs, allowing guests to pick their favorites. Another fantastic idea is to pair them with a selection of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or a tangy ranch dip to elevate those crispy bites even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare because these potatoes are so good), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep fresh for about 3 to 4 days without losing their flavor and texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked smashed potatoes, they tend to lose some crispness after thawing. If you choose to freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within 1-2 months for best results.
Reheating
The best way to revive the crispiness of your leftover Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe is by reheating them in an oven or air fryer at around 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
Absolutely! While baby Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and flavor, you can also use red potatoes or baby new potatoes. Just be sure to adjust boiling times to ensure they become tender enough to smash.
What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?
If parmesan is not available, hard cheeses like pecorino romano or asiago can be good substitutes. Alternatively, you can omit the cheese and still enjoy delicious garlic butter smashed potatoes, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
How do I know when the potatoes are fork-tender?
Simply poke a potato with a fork or tip of a knife. When it slides in easily without resistance, the potatoes are ready to be drained and smashed. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy, so aim for tender but firm enough to hold shape.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by substituting the unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine or oil, and omitting or replacing parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative, you can create a tasty vegan version of crispy smashed potatoes.
How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?
To maximize crispiness, make sure to use enough oil and butter when coating the potatoes and roast at a high temperature (425°F). Smashing the potatoes evenly to about half an inch thick also increases surface area for maximum crunch. Finishing with a quick broil is another excellent trick for crisp edges.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe is a total winner that brings delight to every bite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a comforting yet elegant dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with the perfect mix of crispy, buttery, and cheesy flavors, and it might just become your new go-to side!
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Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a perfect side dish that combines tender boiled Yukon gold potatoes smashed and roasted to golden perfection. Coated in a fragrant garlic butter sauce and topped with savory parmesan cheese, these crispy potatoes are garnished with fresh parsley for a flavorful and visually appealing treat, ideal for any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- â…“ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Add baby Yukon gold potatoes to a large pot filled with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly for easier handling.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Smash Potatoes: Arrange the cooled potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a cup, gently press down on each potato to smash it to about ½ inch thickness. Be careful not to break the potatoes apart completely.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter with olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Coat Potatoes: Generously brush each smashed potato with the prepared garlic butter mixture. Season each potato with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over each potato, ensuring a nice layer for a crispy golden topping after roasting.
- Roast Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crispy exterior. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil them for an additional 2 to 3 minutes—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the roasted potatoes from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve the crispy garlic butter parmesan smashed potatoes hot as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold or baby potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the garlic in butter, as it can turn bitter if browned.
- Smashing the potatoes to about ½ inch thickness allows for maximum crispiness while keeping the inside fluffy.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for an extra crunchy top.
- These potatoes are best enjoyed immediately but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
