Baked Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
These Baked Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parmesan are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with savory flavors. Perfect as a delicious side dish, they combine baby potatoes with garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (red or Yukon Gold work best)
Seasoning & Flavorings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (California Extra Virgin Olive Oil recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for crisping the potatoes.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil onto a large baking sheet, spreading it evenly to prevent sticking and encourage crisping.
- Smash Potatoes: Arrange the boiled potatoes on the baking sheet and gently smash each with the bottom of a glass or a potato masher until flattened but still holding together, about ½ inch thick.
- Season Potatoes: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika. Brush or spoon this mixture generously over the smashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle Parmesan: Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes for a savory crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Add Butter & Garnish: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the hot potatoes and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley to add a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve: Serve these crispy garlic Parmesan smashed potatoes warm as a perfect side dish to any meal.
Notes
- Boiling the potatoes first ensures a soft interior while baking crisps up the exterior perfectly.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky depth enhancing the overall flavor.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best flavor and better melting.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- These potatoes pair well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a vegetarian main dish side.
