Description
Discover the irresistible combination of crispy, cheesy Parmesan smashed potatoes that make a perfect side dish. This recipe involves boiling baby potatoes, smashing them for maximum surface area, and roasting until golden and crispy, topped with Parmesan and herbs for a flavor-packed experience.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
Seasonings & Oil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese & Aromatics
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish & Optional
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: paprika or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly, then place them in a large pot with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure crispy results.
- Drain and cool: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly so they are pliable enough to smash without breaking apart excessively.
- Smash the potatoes: Arrange the potatoes on a lined baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently press down on each potato until flattened but not so much that they fall apart.
- Season and top: Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil, sprinkle minced garlic evenly over them, and season with salt and pepper. Top each with generous Parmesan cheese and any optional spices like paprika or Italian seasoning.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add paprika or Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Ensure potatoes are not overly flattened to maintain some fluffy interior while achieving crispiness on the outside.
- Use a sturdy spatula to handle hot potatoes when smashing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg