Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes will quickly become your go-to side dish. With their crispy, cheesy exterior and creamy, tender interior, they offer a delightful contrast in texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings, casual dinners, or simply as a comforting treat, these potatoes are sure to impress. Pair them with a simple yogurt and dill sauce for an added zing that enhances their flavor.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Potatoes
• For the Yogurt Sauce
• How to Make Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
• Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
• Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
• Step 3: Coat the Potatoes
• Step 4: Smash Them Gently
• Step 5: Brush with Butter Mixture
• Step 6: Bake Until Crispy
• Step 7: Let Cool Before Serving
• Step 8: Prepare Yogurt Sauce & Enjoy!
• How to Serve Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
• With Grilled Chicken
• Alongside Steak
• Paired with Roasted Vegetables
• Dipped in Yogurt Sauce
• As Part of a Salad Plate
• How to Perfect Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
• Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
• Reheating Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other types of cheese?
• How do I make these potatoes vegan?
• What should I serve with Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?
• Are Parmesan Smashed Potatoes gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal skill, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of Parmesan cheese and garlic powder creates an irresistible taste that elevates any meal.
• Versatile Side Dish: These smashed potatoes complement a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to hearty vegetarian meals.
• Crispy Texture: Achieve the perfect crunch by baking them until golden brown while keeping the insides soft and fluffy.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With their rich flavors and appealing presentation, these potatoes are sure to please family and friends at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Getting ready to make these delicious Parmesan Smashed Potatoes is easy with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Sheet pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Glass or flat-bottomed object

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the baby potatoes evenly until tender.
• Sheet pan: Provides ample space for roasting the smashed potatoes, ensuring they bake evenly.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking, making cleanup easier after baking.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients like melted butter and seasonings before coating the potatoes.

Ingredients

These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes will be your new favorite side dish. They’re crispy and cheesy on the outside and tender and creamy on the inside. Serve them with my simple yogurt and dill sauce for the ultimate side dish.

For the Potatoes

• 16 baby yellow potatoes
• ½ stick melted unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (measure with your heart)

For the Yogurt Sauce

• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Fresh dill (finely chopped or dry dill) to taste

How to Make Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Add the baby potatoes to a large pot of water. Bring it to a boil and cook until fully tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Once boiled, line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.

Step 3: Coat the Potatoes

Transfer the boiled potatoes onto the prepared sheet pan. Use a spoon or spatula to coat each potato with the butter mixture evenly.

Step 4: Smash Them Gently

Take a glass or flat-bottomed object and gently press down on each potato until slightly flattened. Be careful not to break them completely; they should still hold their shape.

Step 5: Brush with Butter Mixture

If any of the potatoes stick to your glass, use a knife to help release them. Then brush some remaining butter mixture from the pan over each smashed potato for extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake Until Crispy

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until crispy—this usually takes about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary based on your oven.

Step 7: Let Cool Before Serving

Allow your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes to cool slightly before serving; this is crucial as they will hold together better when cooled.

Step 8: Prepare Yogurt Sauce & Enjoy!

In a separate bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, salt, and fresh dill for dipping. Serve alongside your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes for a delicious combo!

How to Serve Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish that pairs well with many meals. They can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

With Grilled Chicken

• Grilled chicken complements the crispy texture of the potatoes. The savory flavors create a delicious balance.

Alongside Steak

• Serve these potatoes with a juicy steak for a hearty meal. The rich flavors of the meat pair perfectly with the cheesy potatoes.

Paired with Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables add a fresh and healthy touch. Their vibrant colors and flavors create a beautiful plate.

Dipped in Yogurt Sauce

• Enjoy these potatoes with the simple yogurt and dill sauce. It adds creaminess and enhances the overall taste.

As Part of a Salad Plate

• Include Parmesan Smashed Potatoes on a salad plate for variety. They add texture and satisfaction to your greens.

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How to Perfect Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

To achieve the best Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose small potatoes – Baby yellow potatoes provide the perfect size for smashing and cooking evenly.
• Don’t skip boiling – Boiling ensures they are tender inside before baking, preventing them from being too hard.
• Use parchment paper – Lining your baking sheet helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Let them cool – Allowing the potatoes to cool after baking keeps them intact and improves texture.
• Experiment with toppings – Feel free to add herbs or spices on top for extra flavor.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste and adjust salt or seasoning based on your preference before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes can enhance any meal, but they shine even brighter with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Green Beans – These sautéed green beans bring freshness and crunch, making for a colorful plate.
2. Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and a tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with cheesy potatoes.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The caramelized edges of Brussels sprouts bring depth and contrast in flavor.
4. Creamy Coleslaw – This crunchy, creamy dish provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the potatoes.
5. Honey Glazed Carrots – Sweet glazed carrots offer a delightful contrast to the savory smashed potatoes.
6. Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and fun to your meal, rounding out the dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes is simple, but a few mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the cooling time: Letting the potatoes cool is crucial for achieving the right texture. If you skip this step, they may fall apart and lose their crispy exterior.
• Not using enough seasoning: Seasoning is key to flavor. Be generous with salt and garlic powder to ensure every bite is delicious.
• Pressing too hard on the potatoes: Be gentle when smashing the potatoes. Pressing too hard can break them into pieces instead of creating a lovely smashed texture.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Make sure there’s enough space between each potato. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
• Ignoring oven temperature fluctuations: Every oven behaves differently. Keep an eye on your potatoes as they bake, as cooking times may vary.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure that the potatoes have cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but be aware this may make them soft.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat. Reheat with a little butter for added crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Parmesan adds great flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar or feta for different tastes.

How do I make these potatoes vegan?

To make vegan Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, substitute butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

What should I serve with Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?

These potatoes pair well with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even as part of a hearty salad.

Are Parmesan Smashed Potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are not just delicious; they’re also versatile and easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you add herbs or switch up the cheese, these crispy, cheesy delights will surely impress. Try them today and elevate your side dish game!