These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes will quickly become your go-to side dish! With their delightful crispy, cheesy exterior and tender, creamy interior, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a casual weeknight meal, these potatoes deliver flavor and comfort. Pair them with a simple yogurt and dill sauce for an irresistible treat that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Texture: The baking process ensures a golden and crunchy outside that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
Cheesy Goodness: The generous amount of Parmesan cheese adds rich flavor and umami to each bite.
Simple Preparation: With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
Versatile Side Dish: They complement a variety of main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian dishes.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to enhance the flavors even more.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready makes preparing these Parmesan Smashed Potatoes enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large pot
Glass or potato masher
Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Provides a large surface area for evenly cooking the potatoes while allowing air circulation.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. It helps achieve that perfect crispy texture without added mess.
Large pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes evenly until they are tender before smashing them.
Glass or potato masher: Perfect for gently smashing the potatoes without breaking them apart too much.

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.

Potatoes

16 baby yellow potatoes

Butter & Seasoning

½ stick melted unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)

Cheese & Sauce

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (measure with your heart)
½ cup plain yogurt

Extra Ingredients

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 big pot of water. Let it come to a boil and boil until fully cooked and tender. Mine took 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Once the potatoes are boiled, get a sheet pan and line it with parchment paper. Mix the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and seasoning onto the baking sheet.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Add the boiled mini potatoes to the sheet pan, coating them with the butter and Parmesan mixture. Take a glass and gently press each one down. Be very gentle as they can break easily.

Step 4: Brush with Mixture

If any potato gets stuck onto the bottom of the glass, use a knife to gently help it out. I like to take some of the butter and Parmesan mixture from the bottom of the pan to brush over the tops as well.

Step 5: Bake Until Crispy

Bake at 400F (200C) until crispy. Mine took about 30 minutes but keep an eye on them as cooking time may vary depending on your oven.

Step 6: Cool Down

Let them cool briefly after baking. This step is crucial; if you skip it, they may fall apart or become too soft.

Step 7: Prepare Yogurt Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together ingredients for your yogurt dipping sauce & enjoy!

How to Serve Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal. Their crispy texture and cheesy flavor make them versatile for various serving options.

With Yogurt and Dill Sauce

This creamy sauce complements the crispy potatoes perfectly, adding a refreshing taste. Simply mix yogurt with fresh dill and a touch of salt for a quick dip.

As a Side to Grilled Meats

Pair these potatoes with grilled chicken or steak. The flavors meld beautifully, making every bite enjoyable.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top before serving for an added burst of color and freshness.

With a Side Salad

Serve alongside a light salad for a balanced meal. A simple green salad can enhance the overall dining experience.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

These smashed potatoes can be an excellent choice at brunch. Serve them with eggs and bacon for a hearty start to the day.

How to Perfect Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

To ensure your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes turn out flawlessly, follow these helpful tips.

Choose the right potatoes: Baby yellow potatoes work best due to their creamy texture and ability to hold shape after cooking.
Don’t skip cooling: Allowing the potatoes to cool helps them maintain their structure when smashed.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Fresh cheese melts better and enhances the flavor compared to pre-grated alternatives.
Watch your baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your potatoes as they bake to achieve the perfect crispiness.
Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to add herbs or spices that you love for an extra kick in flavor.
Leave space between potatoes: Ensuring there’s space on the baking sheet allows them to crisp up properly without steaming.

Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

These delicious potatoes pair well with many side dishes, elevating your meal even further. Here are some great options:

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus adds a nice crunch and bright flavor that balances the richness of the potatoes.
Caesar Salad: The tangy dressing complements the cheesy potatoes while adding freshness.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness contrasts beautifully with the creamy smashed potatoes.
Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw offers a refreshing crunch that pairs nicely with the crispy texture of the potatoes.
Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots provide a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.
Garlic Bread: For those who can’t get enough carbs, serve alongside warm garlic bread for an indulgent treat.
Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans works well with the savory nature of smashed potatoes.
Macaroni and Cheese: A comfort food classic that creates a rich, satisfying plate when paired together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

Skipping the boiling step: Not boiling the potatoes thoroughly can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure they are fork-tender before smashing.
Overcrowding the baking pan: Placing too many potatoes on one sheet can prevent them from getting crispy. Give them space to roast properly.
Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t coat the potatoes well. Always use melted butter for even flavor distribution.
Not letting them cool: Cooling after baking is crucial for maintaining their structure. If you skip this, they may fall apart when served.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Everyone’s taste differs. Always taste and adjust salt or seasoning before serving for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, checking regularly. This may make them softer.
Stovetop: Sauté in a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat until warm and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.

What makes Parmesan Smashed Potatoes different from regular mashed potatoes?

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside while remaining creamy inside, offering a delightful texture contrast compared to smooth mashed potatoes.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar or gouda for different flavors in your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.

How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes should be fork-tender and easily broken apart when you poke them with a fork, indicating they are ready for smashing.

Are these Parmesan Smashed Potatoes vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great side dish for various diets.

Final Thoughts

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes offer a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that will elevate any meal. Their versatility allows for customization with various seasonings or cheeses. Try this recipe today, and enjoy every crispy bite!

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Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional potatoes, combining a crispy exterior with a tender, creamy interior. Coated in melted butter and generously sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, these smashed potatoes provide a savory, cheesy flavor that complements any main dish. They are easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight meals. Serve them with a refreshing yogurt and dill sauce for an irresistible side that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

16 baby yellow potatoes
½ stick unsalted butter (4 tablespoons), melted
1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup plain yogurt
Fresh dill (to taste)

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Instructions

Boil the baby potatoes in a large pot of water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt in a bowl.
Place the boiled potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and gently smash each one using a glass.
Brush the tops with the butter and cheese mixture before baking.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
In a separate bowl, mix yogurt with fresh dill for dipping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American