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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

crispy garlic parmesan smashed potatoes - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for smashed baby potatoes tossed in garlic, parmesan, and olive oil, then roasted to crispy perfection with a tender inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1.5 pounds of baby potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart.
  2. Drain the potatoes and let them cool for about 5 minutes until warm but safe to handle.
  3. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  4. Arrange potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet spaced apart. Using a potato masher or bottom of a sturdy glass, gently press each potato until flattened to about ½ inch thick, keeping them in one piece.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan, salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or chili flakes. Stir well.
  6. Toss the smashed potatoes gently in the garlic parmesan mixture until evenly coated.
  7. Place the coated potatoes back on the baking sheet, skin side down. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and crisp edges.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
  9. Serve warm immediately for best crunch.

Notes

Do not overboil potatoes to avoid mushiness. Use warm potatoes for smashing to maintain shape and better flavor absorption. Space potatoes well on the baking sheet to prevent steaming. Flip potatoes halfway through roasting for even crispness. Using a metal baking sheet helps achieve better crunch. For dairy-free, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and re-crisped in oven or air fryer.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, garlic parmesan potatoes, easy side dish, roasted potatoes, baby potatoes