Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes will quickly become your go-to side dish. With their crispy and cheesy exterior and tender, creamy interior, they are sure to impress at any meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, these potatoes pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes. Best of all, they’re easy to make and bursting with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The baking method ensures a delightful crunch on the outside while keeping the insides soft and fluffy.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning complement the rich taste of Parmesan cheese, making each bite irresistible.
- Versatile Side Dish: These smashed potatoes work well with meats, fish, or even as a vegetarian delight alongside fresh salads.
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
- Healthy Twist: Using yogurt for dipping adds a creamy texture without the heaviness of traditional sauces.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this tasty recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Large pot
- Glass for smashing potatoes
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Sheet pan: Provides even cooking space for the smashed potatoes and allows for proper browning.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the baby potatoes thoroughly before smashing them.
Ingredients
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 big pot of water. Let it come to a boil and cook until fully tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Once cooked, line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
Place the boiled mini potatoes on the baking sheet. Coat each potato with the butter and Parmesan mixture. Gently press down on each potato using a glass to flatten them slightly without breaking apart.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
Bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy. This typically takes around 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary by oven.
Step 5: Cool Before Serving
Let the smashed potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. Cooling is crucial; otherwise, they may fall apart once plated.
Step 6: Make the Yogurt Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, salt, and dill to create your dipping sauce.
Enjoy your delicious Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with that refreshing yogurt sauce!
How to Serve Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with many meals. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
With Grilled Chicken
- Juicy grilled chicken complements the crispy texture of the potatoes, making for a delightful combination.
As a Breakfast Dish
- Serve them alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast that will keep you energized throughout the day.
Topped with Sour Cream
- Add a dollop of sour cream and chives for an extra creamy and flavorful twist on this classic side.
Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables
- Pairing these potatoes with roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your plate, creating a balanced meal.
With Steak or Beef Dishes
- The rich flavors of steak or beef stew beautifully contrast with the cheesy potatoes, enhancing every bite.
Served with Yogurt Dill Sauce
- Drizzle or dip in yogurt dill sauce for a refreshing finish that brightens the overall flavor profile.
How to Perfect Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Getting your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes just right can take your dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure perfection every time.
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Baby yellow potatoes have a creamy texture that works best for this recipe. Their size also ensures even cooking.
- Don’t Skip Boiling: Boiling the potatoes until tender is crucial for achieving that perfect smash. Undercooked potatoes won’t smash well.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Be Gentle When Smashing: Use light pressure when smashing the potatoes to keep them intact while still flattening them.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different; check on your potatoes frequently during baking to avoid burning.
- Let Them Cool: Allowing the smashed potatoes to cool slightly helps them hold their shape when serving.
Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes make an excellent pairing with various dishes. Here’s a list of fantastic side dishes that complement their flavors beautifully.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the potatoes.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing, creating a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized sprouts bring an earthy flavor that pairs well with cheesy smashed potatoes.
- Shrimp Scampi: The garlicky shrimp adds elegance and bold flavors, making it an impressive meal when served together.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli offers nutritional benefits while adding vibrant color to your plate.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a crunchy texture and acidity that complements savory dishes nicely.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans contrasts deliciously with salty Parmesan flavors, making for a hearty meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings summer vibes and pairs perfectly with any barbecue or outdoor feast featuring smashed potatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are key mistakes to steer clear of:
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Boiling the potatoes for too long can make them mushy. Aim for 15-20 minutes until they’re just tender.
- Not Cooling Enough: If you skip letting the potatoes cool, they will fall apart when smashed. Give them time to firm up.
- Skipping the Butter Mix: Ignoring the melted butter and seasoning mixture means missing out on flavor. Always coat your potatoes for that crispy finish.
- Pressing Too Hard: Applying too much pressure when smashing can break the potatoes completely. Gently press down to maintain their shape.
- Oven Temperature Mismanagement: Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to 400°F (200°C) for proper crispness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in intervals of 30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil for extra crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Parmesan Smashed Potatoes:
Can I use different types of potatoes for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?
Yes, you can use other small potatoes like fingerlings or red potatoes; however, cooking times may vary.
How do I make these Parmesan Smashed Potatoes vegetarian?
The recipe is naturally vegetarian as it doesn’t include meat. You can use plant-based butter if desired.
What should I serve with Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?
These potatoes pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as part of a hearty salad.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and store them in advance. Just follow the storage instructions above for best results.
Final Thoughts
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are not only crispy and cheesy but also incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic side dish for any meal and can easily be customized with different herbs and spices or served with various dipping sauces. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors!
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the delightful crunch of Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, a side dish that perfectly balances crispy and creamy textures. These irresistible potatoes are not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor thanks to a tantalizing mix of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and rich Parmesan cheese. Ideal for any meal—from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings—these smashed potatoes are sure to impress. Serve them alongside grilled meats, fresh salads, or your favorite dipping sauce for a truly versatile addition to your menu.
Ingredients
- 16 baby yellow potatoes
- ½ stick melted unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil the baby potatoes in a large pot of water until tender (15-20 minutes).
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
- Place boiled potatoes on the baking sheet and gently smash each one using a glass.
- Brush the butter mixture over each smashed potato.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Allow cooling for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 smashed potatoes (approximately 160g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
