Parmesan Garlic Smashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy, and Flavorful Side Dish

Welcome to the culinary delight that is Parmesan Garlic Smashed Potatoes – a dish so utterly satisfying, it will redefine your expectations for potato preparations. Imagine a perfect harmony of textures and flavors: potatoes that are incredibly soft and fluffy on the inside, yet wonderfully crispy and golden-brown on the outside, all generously coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and crowned with a sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s an experience, transforming humble potatoes into an irresistible gourmet treat.

It’s funny how some of the best recipes come about unexpectedly. This week, for instance, seems to have organically evolved into “football food week” – a happy coincidence I’m certainly not complaining about. Who wouldn’t want a lineup of cheesy dips, sticky chicken wings, and, of course, these incredible garlic smashed potatoes? While some of us might be genuinely invested in the game, let’s be honest, many of us are there for the snacks. And when it comes to game day food, there’s no shame in indulging in cheesy, saucy, and garlicky goodness. It’s about celebrating good company and even better food!

Following the delicious Indonesian honey garlic chicken thighs we shared earlier this week (which, by the way, would be fantastic as wings or drumettes!), we’re diving headfirst into another crowd-pleaser. These Parmesan Garlic Smashed Potatoes are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. The combination of a perfectly crisp exterior, a tender, pillowy interior, and that glorious homemade garlic butter, all finished with a generous layer of Parmesan, makes for an unforgettable bite. Any excuse to turn a snack into a star of the meal, and I am absolutely on board!

My ultimate culinary goal for you this week is simple: to enjoy all the fantastic dishes we’ve whipped up for your football Sunday feast. Because truly, I only want the best for your taste buds.

If you’re keeping score, this might be my second “contradiction” of the week, moving from chicken to potatoes. But please, hear me out before you judge! I have a rather unique relationship with potatoes. While I wasn’t always their biggest fan, I’ve become quite selective, reserving my affection for certain preparations. Kettle-cooked potato chips, classic French fries (naturally!), creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and now, these irresistible garlic smashed potatoes, are the only ways I truly enjoy what some call a vegetable, and others, a starch. Whatever its classification, when prepared this way, it’s pure heaven.

For the past few months, my husband, Anees, has been traveling for work during the week, leaving me to enjoy my weekdays as a “single lady.” And what does a single lady on a weekday enjoy? Lots of garlic smashed potatoes, just for one! It’s possibly the best silver lining to his frequent travels. Hubby, if you’re reading this, don’t worry – I’ve definitely tucked away a few portions in the fridge with your name on them. I know how much you adore anything with garlic, especially when it involves potatoes, so saving some was a non-negotiable act of love.

But jokes aside, these garlic smashed potatoes truly are a fantastic choice for game day. Their versatility also makes them an ideal side for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving, offering a comforting yet elevated alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Who could possibly resist buttery, garlicky potatoes that boast a delightful crispiness on the outside and a heavenly tenderness within? When I brought a batch over to my parents for dinner on Monday night, they both wholeheartedly agreed – these smashed potatoes are utterly addictive! They disappeared almost as quickly as they were served.

The Simple Secret to Perfect Smashed Potatoes

Let’s dive into the recipe itself. Making garlic smashed potatoes is surprisingly straightforward, relying on a few key steps to achieve that perfect balance of textures and flavors. We begin by giving the potatoes a quick boil. This initial cooking phase is crucial; you want them to become beautifully tender, soft enough to be easily pierced with the tip of a knife without falling apart. If they’re not quite there, give them a few more minutes. This tenderness is the foundation for our pillowy interiors, so don’t rush it.

Crafting the Irresistible Garlic Butter Sauce

Now for what truly elevates this dish: the glorious garlic butter sauce. The beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity and potent flavor. All you need are a few staple ingredients: good quality olive oil, rich butter, fresh parsley, and, most importantly, a generous amount of garlic! We’re talking 4-5 cloves here – these are, after all, *garlic* smashed potatoes. To ensure the garlic flavor truly blossoms and infuses deeply into the butter, I like to mix all the sauce ingredients together and give it a quick zap in the microwave. This gentle heat warms the butter, allowing the minced garlic to release its aromatic oils and meld seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a fragrant, golden elixir.

Smash, Drizzle, and Bake to Golden Perfection

Once your potatoes are perfectly tender, it’s time for the fun part. Drain them thoroughly and arrange them on a baking sheet. Then, drizzle that aromatic garlic butter mixture generously over each potato. Now, for the “smash”! I find the bottom of a sturdy, flat-based jar or even a drinking glass works perfectly. Gently press down on each potato until it flattens into a disc, but make sure it still holds its shape. A little tip: if you notice the potatoes starting to stick to your smashing tool, a quick spray with cooking oil will prevent any issues. You can also reverse the process, smashing the potatoes first and then drizzling with garlic butter. Both methods yield delicious results, but I personally prefer drizzling before smashing, as it allows the exposed potato skins and rough edges to really soak up that savory garlic butter, ensuring maximum crispiness and flavor.

With the garlic butter infused and potatoes beautifully smashed, they head into the oven for about 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens, transforming them from tender morsels into golden, crispy delights. During the last 4-5 minutes of baking, pull the tray out and give your smashed potatoes a generous sprinkle of grated or shaved Parmesan cheese. Pop them back into the oven, and watch as the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns a glorious golden hue. The nutty, salty notes of the Parmesan are the perfect complement to the rich garlic butter, adding another layer of irresistible flavor and a beautiful crust.

These Parmesan Garlic Smashed Potatoes are destined to be a showstopper, gracing every table this holiday season and beyond. Their incredible flavor profile and satisfying texture make them an instant favorite, whether served as a hearty appetizer, a standout side dish, or a comforting snack.

Yield: 6-8 servings

Parmesan Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
35 minutes

Total Time
40 minutes

Literally the best way to serve potatoes! Parmesan garlic smashed potatoes are soft on the inside and crispy, crunchy on the outside. And what takes them over the top — the garlic butter and a healthy sprinkle of parmesan!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby yukon gold potatoes (red potatoes will work too)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4-5 cloves garlic, pressed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped (divided)
• 2-3  tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 450ºF.
2. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the potatoes until they are fork tender, about 15-20 minutes. Use a knife to piece the potatoes, it should pierce through easily.
3. Drain the potatoes and place them on the baking sheet. In a small microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup, combine the olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Heat the olive oil mixture for 20-40 seconds or until the butter melts completely.
4. Drizzle the prepared garlic butter over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly. Using the bottom of a flat-based jar or glass, smash the potatoes until they flatten but remain in one piece. Bake the garlic smashed potatoes for 12-14 minutes then top with the parmesan cheese and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the tops are golden and crispy. Serve topped with the remaining parsley.

Notes

• You can smash the potatoes first and then drizzle with the garlic butter too if you’d like, there’s really no wrong way of doing this! If you have trouble with the potatoes sticking to the bottom of the jar, spray with cooking spray before smashing potatoes.

Have you made this recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. You can also share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR, I’d love to see what you made!

If you like this recipe, you might also like these other delicious potato dishes:

20-minute Garlic Herb Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

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