Print

Easy Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

crispy garlic parmesan smashed potatoes - featured image

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these smashed potatoes are loaded with nutty Parmesan and fragrant garlic. They’re the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or as a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (about 900g) baby Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt (for boiling water)
  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the baby Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them steam dry for 5 minutes. Shake the colander gently to release steam.
  4. Transfer the dried potatoes to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Using a potato masher or flat-bottomed glass, gently press each potato to about ½-inch thick.
  5. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk until well combined.
  6. Brush each smashed potato generously with the garlic Parmesan butter mixture. Reserve a little for later.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, brush with remaining butter mixture, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt. Let cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the steam drying step—it’s crucial for crispiness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting. For extra crispiness, let the baking sheet preheat in the oven. If using an air fryer, cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy smashed potatoes, garlic parmesan potatoes, easy potato recipe, side dish, comfort food