These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a delightful twist on your usual side dish. With their crispy, cheesy exterior and tender, creamy interior, they make for the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these potatoes will impress everyone at the table. Plus, they pair wonderfully with a simple yogurt and dill sauce that elevates their flavor even more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Texture: The baking process ensures that each potato gets a satisfying crunch while retaining its soft center.
Flavor Explosion: Garlic powder and Parmesan cheese create a rich flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.
Easy Preparation: With just a few steps, you can whip up these delicious potatoes without any fuss.
Versatile Side Dish: Suitable for any occasion—from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.
Healthy Twist: Made with fresh ingredients and minimal butter, these potatoes offer a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

Tools and Preparation

To make the preparation of your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Sheet pan
Parchment paper
Glass (for smashing)
Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: This is crucial for boiling the potatoes evenly, ensuring they’re perfectly tender before baking.
Sheet pan: A sturdy surface for roasting the smashed potatoes helps achieve that desired crispiness.
Parchment paper: Lining your sheet pan prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

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 large pot of water. Bring it to a boil and cook until fully tender, which should take about 15–20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Once cooked, line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.

Step 3: Coat the Potatoes

Transfer the boiled mini potatoes to the sheet pan. Coat them thoroughly with the butter and seasoning mixture. Using a glass, gently press down on each potato to smash it slightly.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

If any potato sticks to the glass while smashing, use a knife to help release it gently. Brush additional butter and seasoning from the bottom of the pan onto each smashed potato. Bake in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Cool Before Serving

Allow your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes to cool for a few minutes after baking. This step is crucial as it helps maintain their structure.

Step 6: Make the Yogurt Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, salt, and fresh dill for dipping. Serve it alongside your crispy smashed potatoes!

Enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Serve Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With Yogurt and Dill Sauce

A creamy yogurt sauce with fresh dill complements the crispy potatoes perfectly. The tanginess of the yogurt balances the richness of the cheese.

As a Side for Grilled Meats

These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or pork. Their crispy texture contrasts beautifully with juicy meats.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for an extra pop of flavor and color. This adds freshness to each bite.

Alongside a Salad

Serve them next to a mixed green salad for a light meal. The crunch of the potatoes contrasts nicely with the freshness of the salad.

With Roasted Vegetables

Pair these smashed potatoes with seasonal roasted vegetables for a hearty dish. The combination offers both nutrition and flavor.

As an Appetizer

Cut them into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer at gatherings. They are easy to grab and enjoy, making them perfect finger food.

How to Perfect Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Getting your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes just right is essential for that perfect crunch and creaminess. Here are some tips to help you achieve potato perfection.

Choose the right potatoes: Baby yellow potatoes are ideal for smashing due to their creamy texture and thin skins.
Don’t rush boiling: Make sure the potatoes are fully tender before smashing; this ensures even cooking.
Be gentle when smashing: Use a light hand to press down on the potatoes. Too much force can turn them into mashed potatoes instead of keeping them slightly chunky.
Watch baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your potatoes as they bake. Aim for golden brown edges for maximum crispiness.
Let them cool slightly: Allowing them to cool helps maintain their structure, preventing them from falling apart when served.
Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add other cheeses or spices to customize flavors that suit your taste.

Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

When planning your meal, consider pairing Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent options:

Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a fresh crunch that pairs well with cheesy potatoes.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast and enhances the meal’s savory flavors.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: The sweetness of balsamic glaze complements the savory notes of smashed potatoes perfectly.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots provide a colorful addition while balancing the richness of the potatoes.
Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the creaminess of the dish.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances summer meals and goes well alongside buttery smashed potatoes.
Green Bean Almondine: Tossed with toasted almonds, this dish adds a nutty flavor and crunch that pairs nicely with your potatoes.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with grains or meats make a hearty side that complements the textures of smashed potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Overcooking the Potatoes: This can lead to mushy potatoes that won’t hold their shape. Boil them just until tender, usually 15-20 minutes.
Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the potatoes to cool is crucial. If you don’t, they will fall apart when baking. Let them sit for a few minutes after boiling.
Not Using Enough Seasoning: Parmesan and butter alone may not provide enough flavor. Be generous with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for optimal taste.
Pressing Too Hard: When smashing the potatoes, use gentle pressure. Pressing too hard can break them into pieces instead of creating that perfect smash.
Neglecting the Baking Time: Ovens vary in temperature. Keep an eye on your potatoes while baking; they should be crispy and golden brown, which can take around 30 minutes.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Parmesan Smashed Potatoes in an airtight container.
They will last for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Place cooled, cooked potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts on medium power (30 seconds at a time) until warm but note they may lose some crispiness.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or oil to help regain crunchiness, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are crispy, cheesy potatoes that are boiled and then smashed before baking. The result is a delightful combination of textures.

Can I customize my Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! You can add different herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even mix in other cheeses for added flavor.

How do I make these potatoes vegan?

To make Parmesan Smashed Potatoes vegan, substitute butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?

Yes! All ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any additional seasonings or sauces you use are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are not only crispy and cheesy but versatile enough to pair with various main dishes or serve as a snack. Feel free to personalize them with your favorite herbs or spices! Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful bites at your next meal.

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Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Discover the ultimate side dish with these irresistible Parmesan Smashed Potatoes! Their crunchy, cheesy exterior contrasts beautifully with a tender, creamy interior, making them an ideal addition to any meal. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy family nights, these smashed potatoes are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Pair them with a zesty yogurt and dill sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness. Whether served alongside grilled meats or as a hearty appetizer, these flavorful bites are guaranteed to impress your guests!

Ingredients

Scale

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
½ cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon olive oil
salt (to taste)
fresh dill (finely chopped; or dry dill) to taste

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Instructions

Boil the baby potatoes in a large pot of water for 15–20 minutes until tender.
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, and salt.
Transfer boiled potatoes to the sheet pan and coat with the butter mixture. Smash each potato gently using a glass.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Allow to cool slightly before serving with yogurt sauce.

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