Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes will become your go-to side dish. With a crispy, cheesy exterior and a tender, creamy interior, they offer a delightful contrast in texture. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual meals, these potatoes shine alongside any main course. Serve them with a refreshing yogurt and dill sauce for an added zing that complements their flavor beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The outside of these potatoes gets perfectly crispy while the inside remains soft and creamy.
- Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you can whip up these delicious potatoes without any hassle.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic powder and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible taste that pairs well with various dishes.
- Versatile Side Dish: These potatoes complement any meat or vegetarian meal, making them suitable for all occasions.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for potlucks or dinner parties, everyone will love digging into this crowd-pleaser.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, having the right tools on hand makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Glass or cup (for smashing)
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes to achieve that perfect tenderness.
- Sheet pan: Provides ample space for baking the smashed potatoes evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Glass or cup: Used to gently smash the potatoes without breaking them apart.
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 they are fully tender. This should take about 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Once the potatoes are boiled, line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
Place the boiled mini potatoes on the sheet pan and coat them with the butter and Parmesan mixture. Using a glass, gently press each potato down. Be careful not to break them completely.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
If any potato sticks to the bottom of the glass, use a knife to gently help it out. Optionally brush some of the butter mixture from the pan over each potato’s top. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy; this usually takes around 30 minutes but keep an eye on them as oven times may vary.
Step 5: Cool Down
After baking, let them cool on the sheet pan. This step is important; if they cool too quickly or not enough time is given to set, they may fall apart.
Step 6: Prepare Yogurt Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together yogurt with olive oil and add salt and fresh dill according to your taste.
Enjoy your deliciously crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with your homemade yogurt dipping sauce!
How to Serve Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish that can elevate any meal. Their crispy exterior and creamy interior make them incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Grilled Chicken
- Juicy grilled chicken pairs perfectly with these potatoes, adding protein and a smoky flavor that complements the cheesy goodness.
As a Side for Steak
- Serve these smashed potatoes alongside a perfectly cooked steak for a hearty meal that satisfies all cravings.
Topped with Sour Cream and Chives
- Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the dish’s richness.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Pairing Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with roasted vegetables creates a balanced plate full of textures and tastes.
Alongside Fish Tacos
- The crispy texture of the potatoes contrasts beautifully with soft fish tacos, making for an exciting combination.
Dipped in Yogurt Sauce
- Enjoy them with the yogurt and dill sauce from the recipe itself for an added tangy flavor that complements each bite.
How to Perfect Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Achieving the perfect Parmesan Smashed Potatoes is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out flawlessly every time.
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Choose the right potatoes: Baby yellow potatoes are ideal because they have a creamy texture that holds up well when smashed.
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Don’t skip boiling: Boiling the potatoes until tender is crucial; this ensures they become soft enough to smash without breaking apart.
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Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
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Let them cool: Allowing the smashed potatoes to cool before serving helps them maintain their structure and crispness.
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Watch your oven time: Keep an eye on the potatoes while baking, as different ovens may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
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Experiment with toppings: Feel free to play around with various toppings like herbs or spices to personalize your dish further.
Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes can be paired with many delicious side dishes. Here are some great options that complement their flavors beautifully.
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Garlic Green Beans: These sautéed green beans add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your plate, enhancing both taste and presentation.
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Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crisp romaine and creamy dressing, creating a refreshing contrast to the rich potatoes.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts provide an earthy balance against the cheesy potatoes.
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Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet honey-glazed carrots offer a delightful sweetness that pairs well with the savory notes of Parmesan.
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Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds a burst of sweetness and is a fun finger food option alongside your meal.
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Balsamic Roasted Asparagus: The tangy notes from balsamic vinegar elevate the sophistication of your plate while complementing the potatoes well.
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Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa provide additional nutrients and make for an eye-catching presentation.
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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: This refreshing salad brings bright flavors through ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, balancing out the heartiness of smashed potatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes can be easy, but there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the potatoes: Boiling the potatoes for too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender potatoes that you can easily pierce with a fork, usually 15-20 minutes.
- Not cooling the potatoes: Skipping the cooling step may cause them to fall apart when smashed. Letting them cool ensures they hold their shape and become crispy.
- Using too much butter or cheese: While both ingredients add flavor, using too much can make the dish greasy. Measure carefully for a balanced taste.
- Neglecting to season properly: Under-seasoned potatoes can taste bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning before baking.
- Pressing too hard while smashing: Applying too much pressure can turn your potatoes into mush. Gently press each potato just enough to flatten it without breaking apart.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- These can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place potatoes on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. This method may not retain crispiness as well.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. This helps regain some of the crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes:
How do I achieve crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?
To get that perfect crispy texture, ensure you’ve coated the potatoes well with butter and cheese before baking, and give them ample space on the baking sheet.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for different flavors while still keeping it delicious!
How do I customize my Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?
You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme, spices such as paprika or chili flakes, or even mix in toppings like bacon bits for extra flavor.
What is the best way to serve these potatoes?
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes make an excellent side dish alongside grilled meats, fish, or even as part of a vegetarian meal.
Final Thoughts
These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are not only crispy and cheesy but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite herbs and spices. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a go-to side dish!
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, combining a crispy, golden exterior with a tender, creamy interior. This delightful side dish is perfect for any occasion—be it family dinners, holiday feasts, or casual get-togethers. With garlic and Parmesan cheese enhancing their flavor, these potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with meats, veggies, or even as a standalone treat. Serve them hot with a refreshing yogurt and dill sauce for an added zing that elevates each bite. Get ready to impress your guests with this irresistible recipe that will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 16 baby yellow potatoes
- ½ stick (4 tablespoons) melted unsalted butter
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil the baby potatoes in salted water for about 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Place boiled potatoes on the sheet pan and gently smash each one using a glass.
- Brush the smashed potatoes with the butter mixture and bake for about 30 minutes until crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (113g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
