Whenever the craving for something satisfyingly crunchy hits, these Crispy Baked Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parmesan are here to deliver that perfect bite every time. With their golden edges and pillowy centers, they offer a harmony of textures that instantly turns simple potatoes into a show-stopping side dish. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for an impressive appetizer to share with friends, this recipe promises to earn rave reviews with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic way to elevate kitchen staples, and the best part is seeing how quickly they disappear once they hit the table. No more mushy boiled potatoes or uneven frying—these babies bring uniform crispiness, thanks to a hot oven, a gentle smash, and a coating of garlicky, herb-infused oil. As someone who loves gathering around the table, I can’t resist the joy of breaking into that first crispy edge followed by a soft, creamy interior.
Each potato gets a starring moment in this dish, so don’t worry about peeling – the skins add an irresistible texture and hold everything together beautifully. Even novice cooks will shine, since this beginner-friendly recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples and easy techniques. You can prep them in about 15 minutes, pop them into your oven for just half an hour, then rest them briefly and dive in. With only 400 calories per serving and a balanced combination of olive oil and Parmesan, these smashed spuds strike a lovely balance between comfort and indulgence. Perfect for dinner or as an appetizer, they slot neatly into any menu without stealing the spotlight from your main course. Ready to bring some excitement to your next meal? Let’s dive into all the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and clever tips that will make you the hero of crispy, cheesy goodness.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRISPY BAKED SMASHED POTATOES WITH GARLIC & PARMESAN
To create these irresistibly crunchy, savory potatoes, you only need a handful of familiar ingredients. Each component plays a special role in building layers of flavor and transforming humble spuds into a crave-worthy dish.
- Small to medium-sized potatoes
These workhorses form the base of our recipe. Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal for their creamy interior and thin skins, which crisp up beautifully when smashed.
- Olive oil
This high-heat-friendly oil helps achieve that golden-brown crunch on the edges. It also carries and melds the garlic and herbs.
- Garlic
Minced cloves infuse the oil blend with pungent, aromatic notes. As they roast, they mellow into a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Salt
Simple but essential, salt enhances the natural potato taste and balances the richness of the cheese and oil.
- Black pepper
A touch of ground pepper adds a gentle bite and keeps the flavor profile lively.
- Dried oregano
This herb contributes earthy, slightly minty undertones that complement the aromatic garlic.
- Dried thyme
With its woodsy, lemony aroma, thyme deepens the herbaceous character of the dish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Sprinkled on top, this cheese melts into crispy, golden pockets of umami-rich goodness, elevating every bite.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped parsley brings a pop of color and a clean, herbaceous finish that brightens the rich flavors.
HOW TO MAKE CRISPY BAKED SMASHED POTATOES WITH GARLIC & PARMESAN
Get ready to transform those simple spuds into a crunchy, golden-notch sensation. Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish in about 30 minutes of oven time.
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Position a rack in the center for even air circulation and crisping.
2. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water, ensuring no dirt remains. Leave the skins intact to add extra texture once baked.
3. Place the cleaned potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes from the inside out.
4. Bring the pot to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium and let the potatoes cook for 15–20 minutes or until they are fork-tender when pierced.
5. Drain the potatoes in a colander and spread them out on a large baking sheet or tray to cool slightly—this helps them dry out for maximum crispiness.
6. Once cooled enough to handle, use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently press each potato down until it’s about ½ inch thick, creating flat, rough-edged discs.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
8. Brush the garlic-and-herb oil generously over the top and sides of each smashed potato, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges turn a deep golden brown and crisp.
10. Carefully remove the baking sheet and sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each potato, covering them evenly.
11. Return the sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts into bubbly, lightly browned patches.
12. Remove from the oven and let the potatoes rest for 1–2 minutes. This brief pause helps any residual steam escape, preserving the crunch.
13. Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the magic of crunch paired with creamy centers!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRISPY BAKED SMASHED POTATOES WITH GARLIC & PARMESAN
Serving these Crispy Baked Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parmesan is an art in itself, and a few thoughtful touches can turn a simple side dish into a memorable highlight. I’ve found that presentation matters just as much as flavor, so arranging the potatoes on a warm platter or draping them around a centerpiece of fresh herbs instantly invites guests to dig in. The key is to embrace contrasts: soft and crunchy, hot and cool, and even mild and bold. With that in mind, here are some of my top recommendations for turning these smashed potatoes into a star attraction at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue, a cozy weeknight dinner, or an elegant holiday feast, these ideas will help you customize each serving suggestion, add complementary elements, and ensure every plate looks as good as it tastes. Let your culinary creativity shine by experimenting with various sauces, dips, and accompaniments that contrast the garlic and Parmesan notes. Maybe a drizzle of tangy homemade aioli, or a sprinkle of crunchy breadcrumbs for extra dimension? Fresh garden herbs like chives or basil can introduce pops of color and brightness, while a side of smoky roasted peppers will elevate the dish even further. By fine-tuning plating and pairing choices, you’ll transform these potatoes from a humble snack into an unforgettable ensemble on your dinner table. Ready to explore delicious combinations? Here are four carefully curated pairing ideas that will take your smashed potatoes from kitchen staple to guest favorite.
- Pair with grilled steak: Arrange the crispy potatoes around a juicy grilled steak, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish with additional parsley for a hearty meal that balances protein and potatoes.
- Offer a dipping station: Serve bowls of homemade garlic aioli, spicy chili sauce, and cool tzatziki on the side, allowing everyone to customize each crispy bite.
- Build a loaded potato bar: Top each golden spud with crumbled bacon, sour cream, chopped scallions, and extra shredded cheddar—perfect for a fun, interactive dining experience.
- Serve as a brunch side: Place alongside eggs Benedict, scatter with fresh basil leaves, and finish with a splash of hot sauce for an exciting morning twist that adds a kick to your plate.
HOW TO STORE CRISPY BAKED SMASHED POTATOES WITH GARLIC & PARMESAN
Keeping these smashed potatoes at their peak texture and flavor requires a little know-how, but it’s totally doable. After a delightful meal, any leftovers can be stored for later enjoyment, whether you plan to dig in the next day or stash them for a quick snack in the week ahead. The biggest challenge is preserving that signature crunch, so the storage methods focus on controlling moisture and reheating effectively. Follow these tips to ensure your potatoes stay tasty and crisp, even after chilling.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container
Let the potatoes cool completely at room temperature (no more than two hours), then transfer them to a well-sealed container. This minimizes moisture buildup and staves off sogginess, keeping the edges crisp.
- Layer with parchment paper
If you need to stack the smashed potatoes, place sheets of parchment or wax paper between layers. This prevents them from sticking together and maintains the integrity of that golden crust.
- Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven
Avoid the microwave when possible—it tends to make potatoes soft. Instead, reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes on a baking sheet. You’ll restore the crunch while warming them through.
- Freeze flat for long-term storage
For longer storage, flash-freeze the smashed potatoes on a baking tray for 1–2 hours. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag with parchment layers. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 15 minutes, giving you a convenient snack any time.
CONCLUSION
From start to finish, these Crispy Baked Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parmesan bring together the best of textures and flavors. We began by celebrating the universal appeal of a crunchy, tender potato, explored how a simple herb-and-garlic oil blend infuses deep savory notes, and walked through every step to ensure perfect results—whether you’re a complete kitchen newbie or a seasoned home cook. Along the way, we highlighted key ingredients, shared serving suggestions that suit dinner parties, casual barbecues, and brunch menus alike, and offered practical storage tips to keep that edge crisp long after the first bake. Reflecting on prep time (just 15 minutes), cook time (30 minutes), and a quick 2-minute rest, you can see why this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and last-minute entertaining. Don’t forget: with roughly 400 calories per serving and a beginner-friendly difficulty level, it’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with steak, chicken, or a colorful array of roasted veggies.
Feel free to print and save this article for easy reference whenever you’re ready to impress friends or treat yourself to a cozy, crunchy comfort dish. You can also scroll down to find a handy FAQ section designed to answer any lingering questions you might have. If you try these smashed potatoes—or if you need a hand troubleshooting your oven temperature, garlic ratio, or serving ideas—drop a comment below. I love hearing about your cooking adventures, so share your successes, ask questions, or offer your own twists on this recipe. Your feedback helps this recipe grow, and I can’t wait to hear how your table lights up with the crunch, flavor, and cheesy delight of these garlic-and-Parmesan smashed potatoes!
Crispy Baked Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parmesan
Description
These crispy baked smashed potatoes are a delightful combination of tender, fluffy centers and golden, crunchy edges, infused with garlic and topped with Parmesan!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
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Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water. Leave the skins on for extra texture.
-
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
-
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
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Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly on a large baking sheet or tray.
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Once cooled, use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently press down on each potato until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
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In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.
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Brush the garlic and herb mixture generously over each smashed potato.
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Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the edges.
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Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over all the potatoes.
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Return the sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
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Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Transfer them to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Note
- Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their buttery texture, but red potatoes also make a wonderful alternative.
- Adding a pinch of red chili flakes to the garlic oil mixture can add a subtle kick for those who love a bit of heat.
- These potatoes make a fantastic side dish for steak, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
- Ensure to space the potatoes evenly on the baking sheet to allow them to crisp up perfectly.
- For an extra crispy texture, flip the potatoes halfway through the first baking period.
