Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes will quickly become your go-to side dish. With a perfect balance of crispy and cheesy outsides and creamy, tender insides, they elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a cozy family night, these potatoes are versatile enough for any occasion. Pair them with my easy yogurt and dill sauce for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture – The outer layer is wonderfully crispy, giving each bite an amazing crunch.
- Cheesy Goodness – Grated Parmesan cheese adds rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the potatoes.
- Easy Preparation – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up quickly.
- Versatile Side Dish – Perfect alongside grilled meats, fish, or served as a vegetarian option.
- Delicious Dipping Sauce – A refreshing yogurt and dill sauce complements the potatoes perfectly.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Glass (for smashing)
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot – Ideal for boiling the baby potatoes evenly until tender.
- Sheet pan – Provides a sturdy surface for baking the smashed potatoes to golden perfection.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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 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
Transfer the boiled baby potatoes onto the prepared sheet pan. Coat them thoroughly with the butter and cheese mixture. Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each potato to smash them slightly. Be careful not to break them completely.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
If any potatoes stick to the glass, gently use a knife to free them. Optionally, brush some remaining butter and cheese mixture on top of each smashed potato. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until they turn golden brown and crispy; this usually takes around 30 minutes.
Step 5: Let Them Cool
After baking, allow your Parmesan smashed potatoes to cool on the baking sheet briefly. This step is crucial; cooling helps maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming mushy.
Step 6: Make the Yogurt Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together plain yogurt, olive oil, salt, and fresh dill for your dipping sauce. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your crispy Parmesan smashed potatoes warm alongside the yogurt dipping sauce for an irresistible side dish that everyone will love!
How to Serve Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are versatile and can elevate any meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With a Yogurt Dipping Sauce
- This creamy sauce made with yogurt and fresh dill complements the crispy potatoes perfectly, adding a refreshing touch.
Accompanied by Grilled Chicken
- Serve these potatoes alongside juicy grilled chicken for a satisfying and hearty meal that’s full of flavor.
Paired with Roasted Veggies
- The combination of Parmesan Smashed Potatoes and a medley of roasted vegetables creates a colorful and nutritious plate.
As a Base for Beef Stew
- Using these potatoes as a base for rich beef stew adds texture and flavor, making it a comforting dish.
With Pesto Drizzle
- A drizzle of homemade or store-bought pesto on top of the smashed potatoes introduces an herby twist that’s truly delightful.
Topped with Crispy Bacon
- For those who love extra crunch, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits over the potatoes to add savory goodness.
How to Perfect Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
To ensure your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use small potatoes: Baby yellow potatoes provide the ideal size and texture for smashing, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Don’t skip cooling: Allowing the potatoes to cool after baking keeps them from falling apart, maintaining their crispy texture.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to personalize the seasoning blend with your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor.
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your potatoes and adjust the baking time as needed for optimal crispiness.
- Brush with butter: For an even richer taste, brush melted butter over the tops before baking for added flavor.
- Serve immediately: Enjoying the potatoes right after they cool slightly ensures they stay crispy and delicious.
Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes can be paired beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Green Beans: Tender green beans sautéed in garlic complement the cheesy flavors of the potatoes.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the smashed potatoes.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with Parmesan.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing that contrasts nicely with the warm potatoes.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob provides a delightful contrast in texture and sweetness.
- Baked Salmon: A flaky baked salmon fillet makes a healthy addition, enhancing your meal with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for an eye-catching side dish.
- Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach seasoned with garlic offers a nutritious option that complements any meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Not boiling potatoes enough: If the potatoes aren’t tender before smashing, they won’t cook properly in the oven. Always test with a fork to ensure they’re soft.
- Using cold butter: Starting with cold butter can lead to uneven coating on your potatoes. Always melt your butter before mixing it with seasonings.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many potatoes together can prevent them from getting that crispy texture. Leave space between each potato for even cooking.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the smashed potatoes to cool slightly helps them firm up. Don’t skip this step; otherwise, they may fall apart.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste is subjective, and everyone’s preference varies. Always adjust salt and seasoning to suit your own taste.
- Not preheating the oven: A hot oven is crucial for achieving that desired crispiness. Make sure to preheat fully before placing your potatoes inside.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
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- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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- Temperature: Keep in the fridge at or below 40°F (4°C).
Freezing Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
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- Duration: Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
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- Thawing: Allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warm, but note they may lose crispiness.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.
How do I make my Parmesan Smashed Potatoes extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispiness, ensure you use a hot oven and don’t overcrowd your baking sheet.
Can I use other cheeses besides Parmesan?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for different flavors.
Are Parmesan Smashed Potatoes suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These potatoes store well, making them perfect for meal prep.
What should I serve with Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?
These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or as part of a vegetarian meal.
Final Thoughts
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a fantastic side dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. Their crispy exterior and creamy interior make them irresistible. You can customize them by adding different herbs or spices according to your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy deliciousness at its best!
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Description
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish to add a delicious twist to your meals. With their crispy, cheesy exterior and creamy interior, these potatoes will quickly become a favorite at your dining table. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, they pair wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a base for hearty stews. To elevate your experience even further, serve them with a refreshing yogurt and dill dipping sauce that adds an irresistible touch of flavor. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 16 baby yellow potatoes
- ½ stick melted unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For the yogurt sauce: ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh dill (finely chopped, or dry dill) to taste
Instructions
- Boil baby potatoes in a large pot of water for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Transfer boiled potatoes to the sheet pan; smash them gently with a glass.
- Coat each potato with the butter mixture and bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
- For the yogurt sauce, mix together yogurt, olive oil, salt, and dill in a separate bowl.
- Serve warm alongside the yogurt sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato (75g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
