Description
These crispy garlic parmesan smashed potatoes are the perfect easy side dish, featuring fluffy interiors and shatteringly crisp exteriors with a savory garlic butter and cheese crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil or Olive oil
- Sea salt and Black pepper
- 6–8 large Garlic cloves
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chives (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Wash potatoes and cut each in half lengthwise.
- Place potato halves in a large pot, cover with cold water by an inch, and add a tablespoon of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain potatoes and return to the hot pot for 5 minutes to steam off excess moisture; shake gently to rough up surfaces.
- Roast peeled garlic cloves with 1 tablespoon of oil at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until soft and golden.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place potatoes cut-side up.
- Smash each potato half until about ½ inch thick using a masher or the bottom of a heavy glass.
- Brush potatoes generously with oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes.
- While baking, melt butter in a saucepan, mash roasted garlic into it, and stir in parmesan to form a paste.
- Remove potatoes from oven, spoon garlic parmesan butter over them, and return to oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
Do not skip parboiling to ensure fluffy interiors. Rough up the potato surface after draining for better crispiness. Use freshly grated parmesan as pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For extra crispiness, ensure potatoes are not crowded on the pan and bake at high heat (425°F+). These do not freeze well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato half
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
Keywords: smashed potatoes, garlic parmesan potatoes, crispy potatoes, easy side dish, comfort food, russet potatoes, parmesan crust