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Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe with Garlic Herb Butter and Parmesan

crispy smashed potatoes - featured image

Golden and crunchy smashed baby potatoes topped with garlicky herb butter and melted parmesan, perfect as a comforting side dish or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (700 grams) baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley and thyme), finely chopped
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place 1.5 pounds (700 grams) of baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes until potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, and optional 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Mix well and set aside.
  5. Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place potatoes in a single layer. Use a potato masher or sturdy glass to press down each potato gently but firmly until it flattens to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thickness.
  6. Drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil evenly over the smashed potatoes. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  7. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through roasting for even crisping (optional but recommended).
  8. Remove from oven and immediately brush each potato with the garlic herb butter mixture while still hot.
  9. Sprinkle ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan over the potatoes. Return to oven for another 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and turns slightly golden.
  10. Remove from oven, finish with flaky sea salt if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overboil potatoes to avoid them falling apart when smashed. Pat potatoes dry before roasting to ensure crispiness. Flipping potatoes halfway through roasting enhances even crisping. Use fresh garlic and herbs for best flavor. Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-grated. For vegan version, substitute butter with vegan margarine and parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy smashed potatoes, garlic herb butter, parmesan, side dish, easy potatoes, roasted potatoes, comfort food