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Easy Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

crispy parmesan smashed potatoes - featured image

These Easy Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish—crispy, cheesy, and ready in under an hour. Boiled until tender, smashed flat, and roasted with Parmesan, they’re a family-friendly crowd-pleaser that pairs with almost anything.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (about 900g) baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • ½ cup (50g) finely grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Pat them dry gently with a clean kitchen towel.
  4. Arrange the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each potato until it’s about ½ inch thick.
  5. Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Roast for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy. Rotate the pan halfway through if needed.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, don’t overcrowd the pan—potatoes need space to crisp up. Pat potatoes dry after boiling to remove excess moisture. Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal melting and browning. These are best served immediately; leftovers can be reheated in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, Parmesan potatoes, easy side dish, baby potatoes, roasted potatoes, family-friendly, gluten-free