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To make delicious garlic butter Parmesan smashed potatoes, gather these fresh ingredients: - 2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 garlic cloves, minced - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) - Olive oil for a finishing drizzle These ingredients work together to create a dish full of flavor and texture. The baby Yukon gold potatoes are creamy and hold their shape well when smashed. Unsalted butter gives a rich base for the garlic and Parmesan. Fresh garlic adds depth, while Parmesan cheese brings a savory kick. Don't forget the parsley! It adds a pop of green and fresh flavor. You can skip the smoked paprika if you want a milder taste, but it does give an extra layer of flavor. Lastly, a drizzle of olive oil before serving adds a nice finish. With these simple ingredients, you will create a comforting side dish that is sure to impress! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by taking 2 pounds of baby Yukon gold potatoes. Place them in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the pot to a rolling boil. Let the potatoes cook for 15 to 20 minutes. They should be tender when pierced with a fork. This step is key to softening the potatoes for smashing. While the potatoes boil, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir the garlic for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great but not brown. Browned garlic can taste bitter, and we want sweet flavor here. After boiling, drain the potatoes well. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a fork or potato masher to smash each potato gently. You want them flattened but still whole. This creates a larger surface area for flavor. Drizzle the garlic butter over the smashed potatoes. Make sure each potato is well coated. Next, sprinkle ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Add salt, ground pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika if you like. This gives the potatoes a nice flavor boost. Now, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the oven is hot, put the baking sheet in. Roast the potatoes for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want the edges to turn crispy and the cheese to melt and brown. The smell will fill the kitchen and make you hungry! To make great garlic butter, start with unsalted butter. Melt it slowly over low heat. This keeps the flavor fresh. Add minced garlic and stir for 2-3 minutes. You want the garlic to smell good, not brown. Brown garlic can taste bitter. If you like extra flavor, you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary. Crispy potatoes are a must! After boiling, smash the potatoes gently. Leave them intact but flat. This gives more surface area to crisp up. Drizzle the garlic butter on top and add Parmesan cheese. Bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes. You want golden edges and melted cheese. A little olive oil at the end can boost the crispiness even more. Feel free to mix up the seasonings. Smoked paprika adds a nice touch. You can also use garlic powder for extra flavor. If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like chives or dill work well too. Experiment with these options to find your favorite blend! Pro Tips Choose the Right Potatoes: Baby Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like red potatoes for a different taste. Don't Overcook: Keep an eye on the potatoes while boiling; overcooked potatoes can become waterlogged, making them less crispy when roasted. Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Besides parsley, consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter for an additional layer of flavor that complements the Parmesan beautifully. Perfect Crispy Finish: For extra crispiness, broil the potatoes for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but watch them closely to prevent burning. {{image_4}} You can easily boost the cheese flavor! Try adding different cheeses like cheddar or feta. Mixing in cream cheese will make them extra creamy. Just sprinkle the cheese on top before baking. It melts beautifully and adds a rich taste. You can also fold in shredded cheese for a gooey inside. If you like heat, add some chili flakes to the garlic butter. This will give your potatoes a spicy kick. You can also swap the regular garlic with roasted garlic for a sweeter flavor. If you want more spice, try adding some diced jalapeños. Just be careful with the amount; you want a nice balance. Herbs can elevate the flavors of your smashed potatoes. Fresh thyme or rosemary adds a lovely aroma. Just chop them finely and mix them into the garlic butter. Basil or chives also work well. Adding herbs not only enhances flavor, but they also add color to your dish. Don't hesitate to get creative with your herb choices! You can store leftover garlic butter Parmesan smashed potatoes in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps to keep their texture and flavor intact. To reheat, you can use an oven or a microwave. For the oven: Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps retain their crispiness. If you use a microwave, heat them for 1-2 minutes. Check that they are hot all the way through. You can freeze these smashed potatoes, but they may lose some texture. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use other potatoes. I love baby red or russet potatoes. They both have great flavors and textures. Just remember to adjust cooking times. If you use larger potatoes, you may need to boil them longer. To make garlic butter parmesan smashed potatoes dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter. You can find many good options at stores. For cheese, try a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast. This adds a nice flavor without the dairy. These potatoes pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with grilled chicken or steak. They also go great with roasted vegetables or fish. You can even add a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy! In this post, we explored making garlic butter Parmesan smashed potatoes. We covered the ingredients needed and the steps to cook them. I shared tips to get that crispy texture and ideas for fun variations. Don't forget storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. These potatoes offer a tasty side that can fit any meal. Enjoy the process of making them your own!

Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Delicious smashed potatoes topped with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 pinch salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1 drizzle olive oil for a finishing drizzle

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the baby Yukon gold potatoes into a large pot and covering them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to enhance flavor as they cook. Bring the water to a rolling boil and allow the potatoes to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
  • While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough to achieve a nice, crispy finish on the potatoes.
  • In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter gently. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but be careful not to let it brown, as this can affect the flavor.
  • After the potatoes have finished boiling, drain them thoroughly. Transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a fork or a potato masher, gently smash each potato to flatten it while keeping it intact—this creates more surface area for added flavor and crispiness.
  • Drizzle the prepared garlic butter generously over the smashed potatoes, ensuring that each potato receives a good coating. Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by a dusting of smoked paprika (if desired), and finish with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for about 20-25 minutes. You want the edges to become crispy and for the cheese to melt and achieve a golden hue.
  • Once cooked to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the smashed potatoes with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant pop of color and flavor enhancement. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful garlic and parmesan goodness!

Notes

For extra flavor, drizzle with olive oil before serving.
Keyword butter, garlic, parmesan, potatoes, smashed