You know, there’s just something magical about perfectly smashed potatoes, especially when they’re infused with the goodness of garlic and parmesan.
It’s a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone just dipping their toes into the world of cooking, this recipe is a keeper. So, let’s dive right in!
Smashed Potatoes Ingredients
Before we embark on this culinary adventure, let’s take a look at the cast of characters that make this dish shine. You’ll need the following:
- Potatoes: The star of the show! or that crispy, creamy texture, grab a bag of small white potatoes potatoes (I think the smaller the better). Red potatoes are another option to throw into the mix, but they’re less starchy than white ones and might not have quite as fluffy of an inside.
- Garlic: For that unmistakable aroma and rich, savory flavor. Fresh is best.
- Parmesan Cheese: The hero that brings the delightful umami taste. Grated or shredded, your choice!
- Olive Oil: A little liquid gold for that crispy finish.
- Salt and Pepper: The dynamic duo that seasons our spuds to perfection.
- Fresh Parsley: This is optional but highly recommended for a burst of freshness and color.
Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s like they’re having a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!
Let’s talk about the importance of these ingredients. Potatoes provide the fluffy interior, while garlic and parmesan bring robust flavor. Olive oil adds that irresistible crunch, and salt and pepper make every bite sing with seasoned goodness. Fresh parsley, well, it’s like the sprinkles on top of a cupcake – not entirely necessary, but oh so delightful.
Equipment Needed
Now, you might be wondering, “What do I need to pull off this potato magic?” Well, let’s not keep you in suspense. Here’s what you’ll require:
- Pot for Boiling: You need this to cook those taters until they’re fork-tender.
- Baking Sheet: For that final crispiness in the oven.
- Potato Masher or Fork: These are your trusty sidekicks for smashing those potatoes to perfection.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping garlic and parsley.
- Grater: If you’re grating your parmesan cheese, this is the tool for the job.
- Oven: Of course, we can’t forget the heart of our kitchen – the oven.
How to Make Smashed Potatoes
- Prepare the Potatoes: Start by placing your small white potatoes (or red potatoes, if you prefer) into a pot and add enough water to cover them by about an inch.
Season the water with a tablespoon of kosher salt, then bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Allow the potatoes to cook until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. This should take around 15 minutes.
- Drain and Cool: Once the potatoes are done, drain them in a colander, and then let them cool for about 10-15 minutes.
Allowing them to cool down before smashing is key to achieving that extra crispiness, as it prevents them from steaming in the oven.
- Season and Flavor: Preheat your oven to a toasty 450°F (230°C). Transfer the slightly cooled potatoes to a mixing bowl.
Add a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of garlic powder, some salt, and a dash of black pepper. Use your hands or a large spoon to gently toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
If you’re a fan of robust flavors, feel free to add more seasoning for an extra taste kick.
- Smash the Potatoes: Lay out the seasoned potatoes on a sheet pan. To smash them down, you can use the bottom of a glass.
The goal is to make them about half an inch thick, giving them that perfect balance of crispy edges and creamy centers.
- Baking Time: Pop the sheet pan into your preheated oven and let the potatoes bake for about 25-30 minutes or until they’ve transformed into a beautiful golden and crispy masterpiece. To achieve even crispier results, follow the tips mentioned in the recipe.
- The Parmesan Touch: When the potatoes are nearly done cooking, it’s time to introduce the star of the show – freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle it evenly over the top of your potatoes and let it bake for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to become wonderfully melty and delicious.
If you’re in the mood for some color and freshness, consider adding a final touch of finely chopped parsley.
These homemade garlic Parmesan smashed potatoes are not only irresistibly crispy but also bursting with flavor. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Flavor Combinations and Variations
Sure, you’ve mastered the classic garlic parmesan version, but did you know there’s a whole world of potato possibilities out there?
Other Flavor Variations of Smashed Potatoes: You can take your potato game to new heights by experimenting with different flavors. Try adding chives, rosemary, or even a dash of lemon zest for a fresh twist. The potato world is your oyster; go ahead and explore!
Different Cheeses or Herbs: Swap out parmesan for cheddar, feta, or goat cheese. And don’t forget about herbs like thyme, oregano, or dill. The options are endless, and each combination offers a unique taste adventure.
Serving Suggestions
Your garlic parmesan smashed potatoes are ready to make their debut. Let’s ensure they shine on the dinner table.
Tips for an Appealing and Mouth-Watering Presentation: We eat with our eyes first, right? Arrange those potatoes on a lovely serving platter. Sprinkle some fresh parsley or extra parmesan for a pop of color. It’s like putting a bow on a present; it makes everything look extra special.
Suitable Side Dishes: These garlicky gems are incredibly versatile. They can steal the show as a side dish or shine as the main event. Pair them with grilled chicken, roast beef, or even just a simple green salad. The world’s your potato, and you’re the master chef.
Garnish and Additional Toppings for Added Flavor: Feeling a bit extra? How about a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits? These garnishes take your smashed potatoes to a whole new level. Remember, it’s all about making this dish uniquely yours.
Perfect Occasions for Serving This Dish: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special celebration, garlic parmesan smashed potatoes fit the bill. They’re comfort food with a gourmet touch, suitable for any occasion.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve embarked on a flavorful journey to create the perfect garlic parmesan smashed potatoes.
With these tips and tricks, your culinary skills are set to impress. So, go ahead, whip up this delectable dish, and let your taste buds do a happy dance. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Peeling is optional; it depends on your preference. Leaving the skins on adds a rustic touch.
Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but pre-minced can work in a pinch.
While they’re best fresh, you can reheat smashed potatoes in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Freezing may affect the texture, but you can reheat them later for a quick side dish.
You can use alternatives like canola or vegetable oil, but olive oil adds a delightful taste.
Experiment with herbs like rosemary, chives, or additional cheese for flavor variations.
Smashed Potatoes (Roasted With Garlic Parmesan)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds small white potatoes
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Equipment
- Heavy Duty Baking Sheet
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes: Begin by putting the potatoes in a pot and adding enough water to cover them by an inch. Season the water with approximately one tablespoon of kosher salt. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Allow the potatoes to cook until they can be easily pierced with a fork, which should take around 15 minutes.
- Drain and let them cool: Drain the potatoes using a colander and allow them to cool until they are no longer hot to the touch, which should take roughly 10 minutes.
- Season and flavor: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Transfer the potatoes into a mixing bowl, and then add the oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the potatoes are completely coated in the seasoning.
- Smash the potatoes: Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and use the bottom of a glass to flatten them down. Thinner potatoes will be crispier but are also more likely to break apart. Aim for a thickness of about ½-inch. Bake until the potatoes turn golden and become crispy, which should take approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve: If desired, garnish with chopped parsley before serving, and then serve them while still warm!
Notes
- I suggest opting for very tiny or baby potatoes. They’re simpler to flatten and have a higher chance of achieving that crispy texture!
- For a dairy-free version of this recipe, simply leave out the cheese. If you’d like to add a hint of cheesy flavor, you can also sprinkle some nutritional yeast.
