Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes will quickly become your go-to side dish. With a crispy, cheesy exterior and a tender, creamy inside, they are perfect for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family night, these potatoes add a delightful twist to your plate. Pair them with my simple yogurt and dill sauce for an extra burst of flavor that complements their richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The unique smashing technique creates a crispy edge while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
• Cheesy Goodness: The generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds an irresistible cheesy flavor.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for pairing with meats, veggies, or even as a snack on their own.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in under an hour.
• Yogurt Dipping Sauce: The addition of a creamy yogurt sauce elevates the taste experience and provides a refreshing contrast.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, gather your essential tools to streamline the process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large pot
• Glass (for smashing)
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for roasting the potatoes, ensuring they crisp up nicely.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.
• Large pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes until tender without overcrowding them.
• Glass (for smashing): Helps achieve that perfect smashed texture without turning the potatoes into mash.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• 16 baby yellow potatoes
• ½ stick melted unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (measure with your heart)

For the Yogurt Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Fresh dill (finely chopped, or dry dill) to taste

How to Make Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Add the baby potatoes to a large pot of water. Bring it to a boil and cook until fully tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

While the potatoes are boiling, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Once boiled, transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking sheet. Coat them well with the butter-cheese mixture. Use a glass to gently press down on each potato until slightly flattened.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Bake in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) until golden brown and crispy. This typically takes around 30 minutes but keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary by oven.

Step 5: Cool Before Serving

After baking, allow the smashed potatoes to cool briefly. This step is crucial; if you skip it, they may fall apart when you try to serve them.

Step 6: Make the Yogurt Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, salt, and fresh dill. Adjust flavors as desired.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your delicious Parmesan Smashed Potatoes warm alongside the yogurt dipping sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Serve Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with many main courses. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Grilled Meats

• Steak: The crispy texture of the potatoes complements the juicy richness of a grilled steak.
• Chicken: Serve alongside herb-marinated grilled chicken for a balanced meal.
• Pork Chops: The cheesy flavor of the potatoes enhances the savory taste of pork.

With Fresh Salads

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
• Greek Salad: The tangy flavors of a Greek salad provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the potatoes.

Dipping Sauces

• Yogurt and Dill Sauce: This creamy dip adds a herby brightness that pairs perfectly with the Parmesan flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: Classic ranch is always a hit, providing a familiar taste that everyone loves.

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How to Perfect Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Achieving the ideal texture and flavor in your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes is simple with these helpful tips.

• Choose small potatoes: Using baby yellow potatoes ensures they cook evenly and have a creamy inside.
• Don’t skip cooling time: Allowing the potatoes to cool prevents them from falling apart when you smash them.
• Press gently: Use only enough pressure to smash; too much can make them mushy instead of crispy.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add more garlic powder or Italian seasoning based on your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes make an excellent accompaniment to various dishes. Here are some options that pair well:

1. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus adds vibrant color and nutrition.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly bitter taste balances the richness of the smashed potatoes.
3. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the potatoes.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances any barbecue meal, making it a perfect match for these potato bites.
5. Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans add protein and fiber, creating a filling plate alongside your potatoes.
6. Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad dressed with vinaigrette brings freshness and acidity, balancing out flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overcooking the potatoes: Boiling the potatoes for too long can make them mushy. Aim for 15-20 minutes until tender but not falling apart.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the potatoes to cool before smashing ensures they maintain their shape and texture. Don’t rush this crucial step!
• Not using enough seasoning: Under-seasoned potatoes can taste bland. Be generous with salt and seasonings for maximum flavor.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t coat the potatoes well. Always use melted butter to achieve that crispy, golden exterior.
• Failing to check doneness while baking: Every oven is different. Check on your potatoes regularly as they bake to prevent burning.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Parmesan Smashed Potatoes in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

• You can freeze these potatoes for longer storage.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They will last for about 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little olive oil if needed to crisp them up again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.

How do I make Parmesan Smashed Potatoes vegan?

You can easily make this dish vegan by substituting melted butter with olive oil or vegan butter and omitting the yogurt sauce or using a plant-based yogurt alternative.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Parmesan adds great flavor, feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different taste profile.

What should I serve with Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?

These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or alongside fresh salads. They are versatile and complement many dishes.

How do I achieve extra crispy edges?

To enhance crispiness, ensure you spread the smashed potatoes evenly on the baking sheet and give them ample space. Broil them briefly at the end for even more crunch!

Final Thoughts

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are not just a side dish; they’re an experience! With their irresistible crispy edges and creamy interiors, they bring joy to any meal. Plus, you can customize them by adding herbs or spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!