Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan
These crispy smashed potatoes are golden, crunchy on the outside, and soft and fluffy in the center. Made with simple ingredients and roasted until perfectly crispy, smashed potatoes are the ultimate easy side dish for weeknight dinners, holidays, BBQs, or family gatherings. Whether served with garlic butter, parmesan, herbs, saucy savoury mince, or dipping sauces, this easy smashed potato recipe is always a crowd favorite just like my crispy oven-roasted potatoes recipe.
How to Make Smashed Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and carefully adding the baby potatoes. Boil the potatoes, or until a fork can easily slide into the center without the potatoes becoming overly soft or mushy. You want the potatoes tender enough to flatten while still holding their shape. Once cooked, drain the water completely. Allow the potatoes to sit for a few minutes so any excess moisture can evaporate. Letting the potatoes dry out slightly helps create crispier edges once roasted. This is key for making the best crispy smashed potatoes.
Once the potatoes have dried slightly, use the bottom of a drinking glass or a potato masher to gently press down on each potato until mostly flattened. Be careful not to press too hard, as you still want the potatoes to hold together while creating plenty of craggy edges that will crisp beautifully in the oven. These rough edges are what give smashed potatoes their irresistible crispy texture.
Preheat your oven while you prepare the garlic oil. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and minced garlic cloves until combined or try using roasted garlic. Arrange the smashed potatoes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each potato so they roast evenly. Generously brush or spoon the garlic olive oil mixture over each potato, making sure to coat all of the tops and edges. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste.
Place the potatoes into the oven and bake until the edges are deeply golden brown and crispy. The longer roasting time helps create perfectly crunchy & crispy exteriors while keeping the centers soft and fluffy similar to my easy air fryer potato cubes. Once finished baking, remove the potatoes from the oven and serve them warm with your favorite toppings like sour cream, crispy bacon, fresh chives, or dipping sauces and my easy roasted broccoli recipe.
Storage
Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooked smashed potatoes for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to help bring back crispiness.
Best Texture Tip: Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can soften the crispy edges.
What can I serve with smashed potatoes?
This easy side dish recipe pairs perfectly with creamy oven baked chicken, steak, burgers, BBQ dishes, or roasted vegetables like my crunchy oven roasted asparagus or crisp roasted carrots.
If you like Parmesan on your veggies, try this easy baked green beans recipe with Parmesan topping.
Ingredients
Baby Potatoes: Baby potatoes are perfect for crispy smashed potatoes because they become soft and fluffy inside while crisping beautifully on the outside when roasted.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil helps the potatoes become golden brown and crispy while adding rich flavor during roasting.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds bold savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy roasted potatoes.
Salt and Pepper: Salt and black pepper enhance the natural flavor of the potatoes while adding simple savory seasoning.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds salty, nutty flavor and creates extra crispy golden edges while baking.
Pair this easy side dish with these main dishes below!
- Roasted Chicken
- Juicy Meatloaf
- Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Oven Roasted Meatballs
Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 baby potatoes
- 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves peeled & mashed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley optional
- Parmesan Cheese optional for topping
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the baby potatoes into the pot. Boil for 15-20 minutes or until a fork easily inserts, but the potato is not mushy.
- Drain the water from the pot and let the potatoes dry out. When the potatoes are dried out, take a water glass or a potato masher and push down on each potato so that they are mostly flat.
- Preheat the oven to 400℉/200℃/Gas Mark 6.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and garlic cloves together.
- Place the smashed potatoes onto a lined baking parchment sheet and coat generously with the olive oil and garlic cloves mix. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve with sour cream, bacon, chives, or other sauces.
- Optional: Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top.
Notes
Author: Sarah Young
Smashed Potatoes FAQ
What are smashed potatoes?
Smashed potatoes are boiled potatoes that are gently flattened and roasted until crispy.
What potatoes work best for this recipe?
Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, or small red potatoes work best.
Why aren’t my smashed potatoes crispy?
Too much moisture or overcrowding the baking tray can prevent crispiness.
Do I need to boil potatoes before smashing?
Yes, boiling softens the potatoes so they can flatten easily before roasting or you can easily make my soft & fluffy creamy mashed potatoes with the boiled potatoes.
Can smashed potatoes be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can boil and smash them ahead of time, then roast before serving.
What toppings go well with smashed potatoes?
Parmesan cheese, garlic butter, herbs, sour cream, bacon, and chives all pair well.
Can smashed potatoes be reheated?
Yes, they reheat best in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Are smashed potatoes gluten free?
Yes, smashed potatoes are naturally gluten free.
Can I make smashed potatoes in the air fryer?
Yes, they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.