Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes offer a delightful balance of textures—tender on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. This side dish shines with rich garlic butter and a savory topping of parmesan cheese. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a great addition to any meal.
- Cuisine: American
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect combination of crispy and fluffy textures.
- Garlic and parmesan enhance the flavor without overwhelming.
- Simple ingredients easily found in most kitchens.
- Pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
- Vegetable Oil: Used for roasting, helps achieve crispiness.
- 2 lbs baby red or gold potatoes (scrubbed): The base of the dish, providing a tender interior.
- 6 tbsp salted butter: Adds richness; substitute with unsalted and adjust salt if needed.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the potatoes with aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of heat; adjust to taste or omit for less spice.
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty finish. Grated pecorino can be a substitute.
- Kosher salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances and balances flavors.
How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and coat it lightly with vegetable oil. Arrange the scrubbed potatoes on the sheet, drizzle with more oil, and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. This step ensures even roasting and crisp skin.
Step 2: Roast the Potatoes
Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The oil and salt will help the skins crisp while the interiors become soft.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
Flatten the potatoes using a masher, glass, or fork. Aim for an uneven surface to create more crispy edges as they bake again, which enhances the texture.
Step 4: Prepare Garlic Butter
Combine minced garlic, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the butter melts completely. This infuses the butter, spreading the flavors uniformly over the potatoes.
Step 5: Second Roast for Crispness
Brush the smashed potatoes generously with garlic butter. Roast for another 10-15 minutes, letting the tops turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Melt Parmesan under the Broiler
Sprinkle Parmesan over the potatoes and place them back in the oven under a low broil for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and begins to brown. This step adds a satisfying, savory layer.
Step 7: Final Seasoning
Remove from the oven, season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Let them cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different potatoes?
Yes, you can use larger potatoes like russets, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time until they are fork-tender. Smaller, waxy potatoes work best for texture.
What if I don’t have a broiler?
If your oven lacks a broiler, increase your oven temperature to 475°F for the last few minutes to help the cheese melt and brown.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for more heat.
