Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

$- 2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 garlic cloves, minced - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) - Olive oil for drizzling You can swap baby Yukon gold potatoes for red or fingerling potatoes. These options work well too. If you want to avoid dairy, use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. Nutritional yeast can replace the Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Fresh parsley adds color, but you can use dried herbs if needed. Just remember, dried herbs are stronger, so use less. Always choose firm potatoes with smooth skin. Avoid any with blemishes or sprouts. For garlic, look for firm bulbs that feel heavy. Fresh garlic has a stronger flavor than old garlic. When choosing parsley, pick vibrant green leaves with no browning. Fresh herbs add a nice touch to the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Follow these easy steps to make Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. First, take 2 pounds of baby Yukon gold potatoes. Put them in a big pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Then, bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes. They should be tender when you poke them with a fork. While the potatoes cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will help the potatoes get crispy. Next, make the garlic butter. In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir often for 2-3 minutes until it smells great. Make sure not to let the garlic brown. After cooking, drain the potatoes. Place them on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a fork or potato masher to gently smash each potato. Flatten them without breaking apart. Drizzle the garlic butter over the smashed potatoes. Make sure each potato gets a good coating. Sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. You can add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for extra flavor if you want. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, roast the potatoes in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for crispy edges and melted cheese. Once done, take them out of the oven. Add some fresh chopped parsley on top. This adds color and freshness. The key to great smashed potatoes is boiling and roasting. Boiling makes them soft. Roasting gives them crunch. Always use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Melted butter with garlic is a simple but tasty addition. When smashing, don’t overdo it. You want them flat, not mashed completely. Avoid these common mistakes for perfect Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Do not skip the boiling step. This makes sure the potatoes cook through. Also, don’t let the garlic burn in the butter. It can make the dish taste bitter. When smashing, be gentle. If you smash too hard, the potatoes can fall apart. Lastly, don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper. This step is key to enhancing the flavors. To boost the flavor of your Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives a strong taste that dried garlic cannot match. You can also try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for a new twist. If you want a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. This small change can add a nice kick. Using quality Parmesan cheese is key too. Look for freshly grated cheese. It melts better and tastes richer. Don't forget the finishing touch: a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving. It adds a nice shine and flavor that makes these potatoes pop. The texture of your potatoes matters a lot. For the best results, choose baby Yukon gold potatoes. They are waxy and creamy, making them perfect for smashing. Make sure to boil them until they are tender but not falling apart. If you smash them too hard, they can turn gummy. Aim for a gentle press to keep them fluffy. When you roast them in the oven, watch for the edges. You want them crispy and golden. The garlic butter helps with this too. Drizzle it generously over the potatoes before baking. This helps the flavors seep in while keeping the outside nice and crunchy. Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a great side for many meals. They pair well with grilled meats, like chicken or steak. You can also serve them with fish for a lighter option. For a complete meal, add a fresh salad on the side. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the potatoes. You can also serve them alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. Feel free to get creative with your plating. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. These potatoes can steal the show at any dinner! Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic, enhancing the taste of your potatoes. Don't Overcook the Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy to maintain their structure during the smashing process. Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like cheddar or feta for a unique flavor twist on your smashed potatoes. Serve Immediately: These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the edges are still crispy and the cheese is melty. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavors of these smashed potatoes. Try adding different cheeses. Cheddar or feta can bring a new taste. You may also swap the garlic for shallots for a milder flavor. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or chili powder. If you love herbs, fresh rosemary or thyme can enhance the dish. To make these potatoes vegan, replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy taste. This dish is naturally gluten-free, so it fits many diets. Always check labels when using packaged products to ensure they are gluten-free. Explore global flavors with your smashed potatoes. For an Italian twist, mix in sun-dried tomatoes and basil. If you want a Mexican flair, add queso fresco and cilantro. For a French vibe, use herbes de Provence and a splash of white wine. Each twist makes these potatoes unique and fun! To keep your Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes fresh, let them cool first. Then, place the leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, make sure to label the container with the date. This simple step helps you track freshness. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, there are easy ways to reheat them. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15 minutes or until they are hot. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use the microwave, but they might lose some crunch. Heat them in short bursts, stirring in between to warm evenly. If you want to save your Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use other potatoes. Russets or red potatoes work well. Yukon gold gives a creamy taste. Choose potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking. To keep your smashed potatoes crispy, follow these steps: - Boil them well: Make sure potatoes are tender before smashing. - Use high heat: Bake at 425°F to get crispy edges. - Don't crowd the pan: Give them space on the baking sheet. - Drizzle with olive oil: This helps them crisp up nicely. Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes pair well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken: The flavors blend perfectly. - Steak: A hearty meal that satisfies. - Roasted vegetables: Adds color and nutrition. - Salads: A fresh side balances the heaviness of potatoes. This blog post covered all you need to know about cooking delicious Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips. I shared ways to enhance flavor and texture, while offering various twists to suit different diets. Storing leftovers is simple, and I answered common questions to guide you. As you cook, remember to experiment and have fun. Enjoy your meals and impress your friends and family!$

Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Delicious smashed potatoes topped with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

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 grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

Place the baby Yukon gold potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook gently, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to let it brown).
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a fork or a potato masher, gently smash each potato until flattened but still intact.
Drizzle the garlic butter over the smashed potatoes, ensuring each potato is well-coated. Sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are crispy and the cheese has melted and become slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For extra flavor, add more garlic or herbs as desired.

Keyword garlic butter, Parmesan, potatoes, smashed