Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Regular smashed potatoes are already delicious, but adding Parmesan cheese and garlic butter takes them to another level. These potatoes are crispy on the outside, creamy inside, and packed with savory flavor. They are easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve with a holiday meal or dinner party.

Recipe Highlights

Crispy and Flavorful: A golden Parmesan crust and garlic butter coating give every potato a delicious combination of crunch and savory flavor.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a few everyday ingredients, including petite gold potatoes, Parmesan cheese, butter, and basic seasonings.
Versatile Side Dish: These potatoes pair beautifully with steak, chicken, salmon, burgers, or roasted vegetables.
Easy to Customize: Make them thinner for extra crispiness or leave them slightly thicker for a softer, creamier center.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as an easy family dinner side or add them to a special weekend or holiday spread.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Petite Gold Potatoes – Small gold potatoes work best because they become creamy inside while developing crispy edges. Petite red potatoes can also be used, although the texture may be slightly different.
Garlic Powder – Garlic powder distributes evenly over the potatoes and prevents large pieces of garlic from burning. If preferred, you can use about one clove of finely minced garlic.
Parmesan Cheese – Finely grated Parmesan melts evenly and creates a flavorful golden crust. Shredded Parmesan can also work, but it may need a little extra baking time.
Olive Oil – A small amount helps the potatoes crisp and brown without making them greasy.
Butter – Melted butter creates the rich garlic-butter topping that gives these potatoes their irresistible flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper – Simple seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the potatoes and Parmesan.
Parsley – Fresh parsley is optional but adds a little color and freshness before serving.

Full ingredient list with quantities is included in the recipe card below.

How to Make Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Step 1 | Cook Your Mini Potatoes

Start by cooking the petite gold potatoes until they are completely fork-tender. You can boil them in water for about 30–35 minutes or use the microwave for a faster option. Once cooked, drain them and allow them to cool and dry for a few minutes. Removing excess moisture helps the potatoes become crispier in the oven.

Step 2 | Smash Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the cooked potatoes on a large baking sheet and toss them gently with olive oil. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving enough space between each potato. Use the bottom of a glass or cup to gently flatten each potato. Keep them mostly intact rather than crushing them completely. Thinner potatoes will become crispier, while thicker ones will have a softer center.

Step 3 | Bake Potatoes

Season the smashed potatoes with salt and black pepper, then place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are deep golden brown and crispy. There is no need to flip them while they bake, which helps the bottoms develop a nice crust.

Step 4 | Top with Garlic Butter and Parmesan

While the potatoes are baking, combine the melted butter with garlic powder. Remove the crispy potatoes from the oven and brush each one with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over the top, then return the potatoes to the oven for another 5 minutes. Bake until the cheese has melted and developed a lightly golden finish.

Tips & Notes

Tip 1: For extra-crispy potatoes, smash them thinner. If you prefer a softer and creamier middle, keep them slightly thicker.

Tip 2: Avoid adding too much oil. Excess oil can make the potatoes greasy and may cause the edges to brown or burn too quickly.

Tip 3: Let the cooked potatoes dry for a few minutes before adding the oil. Less surface moisture helps create a better crispy texture.

Tip 4: Leave some space between the potatoes on the baking sheet. Crowding the pan can trap steam and prevent the edges from becoming crisp.

Tip 5: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and melts more evenly than heavily processed Parmesan.

Main dishes that go great with Smashed Potatoes

Avocado Bacon Cheeseburger: The crispy potatoes make an excellent side for a juicy burger. You can prepare the potatoes while the bacon cooks to make dinner more efficient.
Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins: Serve the seasoned chicken with Parmesan smashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a filling and balanced dinner.
Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwich: Tender BBQ brisket and crispy Parmesan potatoes make a hearty combination for a casual family meal.
Grilled Chicken: The garlic and Parmesan flavors complement simply seasoned grilled chicken without overpowering it.
Baked Salmon: Serve these crispy potatoes alongside salmon and a fresh green vegetable for an easy dinner.

Tried this recipe? Let everyone know how it turned out! Your feedback can help other home cooks decide whether to try these crispy Parmesan smashed potatoes.