Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes take humble spuds to the next level with crisp edges, a fluffy center, and plenty of cheesy flavor. This easy side dish recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to grilled steak. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a versatile addition to any weeknight dinner or holiday meal.

Easy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe

The love of spuds is alive and well at our house. Whether I make them into hash brown muffins with eggs for breakfast, topped with spicy taco meat turning them into taco taters as an appetizer or a loaded potato casserole, they’re the first dish to go.

Potatoes are inexpensive and readily available making them a stellar choice for families. These easy smashed potatoes may look fussy but they come together in minutes to complement a variety of main dishes.

Check out this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make quick and easy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Potatoes – 2 pounds red or yellow small potatoes.
• Oil – Olive oil and melted butter add flavor and a crispy exterior.
• Spices – Salt, black pepper, granulated garlic and onion powder.
• Cheese – Finely grated Parmesan cheese forms a crust while baking and adds flavor to the potatoes..

How to Make the Best Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe

• Cook the Potatoes – Steam, microwave or boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water just until fork-tender. Drain, set aside to cool.
• Heat Oven and Prepare the Sheet Pan – Preheat oven to 425°F. Brush a rimmed sheet pan with olive oil.
• Parmesan and Seasonings – Mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, onion powder and pepper.
• Mash the Potatoes – Arrange potatoes on baking sheet. Use a potato masher or fork to smash to about 1/2 inch thickness.
• Brush with Oil – Mix together remaining olive oil and butter. Brush mixture over potatoes. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan-seasoning blend.
• Oven – Roast per the recipe the edges are crispy and golden. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Kitchen Tools to Make Smashed Parmesan Potatoes

• Large sheet pan.
• Sharp knife and cutting board.
• Cheese grater.
• Large mixing bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Potatoes – I often use a combination of small red potatoes and golden potatoes for visual appeal. You can certainly choose to use one, or the other.
• Parmesan Cheese – You can use fresh or canned grated Parmesan cheese or Parmesan-Reggiano cheese for this recipe.
• Cool the Potatoes – I find that the cooler the potato, the better it holds together when smashing. Allow the potatoes to cool for at least 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes for the best results.
• Size – You can make this recipe using smaller or medium-size potatoes. I find that the smaller potatoes become even more crispy when baking.
• Garlic – I don’t recommend replacing the dried garlic with fresh garlic cloves. Fresh garlic is more apt to burn in the oven.
• Herbs – You could add any dried herbs that you enjoy such as rosemary or thyme. You could also garnish the potatoes with fresh herbs like rosemary or chives.
• Adjust the Servings – The amount of potatoes can easily be increased, or decreased to suit your needs.
• Serving Options – Serve these potatoes just as they are or with a dollop of creamy sour cream or ranch dressing on the side as a dipping sauce.
• Grilled Parmesan Potatoes – You can also make smashed potatoes on the grill. Checkout my recipe for Garlic Rosemary Smashed Potatoes, too.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in a skillet, an air fryer or on a sheet pan in a 375°F oven.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

Southern Style Main Dishes to Serve with Smashed Potatoes

There are few dishes that wouldn’t be enhanced with a side of of crispy, buttery potatoes. A few you recipes to try:

• Garlic Butter Steak Bites can be served as a small bite appetizer or an entree for your meal.
• Lemon Butter Chicken with Tarragon is restaurant quality you can make in minutes.
• Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is stuffed with a delicious filling and roasted in the oven.
• Hamburger Steak with gravy is comfort food 101.
• Baked Teriyaki Salmon and Vegetables is good and good for you.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken packs a burst of lemon in every bite!
• Crispy Panko Fried Shrimp and a side of coleslaw with these smashed potatoes is a feast!
• Hawaiian Steak Kabobs from Life in the Lofthouse.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Saucepan
• Sheet Pans
• Pastry Brushes
• Cheese Grater