Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe: Rustic Comfort Bites

Crispy, golden parmesan smashed potatoes deliver a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food.

Russet potatoes boil until tender, creating a creamy interior waiting to be crisped.

Salt and olive oil help develop an irresistible crunch that makes you want to dive right in.

Cheese lovers will appreciate how parmesan adds a nutty, savory dimension to each bite.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum flavor in this simple yet impressive side dish.

Perfectly seasoned edges and a soft center guarantee these potatoes will become your new favorite potato preparation.

Let’s transform ordinary spuds into a crowd-pleasing sensation you won’t be able to resist.

Ingredients Needed for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the primary texture and flavor for this dish.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano: Brings a sharp, nutty cheese flavor and helps bind the potatoes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the potatoes.

• Fresh Chives: Provides a mild onion-like flavor and adds a pop of green color to the dish.

• Water: Used to boil the potatoes and later reserved to adjust the final potato texture and creaminess.

How to Make These Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil Potatoes

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Drop the potatoes into the boiling water and cook until they’re soft enough to easily pierce with a fork, which takes about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Transfer and Prepare

Move the cooked potatoes from the pot to a shallow bowl using a slotted spoon. Keep some of the hot cooking water nearby.

Step 3: Enhance with Flavors

• Butter
• Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Smash and Blend

Crush the potatoes using a fork. Slowly mix in the reserved cooking water until the potatoes reach a creamy, slightly chunky texture.

Step 5: Perfect the Seasoning

Taste the potatoes and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to bring out the best flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chives over the top if you want extra flavor.

Serve the potatoes immediately while they’re hot and creamy.

Tips to Get Perfectly Crispy Potatoes

• Use a large pot with salted water and cook until fork-tender, which typically takes around 15 minutes for even, soft potatoes.
• Reserve some hot cooking water to help create a creamy texture when smashing potatoes, ensuring they don't become dry.
• Use a fork to gently break down potatoes, controlling the texture and maintaining some potato chunks for rustic appeal.
• Select authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for a rich, complex flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Sprinkle chopped chives right before serving to add a bright, oniony freshness and attractive green color to the potatoes.

Flavor Variations to Try Out

• Herbed Parmesan Potatoes: Add finely chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage to the smashed potatoes for an aromatic herb-infused version.
• Garlic Parmesan Smash: Roast whole garlic cloves with the potatoes and mash them together, creating a rich, garlicky flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Parmesan Potatoes: Mix in finely diced jalapeños and a dash of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat and extra excitement.
• Truffle Parmesan Potatoes: Drizzle truffle oil over the finished potatoes and sprinkle with extra Parmesan for a luxurious gourmet touch.

Pairing Suggestions That Work Beautifully

• Roast Herb-Crusted Chicken: Juicy, tender chicken with crispy herb coating complements the creamy, cheesy potatoes wonderfully, creating a balanced and satisfying main course.
• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine cuts through the richness of the potatoes, refreshing the palate with its bright, citrusy notes and clean finish.
• Mediterranean Grilled Salmon: Flaky, omega-rich salmon with a light lemon seasoning provides a delicate protein contrast to the robust, cheesy potato texture.
• Fresh Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Crisp, tangy salad adds brightness and lightness, balancing the hearty, creamy potatoes and creating a well-rounded meal experience.

Best Storage for Leftover Potatoes

• Place cooled smashed potatoes in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Transfer potatoes to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month. Note that texture might slightly change after freezing.
• Warm potatoes in microwave-safe dish, covering with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add small splash of milk or reserved cooking water to restore creaminess if needed.

FAQs

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and create a creamy texture when smashed.

• Can I use other cheeses instead of Parmigiano-Reggiano?

Yes, you can substitute with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or aged cheddar for a similar flavor profile.

• How do I get the potatoes crispy when smashing?

Use a fork or potato masher and press gently to create irregular surfaces. For extra crispiness, you can briefly broil the smashed potatoes after seasoning.

• Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Parmesan smashed potatoes recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made with vegetable butter for a fully vegetarian side dish.

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes That Impress

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Packed with rich Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and buttery goodness, these potatoes deliver an incredible taste explosion that elevates a simple side dish.
• Conquer Kitchen Confidence: Incredibly straightforward technique makes this recipe perfect for novice cooks wanting to impress family and friends with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personalization by adjusting creaminess with reserved cooking water and experimenting with additional herbs or seasonings to match your taste preferences.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and simple preparation transform ordinary potatoes into a gourmet side dish that works beautifully for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy parmesan smashed potatoes deliver a delightful crunch with golden edges and melted cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection, these potatoes offer a simple yet irresistible side dish you’ll crave at every meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) baby red potatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Seasonings:

• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Fats:

• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 teaspoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Carefully lower whole potatoes into the boiling water and cook for approximately 15-17 minutes until they can be easily pierced with a fork.
3. Drain potatoes using a slotted spoon, transferring them to a wide, flat serving dish while preserving roughly 1/2 cup of the hot cooking liquid.
4. Immediately introduce butter to the warm potatoes, allowing it to melt and coat each potato.
5. Gently press and crush potatoes using a fork or potato masher, creating a rustic, uneven texture.
6. Gradually incorporate Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the potatoes.
7. Slowly add reserved cooking water to achieve a creamy, slightly loose consistency, mixing carefully to prevent over-mashing.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to personal preference.
9. Garnish with finely chopped fresh chives for a burst of color and additional flavor.
10. Serve hot, directly from the dish, ensuring the potatoes remain warm and inviting.

Notes

• Boil potatoes with skin on to retain nutrients and create a rustic texture that adds depth to the dish.
• Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet for the best creamy, fluffy result when smashing.
• Reserve cooking water as a secret weapon to control moisture and enhance the potato’s natural flavor without diluting the Parmesan’s richness.
• Experiment with alternative cheese options like pecorino or aged cheddar for different flavor profiles while maintaining the recipe’s core technique.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 343 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 43 mg