Garlic Smashed Potatoes are the crispy, cheesy, buttery bites you didn’t know your side dish game was missing. Crunchy edges, fluffy centers, and a punch of garlic? Yes please.
These smashed beauties are everywhere right now—from dinner tables to TikTok scrolls. They’re like mashed potatoes’ cooler, crispier cousin. Perfect for holiday spreads, easy weeknights, or just when you need a golden, garlicky carb fix.
If you love this, try my crispy air fryer carrot fries, beet salad with feta, or air fryer parmesan asparagus.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle.
- Big garlic-parmesan flavor with simple ingredients.
- Customizable with your fave herbs, spices, or toppings.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Baby potatoes – Red or yellow baby spuds are my go-to. They’re creamy inside, hold their shape, and crisp up like a dream when smashed.
- Garlic powder – I love using this over fresh—it gives bold flavor without burning and mixes easily into the buttery glaze.
- Parmesan – Freshly grated is best! It melts into crispy, salty bits that take these potatoes over the top.
- Olive oil + butter – Olive oil gets the crunch started, then butter adds richness. This duo makes every bite golden and addictive.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap butter for ghee or vegan butter.
- Use sweet potatoes for a twist.
- Add chili flakes or Cajun spice for heat.
- Swap parm with pecorino or skip for dairy-free.
- Try rosemary or thyme for earthy flavor.
- Make it loaded: sour cream, bacon bits, green onion—go wild.
Pair with air fryer huli huli chicken, simple avocado salad, or passion fruit juice for a full meal.
🔪 How To Make Garlic Smashed Potatoes
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F and brush a large baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil; set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 2 teaspoons salt and the potatoes. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Step 2: Drain off the water and gently dry the potatoes with paper towels. Place the potatoes on the oiled baking sheet.
- Step 3: Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to smash down the potatoes to about ½-inch thickness.
- Step 4: Brush the top of the potatoes with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Step 5: Bake the potatoes at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip each potato. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Brush the mixture on top of each potato. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the potatoes.
- Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the Parmesan is beginning to turn golden brown. Season your Garlic Smashed Potatoes to taste with more salt and pepper and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Don’t crowd the pan—air = crisp.
- Use a flat-bottomed glass for even smashing.
- Pre-shred your Parmesan for quicker prep.
💭 FAQs
Smashed potatoes are boiled potatoes that are gently pressed to flatten them slightly before baking. This technique creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior.
While small red or yellow potatoes are ideal due to their waxy texture, you can substitute with other types like Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Keep in mind that different varieties may affect the final texture and flavor.
Yes, smashing the potatoes increases the surface area, allowing for a crispier texture. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to gently press down on each potato until it's about ½-inch thick.
Ensure the potatoes are well-drained and dried after boiling. Smashing them to about ½-inch thickness and brushing them with olive oil before baking also contributes to a crispier texture.
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Yes, after baking, allow the potatoes to cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
💖 Serving Suggestions
- As a Side Dish: Pair them with meats like stuffed chicken breast, steak bites, or air fryer cod for a hearty meal.
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve alongside ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or a tangy garlic parmesan sauce for added flavor.
- As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own with a sprinkle of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon.
- In a Salad: Combine with mixed greens, sun dried tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a warm potato salad.
- With Bacon Bits: Add crispy bacon pieces on top for a smoky, savory flavor.
- As a Breakfast Item: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or an omelet for a hearty breakfast.
🍽 Try These Tasty Potato Recipes
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Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes With Parmesan
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon Extra-Vrgin Olive Oil (divided)
- 3 teaspoon Salt (divided)
- 2 lbs Small Red Or Yellow Potatoes (washed)
- 2 tablespoon Butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- ⅓ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Freshly Chopped Parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and brush a large baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil; set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 2 teaspoons salt and the potatoes. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Drain off the water and gently dry the potatoes with paper towels.
- Place the potatoes on the oiled baking sheet.
- Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to smash down the potatoes to about ½-inch thickness.
- Brush the top of the potatoes with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Bake the potatoes at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip each potato. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Brush the mixture on top of each potato. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the potatoes.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the Parmesan is beginning to turn golden brown. Season the potatoes to taste with more salt and pepper and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Just made these garlic smashed potatoes last night, and they were a hit! The crispy edges and cheesy topping were perfection. Anyone else tried adding a sprinkle of rosemary? Game changer!