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.
Notes
Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for smashing and give a creamy texture inside while crisping up beautifully on the outside.Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Make sure the potatoes have space to crisp up evenly, so don’t overcrowd the pan.Try Bacon Crumbles: If you want to take it to the next level, sprinkle crispy bacon crumbles on top before baking the potatoes for a smoky, savory kick!