These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes will become your go-to side dish for any meal. With their crispy, cheesy exterior and soft, creamy interior, they are perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The addition of a simple yogurt and dill sauce elevates this dish to a new level, making it a delightful accompaniment to any main course.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Flavorful: These potatoes offer a perfect crunch that pairs beautifully with the savory Parmesan cheese.
Quick to Prepare: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a delicious side in no time.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a festive spread.
Healthy Twist: Using baby yellow potatoes keeps this dish hearty yet light, making it suitable for various diets.
Customizable Dipping Sauce: Pair with the yogurt and dill sauce or make it your own with different herbs and spices.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Parmesan Smashed Potatoes seamlessly, gather your tools before you begin cooking. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Sheet pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowl
Glass or potato masher

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Boils the potatoes evenly and allows for easy handling when cooking.
Sheet pan: Provides ample space to smash and bake the potatoes for perfect crispiness.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients for the dipping sauce without making a mess.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

16 baby yellow potatoes
½ stick melted unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (measure with your heart)

For the Yogurt Sauce

½ cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon olive oil
Salt (to taste)
Fresh dill (finely chopped, or dry dill) to taste

How to Make Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Add the baby potatoes to a large pot filled with water. Bring it to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. You can check doneness by poking them with a fork; they should easily break apart.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Once cooked, line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Place the boiled baby potatoes on the prepared sheet pan. Coat each potato with the butter and cheese mixture. Using a glass or potato masher, gently press down on each potato until slightly flattened. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid breaking them apart completely.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown and crispy, approximately 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Step 5: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, let the smashed potatoes cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes. This step is essential; cooling helps maintain their structure.

Step 6: Prepare the Yogurt Dipping Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together plain yogurt, olive oil, salt, and fresh dill to create your dipping sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Enjoy these delicious Parmesan Smashed Potatoes hot from the oven! They are sure to be loved by everyone at your table.

How to Serve Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes make an incredible side dish that pairs well with many meals. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Grilled Chicken

Juicy grilled chicken thighs or breasts complement the crispiness of the potatoes perfectly.

As a Side for Steak

The robust flavors of a grilled steak enhance the cheesy goodness of Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.

Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables

A colorful medley of roasted vegetables adds freshness and balances the richness of the potatoes.

Topped with Sour Cream and Chives

A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives bring a creamy and tangy twist to this dish.

Served with Homemade Meatloaf

Pairing these smashed potatoes with meatloaf creates a comforting, classic American meal.

How to Perfect Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Achieving the best texture and flavor for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines.

Choose small potatoes: Baby yellow potatoes are ideal because they maintain their shape and have a creamy texture.
Boil until tender: Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked before smashing. This ensures they will be soft inside.
Don’t rush the cooling: Allowing the smashed potatoes to cool slightly helps them hold their shape during baking.
Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add more garlic powder or Italian herbs according to your taste preferences.
Use fresh cheese: For maximum flavor, opt for freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged cheese.
Watch them bake: Keep an eye on the potatoes while they bake, as oven temperatures can vary.

Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for more ideas to serve alongside your Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, consider these delightful options.

Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a crunchy texture that complements the creamy potatoes.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings freshness and acidity, balancing the richness of the potatoes.
Baked Salmon: The flaky fish pairs nicely with cheesy potatoes for a healthy yet indulgent meal.
Creamed Spinach: This rich, creamy side dish harmonizes beautifully with the crispy smashed potatoes.
Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots offer a contrasting flavor that enhances your overall plate.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, making it a perfect counterpoint to the rich potatoes.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is always a crowd-pleaser during summer meals.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: These hearty peppers filled with rice and meat complement the cheesy side dish wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, a few common errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

Underboiling the potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are fully tender before smashing. If they are not cooked through, they won’t hold up during baking.
Not using enough seasoning: Don’t skimp on the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Proper seasoning enhances the flavors of your potatoes.
Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the potatoes to cool is crucial. If you skip this, they may fall apart and become mushy when baked.
Using cold butter: Melted butter is key for achieving that crispy exterior. Cold butter will not coat the potatoes properly and will lead to uneven cooking.
Not monitoring baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your potatoes while baking to avoid burning or undercooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Parmesan Smashed Potatoes in an airtight container.
They can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Place cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals until warm, but this may make them less crispy.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil or butter. This method helps retain their crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.

How do I achieve extra crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?

To enhance crispiness, ensure you use enough melted butter and bake at a high temperature while keeping an eye on them as they cook.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for different flavors while maintaining the basic recipe.

What can I serve with Parmesan Smashed Potatoes?

These tasty potatoes pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a hearty salad.

Are there vegetarian options for the yogurt sauce?

Absolutely! You can swap plain yogurt for a plant-based yogurt alternative, making it perfect for vegetarian diets.

Final Thoughts

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are not just another side dish; they’re a delightful addition to any meal. Their crispy exterior combined with creamy insides makes them irresistible. Don’t hesitate to customize by adding herbs or spices that you love!

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Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort side dish that combines crispy, cheesy goodness with a soft, creamy center. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these potatoes are easy to prepare and elevate any meal. The addition of a tangy yogurt and dill sauce enhances the flavors and provides a delightful contrast to the rich Parmesan.

Ingredients

Scale

16 baby yellow potatoes
½ stick unsalted butter (4 tablespoons), melted
1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the yogurt sauce: ½ cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon olive oil
salt (to taste)
fresh dill (finely chopped)

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Instructions

Boil the baby potatoes in salted water until tender (15-20 minutes). Drain and let cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, stir together melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
Place boiled potatoes on the sheet pan and gently smash each potato using a glass or potato masher.
Brush each smashed potato with the butter and cheese mixture.
Bake for approximately 30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
For the yogurt sauce, mix yogurt, olive oil, salt, and dill in a bowl.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American