When my family first asked for Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes, it was actually a last-minute meal rescue. I had planned a simple weeknight dinner but realized I had no side dish ready. I remembered this recipe I’d seen floating around and decided to give it a try. What happened next? Everyone at the dinner table couldn’t stop raving about the crispy smashed potatoes with that rich garlic Parmesan flavor. Even my picky eaters, who usually shy away from roasted potatoes, were happily digging in. Those Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes quickly became a family favorite, showing up on our meal plan more often than I expected.
What makes these potatoes special is how they bring everyone around the table. They’re easy to prepare but feel like a treat. The golden, crispy edges covered in garlic and Parmesan cheese make them perfect for regular dinners or even celebrations. Best of all, this recipe fits well into busy schedules—giving you a tasty side dish without a lot of fuss. After a few times practicing the method, I now make Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes with confidence, and my family looks forward to them.
If you want a side to make your family smile, I invite you to try this Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes recipe. It’s straightforward, flavorful, and sure to become a new meal favorite that brings happy moments to your table.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a simple ingredient list to make your Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes come out perfectly every time. I keep it straightforward to make sure you can grab everything during your regular grocery run.
- 1 1/2 pounds small Yukon Gold or baby potatoes (about 20 potatoes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (quality olive oil adds great flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic works best for that vibrant punch)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (look for a good aged Parmesan, not pre-grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the best Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes, I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes because they have a wonderful creamy texture inside and crisp up nicely on the outside. You’ll find everything you need for this recipe at your regular grocery store, usually in the fresh produce and cheese sections.
If you need to swap an ingredient, this Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes recipe is flexible. You can substitute Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available, though fresh does give the best garlic roasted potatoes taste. My family prefers extra Parmesan, so I usually sprinkle a little more cheese right before serving—it’s a simple change with lots of impact.
Before you start, wash your potatoes well since you’ll be keeping the skin on for that crispy texture. This Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes recipe shines because of its simple ingredients, but using good-quality basics makes a big difference.

How to Make It
Making Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes is easier than you’d expect, and the results are well worth it. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C). This high heat is key to getting those potatoes crispy on the outside.
- Boil the potatoes: In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender—usually about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily without resistance.
- Drain and cool: Drain the hot water and let the potatoes cool slightly so you can handle them safely.
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Smash the potatoes: Place the potatoes on the baking sheet spaced apart. Using a sturdy spoon, potato masher, or even the bottom of a glass, press down on each potato gently until it’s flattened to around 1/2 inch thick but still in one piece.
- Add garlic and seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Brush or drizzle this mixture evenly over the smashed potatoes. This step is where the magic of garlic roasted potatoes really begins.
- Sprinkle Parmesan: Generously sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each potato. This helps create that parmesan cheese crispy potatoes texture everyone loves.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are golden and crispy around the edges. Keep an eye on them — they’ll deepen in color quickly once they start browning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like. Serving these Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes hot ensures the best crispness and aroma in your kitchen.
This Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes process typically takes me about an hour from start to finish, including boiling time. While the potatoes roast, your kitchen will smell amazing—garlic and Parmesan wafting through the air always gets family members curious.
I used to mess up my Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes by not smashing the potatoes evenly, which caused some to burn while others stayed soft. Now, I always make sure they’re about the same thickness for even cooking. Also, don’t skip the pre-boil step; it’s the reason the inside stays creamy while the outside crisps up.
While your Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes roast, you can prep your main dish or set the table. To deepen the flavor even more, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a touch of chili flakes with the garlic oil.
Serving Ideas

Everyone reaches for seconds when this Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes comes out piping hot. We usually serve them alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken for a meal feel-good factor. The crispy smashed potatoes complement flavors like garlic Parmesan chicken wonderfully — here’s a great recipe to try with them.
These potatoes are also perfect for casual gatherings or celebrations where you want something everyone enjoys. Their simple ingredients make them appealing even to kids who might be hesitant about trying new sides.
For presentation, arranging the potatoes on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan adds a nice pop of color and flavor that looks special. Leftovers? They reheat beautifully in a hot oven or on a skillet, and the crispy texture comes back with a quick second roast.
I’ve tried variations like adding rosemary or swapping Parmesan for a blend of cheddar and mozzarella—the family loved the cheesy twist. For a lighter version, you can reduce the oil and cheese, and even toss in some roasted garlic cloves for an extra burst of flavor.
If your family loves Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes, they’ll also enjoy these crispy smashed potatoes recipes from Vegetable Recipes and Downshiftology. There’s also a stunning side on Always Use Butter that’s packed with garlic and Parmesan goodness, which inspired some of my seasoning ideas.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can boil and smash the potatoes earlier in the day, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the garlic oil and Parmesan, then bake fresh for best crispiness.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic for my Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes?
You can use garlic powder as a substitute, but fresh garlic really makes the flavor pop. You might want to add a bit more powder to compensate.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes! Yukon Gold is ideal, but red potatoes or fingerlings also work beautifully. Just adjust boiling time accordingly; smaller potatoes cook faster.
How do I store leftover Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to bring back the crispiness.
What if my potatoes don’t get crispy?
Make sure you dry them well after boiling and use enough oil when seasoning. Also, bake at a high temperature and give space between potatoes for air circulation.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Yes! Rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika all add great flavor. My family loves them with a pinch of smoked paprika on top.
Is Parmesan mandatory?
Parmesan really defines the flavor in Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes, but you can try Pecorino Romano or a Parmesan blend if preferred.
If you want more tasty ideas, try pairing your potatoes with this garlic bread wreath or loaded baked potatoes from MomsGate—they’re crowd-pleasers, too!
The Final Word
This Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes recipe has earned a permanent spot in my meal rotation because it’s satisfying and simple. It brings a hearty, cozy side to the dinner table that my family looks forward to time and time again.
My Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Tips:
- Always boil potatoes just until tender to keep the creamy interior.
- Don’t skip the olive oil and garlic step—it’s where the flavor comes alive.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a better texture and taste.
I’ve tried a few variations with great success—like adding crispy bacon bits or mixing cheeses. The kids love the cheesy version, while my partner prefers it spiced with extra herbs.
Making this Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes your own is easy, and I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does. It’s the kind of simple recipe that turns everyday meals into memorable moments. Give it a go and watch your family gather with smiles around the table.
For more inspiration, check out these recipes: loaded baked potatoes, garlic bread wreath with baked brie, and garlic Parmesan chicken recipe from MomsGate. They pair beautifully with these crispy smashed potatoes for full meal wins. Happy cooking!
Baked Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these baked smashed garlic parmesan potatoes are a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Boil the baby potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Place potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato until about 1/2 inch thick.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the garlic oil mixture evenly over the smashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously on top of each potato.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the potatoes for the last 2 minutes of baking. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.

