If there’s one side dish that never lets you down — whether you’re coming home from a long day balancing budgets or you’re just craving something crispy and comforting — it’s Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.
This recipe is basically the “best friend who always shows up.”
Reliable, crunchy, cheesy, and effortless… the vegetarian bff everyone needs.
Perfect for solo dinners, family meals, or those “I want something delicious but my brain is offline” nights.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Crispy edges that taste like a French fry and hash brown had a baby
- Tender inside, because potatoes are the ultimate comfort ingredient
- Cheesy, garlicky flavor without heavy ingredients
- Vegetarian-friendly (your meatless-BFF side dish)
- Pairs with literally everything — chicken, salmon, tofu, pasta, you name it
- Minimal effort, maximum crunch
What Makes This the “Vegetarian Bestie” Version?
This dish is the go-to friend that always fits into your plans:
- Works for Meatless Mondays
- Great for casual dinners, potlucks, or a snacking situation
- Equally great for someone like me who’s cooking for one after work — but wants something that hits both crispy and cheesy vibes
- Budget-friendly, because potatoes are the real MVP of groceries
It’s simple, comforting, and always there when you need it.
Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes — Quick Overview
Ingredients (in your preferred no-measurement style)
- Baby potatoes
- Olive oil
- Parmesan (freshly grated)
- Garlic powder
- Salt + pepper
- Optional: smoked paprika, parsley, chives
The Vibe (instead of steps):
- Potatoes get boiled until soft
- Gently smashed into cute little discs
- Brushed with oil
- Covered in Parmesan
- Roasted until they turn into crispy golden coins of joy
That’s it. No overthinking, no complicated techniques.
When to Serve These
- With grilled chicken or fish
- As a crunchy side for pasta
- As a snack while watching K-dramas or YouTube
- With roasted veggies for a vegetarian dinner
- As the base for a loaded potato board (yes, that’s a thing now)
They’re versatile, unfussy, and addictive.
FAQ
1. Can I make this with regular potatoes?
Yes — just chop into thick chunks before smashing.
2. Does it have to be Parmesan?
Nope! Pecorino, cheddar, or a vegan Parm alternative also work.
3. How do I make it crispier?
More oil + hotter oven = crunchier edges.
4. Is this good for meal prep?
Yes! Re-crisp them in the air fryer for best results.
5. Can I add spices?
Absolutely — paprika, rosemary, chili flakes, or garlic herb blends are great.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are the definition of dependable comfort — crunchy, cheesy, and impossible to mess up. They’re the side dish you keep coming back to, no matter how chaotic life or work gets.