Smashed Parmesan Potatoes – the perfect side dish for so many meals! Easy to make, this dish is on the table in just 30 minutes.
Let’s face it, just about anything tastes better when you add some parmesan cheese – and potatoes are no exception!
Whilst smashed potatoes are always a hit, smashed potatoes with freshly grated parmesan cheese are just that little bit more special!
The ultimate in savory satisfaction, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes, from start to finish! This makes it ideal for busy weeknights.
Another great thing about this comforting side dish is that it’s family-friendly! Kids love the creaminess of smashed potatoes and the cheesiness just comes as an added bonus!
Smashed vs mashed
True mashed potato is free of any lumpy bits, whereas smashed potato is all about the texture!
Some people say that making smashed potato is a lazy way of making mashed potato. We say that if it tastes great – and it’s quicker to make – then we are happy to be lazy!
What’s more, mashed potato needs the potatoes to be peeled – with smashed potatoes you can leave the skin on. Whilst that my be considered lazy by some, it’s actually much healthier for you, as the majority of nutrients in a potato live in – or just under – the skin!
Variations
Let’s be clear – this recipe doesn’t NEED variations because just the few inrgedients used here give you loads of flavor.
But you can boost it even more by adding roasted garlic to the potatoes, or even chopped, cooked bacon (drool).
This recipe calls for a topping of chopped chives, but you can replace those by any of your other favorite herbs. Alternatively, amp up the flavor by topping with chopped scallions instead.
Here are some more cool topping ideas:
- guacamole
- a little avocado puree
- grilled corn with sliced jalapeño
- pesto and sun-dried tomatoes
Here’s are some great main dishes to serve with your yummy Parmesan Potatoes:
Parmesan Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Baby Potatoes red or brown-skinned – unpeeled and halved
- 2/3 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh Chives chopped
Instructions
- Place the potatoes in a large pot of water and cover.
- Bring the water to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- Drain, setting aside 3/4 cup of the cooking liquid.
- Put the potatoes back into the pot and mash them coarsely.
- Add enough of the reserved cooking liquid to moisten them.
- Stir in the Parmesan and the oil with a large fork. Season to taste and sprinkle with herbs.