Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
If you love crispy potatoes with plenty of melted cheese, these cheesy smashed potatoes are going to become one of your favorite recipes. They are golden and crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and covered with a delicious layer of parmesan and mozzarella that melts perfectly in the oven.This recipe is simple, comforting, and full of flavor. Baby potatoes are boiled until tender, gently smashed, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and herbs, then baked until the edges turn beautifully crispy. The parmesan placed under the potatoes creates an irresistible cheesy crust, while the mozzarella on top adds that gooey, melty finish.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs baby gold potatoes
- 2 oz shredded parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- Onion powder to taste
- Paprika to taste
- Italian herb seasoning to taste
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional garnish: chives to taste
- Optional garnish: chili pepper flakes to taste
- Lazy tzatziki dip as needed
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Step 2: Boil the potatoes
- Fill a big pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until you can easily poke them with a fork. The cooking time depends on the size of your potatoes.
- Step 3: Cool and prep the potatoes
- Drain the potatoes and place them on your baking sheet to cool for a few minutes. If some are large, cut them in half. For the whole ones, you can lightly score the tops with a small criss-cross using a knife, this helps them smash more evenly.
- Step 4: Smash, season, and top with cheese
- Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded parmesan on the baking sheet where each potato will go, then place the potato right on top of the cheese. Cover each one with a small piece of parchment or wax paper and gently press down with the bottom of a glass to flatten. The paper keeps the glass from sticking. After smashing, sprinkle each potato with your seasonings (like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and Italian herbs), then top with shredded mozzarella.
- Step 5: Bake until golden
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden and crispy.
- Ready to Serve
- These cheesy smashed potatoes are the ultimate snack, crispy, cheesy, and perfect for any occasion. Serve them up as a side, snack, or even party appetizer, and watch them disappear fast!
Notes
*Nutrition info is a rough estimate based on the ingredients. Note that values may vary from case to case.
*As with all recipes, there is a number of ways you can get things done. If you believe that some of the instructions can be improved, or have a good alternative solution, feel free to leave a comment.
