Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 pound baby potatoes (such as red potatoes or Yukon Gold)
Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook them for 18-22 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Preheat the Oven: While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Coat a sheet pan generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Drain the cooked potatoes and arrange them in a single layer on the pan.
- Smash the Potatoes: Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, carefully press down on each potato until it is flattened but still intact, allowing more surface area to crisp up during baking.
- Mix the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to blend all flavors.
- Coat the Potatoes: Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the smashed potatoes, making sure each piece is well coated. Sprinkle the finely grated parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy, savory crust.
- Bake to Crisp: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Baby potatoes such as red potatoes or Yukon Gold work best due to their size and texture.
- You can substitute parmesan with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for different flavors.
- For extra crispiness, increase baking time by a few minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to regain crispness rather than microwaving.
- Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the butter mixture can elevate the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American