Get ready for the crispy, golden, utterly irresistible magic that is Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Dip! These potatoes are perfectly crunchy on the outside, pillowy-soft inside, and kissed with all the herby, cheesy goodness you crave. And that luscious, garlicky dip on the side? It ties everything together in the most heavenly way. If you’re looking for a new side that instantly upgrades any weeknight dinner or impresses at a gathering, this one is it—get ready to fall in love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of simple staples come together to create the magic of Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Dip. Each ingredient is chosen not just for taste, but for the texture and color it brings—every bite pops with flavor.
- Baby potatoes (1½ pounds, red or gold): These get extra crisp on the outside while staying fluffy in the center—choose similar sized potatoes for even cooking.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for golden brown, crispy edges and a lovely depth of flavor.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every layer and balances the buttery potatoes.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): A hint of sharpness that rounds out the cheesy, savory notes.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses each potato with mellow, aromatic garlic flavor all the way through.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Earthy and fragrant, this simple herb adds dimension and an herby aroma.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): The superstar—melty, golden, and gloriously crisp after baking.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brings a pop of color and a light, fresh finish to balance the richness.
- Sour cream (½ cup): A creamy base for the dip, keeping it cool and tangy.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Adds a velvety texture and a subtle richness to the dip.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Fresh and punchy, delivering that signature garlicky kick.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dip and cuts through the richness—don’t skip it!
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Rounds out all the flavors in your dip nicely.
- Chopped chives (1 tablespoon, optional): Delicate, oniony flavor and a hint of cheerful green.
How to Make Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Dip
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. The high heat ensures maximum crispiness, and the parchment saves you from any sticky mess later.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Place your baby potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook them for 15 to 20 minutes, just until they’re fork-tender. You want them soft enough to smash, but not falling apart—test a few for that perfect balance.
Step 3: Smash City
After draining, let the potatoes cool just enough to handle. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, then grab a sturdy glass and gently press each one down until it’s flattened but not crumbling. This is where all the crispy magic happens!
Step 4: Season and Cheese It Up
Drizzle the smashed potatoes generously with olive oil, then sprinkle over the salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and most importantly, a hearty snowfall of grated Parmesan. Make sure the cheese lands on the flat tops—this is what will crisp up in the oven.
Step 5: Bake for Golden Crunch
Pop the pan in your hot oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The potatoes will sizzle and the cheese will bubble and turn irresistibly crispy. If you’re after extra crunch, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep a close eye!
Step 6: Make the Garlic Dip
While your potatoes bake, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and chives (if using) in a small bowl. The result is a creamy, zesty dip that perfectly complements the savory potatoes. Let it chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
When the potatoes are golden and crisp, pull them from the oven, sprinkle with a flurry of fresh parsley, and serve hot with a generous bowl of the cool garlic dip on the side. Get ready for happy faces all around!
How to Serve Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Dip
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh parsley adds brilliant color and a hint of freshness to every bite. For an extra pop, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of even more freshly grated Parmesan right before serving. If you want to dial up the presentation, a pinch of smoked paprika or a few snipped chives on the dip bowl look beautiful and taste great, too!
Side Dishes
These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Dip are right at home alongside grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad. They’re also a stellar pairing for burgers, steak, or any main that needs a little extra “wow” on the table. Honestly, they even steal the show at brunch next to scrambled eggs or as a star at your next party snack spread!
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the crispy potatoes onto a rustic serving platter with the garlic dip front and center, or skewer a few smashed potatoes on cocktail picks for the ultimate party bite. You can even stack them in a shallow bowl with dip drizzled on top and extra cheese scattered over everything for a more decadent, shareable style. However you serve them, they’re guaranteed to spark joy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to resist eating every last bite, store any leftover Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the potatoes and the dip separate for the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
While the garlic dip is best enjoyed fresh, the baked smashed potatoes can be frozen! Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw and re-crisp in the oven when you’re ready for round two.
Reheating
To bring back the original crispiness, spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet and bake in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crunchy again. Skip the microwave here—it softens the crisp edges that make these potatoes extra special!
FAQs
Can I use larger potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Definitely! Just cut larger potatoes into smaller chunks so they cook evenly and are easy to smash. You might need to adjust boiling time slightly, but the results will still be fabulously crispy and delicious.
Is the Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Dip recipe gluten-free?
Yes, both the potatoes and the garlic dip are naturally gluten-free, making this dish a fantastic option for anyone avoiding gluten without sacrificing any flavor.
How can I make the garlic dip lighter?
To lighten things up, try swapping the sour cream for Greek yogurt. It lends the dip a gentle tang and creaminess, and you’ll still get all the garlic-forward flavor you want.
Can I make Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead, then finish baking and crisping just before serving. The dip can be prepared a day in advance and kept chilled until dinner time.
What other herbs can I use besides thyme?
Feel free to experiment with fresh or dried rosemary, oregano, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Each brings a new twist to the classic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Dip and makes the recipe feel brand new every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something unfailingly joyful about serving up a platter of Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Dip—every crispy bite just disappears! This recipe is always a hit, whether you’re feeding family or friends, and it couldn’t be simpler or more satisfying. Give it a try, and get ready to make it a staple in your comfort food rotation.
Print
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Dip are a perfect combination of crispy, savory potatoes and a creamy, garlicky dip. The potatoes are baked until golden and crispy, then served with a flavorful sour cream and garlic dip. A delicious side dish or appetizer for any occasion!
Ingredients
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes:
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes (red or gold)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
For the Garlic Dip:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil the potatoes: Boil the baby potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare and bake: Transfer the potatoes to the baking sheet, flatten each one with the bottom of a glass, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with seasonings and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
- Make the Garlic Dip: Mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and chives (if using). Chill until serving.
- Serve: Sprinkle the potatoes with parsley, serve hot, and enjoy with the garlic dip on the side.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the potatoes for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dip.
- The garlic dip also pairs well with roasted vegetables or chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
