Crispy Smashed Potatoes

These crispy smashed potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes. By boiling small potatoes until tender, smashing them, and roasting them to perfection, you achieve a crispy exterior with a soft and fluffy interior. Infused with olive oil, garlic, and aromatic herbs, these potatoes make for a flavorful side dish that's sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds small red-skinned potatoes (12 to 16 potatoes)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• ½ teaspoon salt, divided

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided

• 3 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (about ¾ cup)

• 2 tablespoons minced fresh Italian parsley

Directions

1. Prepare Potatoes:

   • Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them by at least 1 inch.

   • Bring to a boil over high heat.

   • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are very tender, about 20 minutes.

   • Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.

2. Preheat Oven:

   • While the potatoes are cooling, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

   • Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil and brush with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

3. Smash Potatoes:

   • Transfer the cooled potatoes to the prepared baking pan.

   • Use a wide-bottomed glass to lightly press down on each potato to smash them to about ½-inch thickness, keeping each potato in one piece.

4. Season and Roast:

   • Brush the smashed potatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

   • Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

   • Roast in the preheated oven, uncovered, until the bottoms are lightly browned and crisp, about 15 minutes.

   • Turn the potatoes and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

   • Return to the oven and roast until the potatoes are lightly browned and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes more.

5. Add Cheese and Broil:

   • Preheat the broiler and set a rack 4 to 5 inches from the heat source.

   • Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the potatoes.

   • Broil until the cheese is melted and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Sprinkle the minced parsley over the potatoes before serving.

   • Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 138 kcal

• Total Fat: 6g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 15mg

• Sodium: 1915mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 20g

• Dietary Fiber: 3g

• Sugars: 2g

• Protein: 3g