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Crispy Brown Butter Smashed Potatoes Recipe with Parmesan Garlic Herb Oil

crispy brown butter smashed potatoes - featured image

A crispy, melt-in-your-mouth side dish featuring baby potatoes smashed and roasted with nutty brown butter, sharp Parmesan, and a fragrant garlic herb oil drizzle. Perfect for cozy dinners or unexpected guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red baby potatoes)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary), chopped
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place 1.5 pounds of baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  3. Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs. Warm gently for 5-7 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice if using. Set aside.
  4. Arrange boiled potatoes on a lined baking sheet, spaced apart. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each potato until about ½-inch thick. Do not press too hard.
  5. In a light-colored saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Swirl occasionally until butter foams and turns golden brown with nutty aroma (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat immediately.
  6. Drizzle smashed potatoes generously with garlic herb oil, then pour brown butter evenly over them. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until edges are crispy and golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through for even cooking.
  8. Optionally, sprinkle a few more fresh herbs on top before serving.

Notes

Start boiling potatoes in cold water for even cooking. Watch the butter carefully to avoid burning. Use fresh garlic for best flavor in the herb oil. Space potatoes well on the baking sheet to ensure crispiness. Reheat leftovers in oven or skillet to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, Parmesan potatoes, garlic herb oil, side dish, comfort food, easy potato recipe