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Paprika-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Aioli

By Jamie Vespa

on Apr 04, 2022 Updated Aug 27, 2024

5 from 22 votes

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Paprika-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Aioli: the ultimate roasted potato side dish. Incredibly crispy, superbly spiced, and served with a downright addictive dipping sauce, they’re a must-make!

While there are many ways to prepare everyone’s favorite root vegetable, the beauty of a smashed potato truly reigns supreme.

This method involves boiling, smashing, and then roasting. So while it may not be the most streamlined process, trust that the results are worth it.

Smashed potatoes are the perfect alternative when you’re craving crispy potatoes, but want something a little more virtuous than French fries.

They’re delicious served alongside a hearty salad, black bean burgers, or these adorable mini meatloaves. They’re also versatile enough to be served among a brunch, lunch, or dinner spread.

How to Make Smashed Potatoes

The combination of bold spices and a garlicky dipping sauce really brings the humble potato to life.

You also won’t believe how crispy the potatoes get for being roasted rather than deep-fried.

The Ingredients

• Potatoes: I prefer using baby yellow potatoes for this recipe because they come out especially creamy – almost buttery – in the center. Look for potatoes that are uniform in size and no more than 2 inches in diameter.
• Spices: A mix of smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper create the bold seasoning blend for the potatoes.
• Oil: You’ll need to use a fair amount of olive (or avocado) oil to encourage optimal browning/crisping. You’ll drizzle some on the baking sheet and the rest on the potatoes so that they crisp up on both sides.
• Garlic: The secret to the most divine garlic aioli is to roast the garlic first. You’ll do this while the potatoes roast so it barely feels like an extra step.
• Parmesan: A smattering of Parmesan towards the end of roasting lends savory, nutty richness to the potatoes.
• Greek Yogurt: While it may be untraditional, I prefer using a mix of yogurt and mayo for the aioli. If making the recipe dairy free, feel free to use all mayo.
• Mayo: Look for an avocado-oil based oil, such as Chosen Foods brand, for extra heart-healthy fats.
• Lemon Juice: A little fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness of the aioli and adds a bright finish.
• Chives: I like adding fresh chives to the aioli and as a garnish when the potatoes are plated.

The Directions

Step 1: Roast Garlic

Preheat oven to 450ºF.

Place garlic cloves in a piece of a foil and drizzle with 1 tsp. olive oil. Wrap the garlic in the foil and place in the oven.

Step 2: Boil Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large pot, and cover them with one inch of cold water. Add 2 teaspoons salt and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, set the timer for 15 minutes. At this point, the potatoes should be just past fork-tender.

Drain potatoes in a colander and let sit for 5 minutes to allow water to completely drain off.

Remove garlic from the oven and set aside. (Keep oven temperature at 450ºF)

Step 3: Smash and Roast Potatoes

Drizzle 2 Tbsp. olive oil on your largest baking sheet, making sure to coat all corners. Arrange potatoes on baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space in between each one.

Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a potato masher to gently “smash” each potato down until it is around 1/2-inch thick. Brush remaining 2 Tbsp. oil evenly over tops of potatoes, and coat evenly in spice mixture.

Bake potatoes for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Garlic Aioli

Remove garlic from foil and roughly chop. Next, use the flat side of your knife blade (preferably a chef’s knife) to mash the garlic until it forms a paste. (I do this using the heel of my hand to press the blade down on the clove.)

Add garlic to a bowl, along with remaining aioli ingredients; stir well to combine.

Step 5: Top Smashed Potatoes with Parmesan

Remove potatoes from the oven and sprinkle each one evenly with Parmesan. Place back in the oven for 5 more minutes.

Transfer potatoes to a platter with serve with garlic aioli.

Expert Tips for Making Smashed Potatoes

• Use the same size potatoes. This will encourage even cooking.
• Salt your water. Make sure to sufficiently salt the water you boil the potatoes in. 2 teaspoons may seem like a lot, but this is their only chance for seasoning to really penetrate the skin.
• Don’t skimp on the oil. Optimal oil is the key for encouraging browning and crisping! This is why it’s important to oil both the baking sheet and tops of the potatoes.
• Roast at a high temperature. I’ve seen some recipes suggest 400-425ºF for roasting, however I much prefer the browning and crisping achieved in a 450ºF oven.
• Add the Parmesan at the end. If you add the cheese too soon, it will burn in the hot oven. This is why I wait to sprinkle on the Parmesan during the final 5 minutes of roasting.

What to Serve with Smashed Potatoes

• Salad: A hearty salad can join forces with crispy potatoes to make a complete meal. I suggest this Mexican Brussels Sprouts Salad or Wedge Salad with Chickpeas and Avocado Ranch.
• Meatloaf: There’s nothing more comforting than a meatloaf and potato meal. I suggest my reader-favorite Vegan Meatloaf or these adorable vegetarian BBQ Mini Meatloaves.
• Grilled Meat or Fish: Try these Greek-Marinated Shrimp Skewers for a crowd-pleasing meal.

More Potato Recipes to Try:

Smoky Lentil Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Garlic Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

Pesto Potato Salad

Crispy Potato and Peach Salad with Scallion Dressing

If you give this recipe a try, snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations. I also really appreciate readers taking the time to leave a rating and review!

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5 from 22 votes

Paprika-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Aioli

By Jamie Vespa MS, RD

This is the ultimate roasted potato side dish. Incredibly crispy, superbly spiced, and served with a downright addictive dipping sauce, these smashed potatoes are a must-make!

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Equipment

• Medium to large stock pot
• Large baking sheet
• Mixing bowls

Ingredients  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 4 garlic cloves
• ▢ 1.5 lbs baby yellow potatoes
• ▢ 2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
• ▢ 1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• ▢ 1 tsp. dried oregano
• ▢ 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• ▢ 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• ▢ 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (sub avocado oil)
• ▢ 1/4 cup mayonnaise (I use avocado oil mayo, such as Chosen Foods brand)
• ▢ 2 Tbsp. plain full-fat Greek yogurt
• ▢ 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
• ▢ 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• ▢ 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 450ºF.

  Place garlic cloves in a piece of a foil and drizzle with 1 to 2 tsp. olive oil. Wrap the garlic in foil and place in the oven while it preheats. Continue roasting garlic while you boil the potatoes.
• Place the potatoes in a large pot, and cover with one inch of cold water. Add 2 teaspoons salt and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, set the timer for 15 minutes. At this point, the potatoes should be just past fork-tender. 

  Drain potatoes in a colander and let sit for 5 minutes to allow water to completely drain off.

  Remove garlic from the oven and set aside. (Keep oven temperature at 450ºF)
• In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt; mix well.

  Drizzle 2 Tbsp. olive oil on your largest baking sheet, making sure to coat all corners. Arrange potatoes on baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space in between each one.

  Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a potato masher to gently “smash” each potato down until it is around 1/2-inch thick. Brush remaining 2 Tbsp. oil over tops of potatoes and sprinkle with spice mixture.

  Roast potatoes for 20 minutes.
• Remove garlic from foil and roughly chop. Use the flat side of your knife blade (preferably a chef's knife) to mash the garlic until it forms a paste. (I use the heel of my hand to press the blade down on the clove.)

  Add garlic to a bowl, along with mayonnaise, yogurt, 1 Tbsp. chopped chives, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
• Remove potatoes from the oven and sprinkle each one evenly with Parmesan. Place back in the oven for 5 more minutes.

  Transfer potatoes to a platter and garnish with extra chopped chives. Serve with garlic aioli.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25of recipe | Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 760mg | Fiber: 4.5g | Sugar: 1.5g

I calculate these values by hand to ensure accuracy, however expect up to a 10% variable depending on food brands.

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