Cheesy Oven-Baked Smashed Potatoes

No Boiling Required!

When you’re short on time (and energy), the fewer dishes the better. These oven-baked smashed potatoes are one of my favorite sides because they’re crispy, garlicky, and need no boiling at all. Just pierce, roast, smash, and crisp. That’s it.

They’re the perfect mix of soft and fluffy centers with golden, crunchy edges—all finished off with a generous sprinkle of parmesan. I love them next to roast chicken, steak, or even with eggs for a fun breakfast-for-dinner moment.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 ½ to 2 pounds baby potatoes (red or gold work best)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, but highly recommended)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or rosemary for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. Prep the potatoes: Rinse your baby potatoes and pierce each one with a sharp knife or fork to help them soften in the oven.

3. First Bake: Place pierced potatoes on the baking sheet and roast for 30–35 minutes, or until fork tender.

4. Smash: Remove from the oven and carefully smash each potato using the bottom of a glass, mason jar, or measuring cup until flattened (but still intact).

5. Season + Oil: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, melted butter (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Brush over the tops of the smashed potatoes.

6. Second Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 15–20 more minutes, until crispy and golden brown.

7. Finish with Parmesan :In the last 3–5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the parmesan over the potatoes and bake until melted and golden.

8. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Best eaten fresh, but they reheat beautifully in the air fryer or toaster oven.

💡 Weeknight Homemaker Tips

• No need to boil = fewer dishes and less cleanup (yes, please!).

• Want them extra crispy? Broil for the last 2 minutes.

• Perfect for prepping ahead: Bake the potatoes earlier in the day, smash and crisp before dinner.

✨ Final Thoughts

This is one of those side dishes that’s simple enough for a Tuesday, but still feels like something you’d serve for company. It’s cozy, golden, and the kind of thing you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Let me know if they become a favorite in your house too! Tag me if you make them — I love seeing your kitchen wins.

— Lauren

@weeknight_homemaker