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Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Featured in Vegetable and Grain Sides.

These Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a delectable side dish with contrasting textures. The potatoes are first boiled or roasted until tender, then gently smashed and broiled until crispy on the outside while maintaining their soft interior. A flavorful combination of melted butter, fresh garlic, and parsley is drizzled over each piece before broiling, and a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a savory, crispy finish. The natural sweetness of the potatoes caramelizes during cooking, creating perfect balance with the garlic and cheese topping.
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Updated on Tue, 25 Feb 2025 23:51:16 GMT
Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Parmesan Cheese Recipe Pin it
Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Parmesan Cheese Recipe | quickierecipe.com

The humble sweet potato transforms into an extraordinary side dish with this perfectly balanced recipe. Each golden-brown smashed potato delivers crispy edges and a creamy center, enhanced by aromatic garlic butter and the nutty depth of Parmesan cheese. After years of experimenting with sweet potato recipes, this version has become my family's absolute favorite.

These smashed sweet potatoes have earned a permanent spot in my recipe collection after watching dinner guests fight over the last piece. The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan turns simple sweet potatoes into an addictive treat.

Ingredient Selection Guide

  • Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished potatoes of similar size for even cooking
  • Butter: European-style butter provides richer flavor and golden color
  • Fresh garlic: Look for firm, heavy heads with tight cloves
  • Parmesan cheese: Fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano offers superior melting and flavor
  • Parsley: Select bright green, crisp bunches for the freshest taste

Creating Perfect Smashed Potatoes

Initial Setup:
Position your oven rack 6 inches from the broiler element. Preheat broiler to high. Gather all ingredients and tools, including a large pot, baking sheet, and potato masher or fork. This organization ensures smooth workflow.
Sweet Potato Preparation:
Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool water. Cut each potato into evenly sized chunks, about 1½ inches thick. Consistent sizing ensures all pieces cook at the same rate. Remove any blemishes or dark spots.
Cooking Foundation:
Fill a large pot with cold water and add 1 tablespoon salt. Add potato chunks and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil. Test tenderness frequently with a fork starting at 20 minutes. Potatoes should be tender but not falling apart.
Smashing Technique:
After draining, arrange potatoes on a well-oiled baking sheet with adequate spacing. Using a fork or potato masher, press down gently but firmly. Create a textured surface without completely crushing the potato. These ridges will become deliciously crispy.
Flavor Enhancement:
Combine melted butter with crushed garlic and chopped parsley. Drizzle this aromatic mixture evenly over each smashed potato, ensuring it seeps into all the crevices. Season generously with kosher salt and fresh black pepper.
Easy Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Parmesan Cheese Recipe Pin it
Easy Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Parmesan Cheese Recipe | quickierecipe.com

My Italian grandmother taught me to always finish the dish with the best quality Parmesan you can find. She believed it was this final touch that elevated simple vegetables to memorable dishes.

Serving Inspiration

Present these golden beauties on a rustic platter garnished with fresh herbs. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a vegetarian feast. For extra indulgence, serve with a side of sour cream or aioli.

Delicious Adaptations

Experiment with different cheese toppings like crumbled feta or blue cheese. Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat, or drizzle with honey for additional sweetness. Try mixing herbs like rosemary or thyme into the garlic butter.

Smart Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven until crispy again, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy. For best results, enjoy fresh from the oven.

Delicious Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Parmesan Cheese Recipe Pin it
Delicious Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Parmesan Cheese Recipe | quickierecipe.com

These smashed sweet potatoes represent comfort food at its finest. The combination of naturally sweet potatoes, savory garlic butter, and salty Parmesan creates an irresistible side dish that's become a staple in my kitchen. They prove that sometimes the simplest ingredients, prepared with care and attention, create the most memorable dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which method is better - boiling or roasting the sweet potatoes first?
Boiling is preferred as it helps the potatoes caramelize in their natural sweetness before broiling, but both methods work well.
→ How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from breaking when smashing?
Use a fork and press gently, as the cooked sweet potatoes will be quite soft. Avoid pressing too hard to maintain their shape.
→ Can I prepare these in advance?
You can boil or roast the potatoes ahead of time, but wait to smash and broil them until just before serving for the best texture.
→ What type of sweet potatoes work best?
Choose longer, wider sweet potatoes for larger smashed pieces. The fatter the sweet potato, the better the final result.
→ How do I know when they're done broiling?
The sweet potatoes should be golden and crispy on top, which typically takes about 15 minutes under the broiler.

Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Tender sweet potatoes smashed and broiled until crispy, topped with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese for the perfect blend of flavors.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Modern American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Sweet Potato Base

01 4 medium sweet potatoes (or 3 large ones), preferably wide and plump for better smashing
02 Light olive oil spray, for that perfect crispy finish

→ Garlic Butter Topping

03 3 tablespoons butter, melted until golden
04 4 cloves garlic, freshly crushed
05 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
06 Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

Step 01

Get your oven ready by setting it to broil on high. Meanwhile, trim your sweet potatoes' ends and cut each one into generous quarters (about 1 1/2-inch pieces).

Step 02

For the boiling method (recommended for extra caramelization): Place your potato pieces in a pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook covered for 20-25 minutes until they're just fork-tender. For roasting: Bake the pieces for 25-30 minutes until tender. Either way, let them cool slightly until handleable.

Step 03

Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange your tender sweet potatoes and, using a fork, gently press each piece to flatten - remember, gentle is key here to keep them intact!

Step 04

Combine your melted butter with crushed garlic and fresh parsley, then drizzle this aromatic mixture over each smashed potato. Season with salt and pepper, then give them a light mist of olive oil spray.

Step 05

Broil until your potatoes develop a beautiful golden crust, about 15 minutes. Then add your finishing touch - a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese - and return to the oven just until it melts into gooey perfection.

Step 06

Finish with an extra pinch of salt and fresh parsley before serving these crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside delights immediately.

Notes

  1. Choose wider sweet potatoes for better smashing and more surface area for crisping
  2. The boiling method allows the potatoes to caramelize in their natural sugars before broiling
  3. These can be partially prepared ahead - boil and smash, then broil just before serving

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot (if boiling)
  • Large baking sheet
  • Fork for smashing
  • Small bowl for mixing garlic butter

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, Parmesan cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 4 g