Why add baking soda to the water?

It roughs up the outer starch of the potatoes, which helps them crisp more aggressively in the oven.

Can I make smashed potatoes ahead?

Yes. Boil and smash them ahead, then refrigerate and bake when you are ready to serve.

Which potatoes work best?

Baby gold or Yukon-style potatoes hold together well and stay creamy inside.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) until golden and crisp.

Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Name: Smashed Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 500 g mini golden potatoes; 2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water); 2 tsp baking soda (for boiling water); 2 tbsp olive oil; 80 g butter (softened); 30 g parmesan cheese (grated); 4 cloves garlic cloves (minced); 60 g mayonnaise; 60 g sour cream; 2 cloves garlic cloves (minced); black pepper and salt (to taste); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)

The appeal here is texture more than complexity. Boiling first softens the centres, while smashing creates ridges and edges that catch the fat and brown deeply in the oven.

Garlic, parmesan and butter make the potatoes rich enough to stand on their own, so the dill aioli is best treated as optional. If you are serving them with a heavier main, a squeeze of lemon or a lighter yogurt dip can work better than a second rich sauce.

For balanced serving guidance, keep these as the starch portion of the plate and pair them with a lean protein and green vegetables rather than treating them as a standalone snack.

What Helps The Potatoes Crisp Well

The double-texture effect comes from doing enough of the work before the oven. Boiling tenderizes the centers, while smashing creates the rough edges that can catch fat and brown properly. If the potatoes are still too firm when smashed, they crack unevenly instead of flattening into good roasting surfaces.

Parmesan and garlic are strongest when they cling to those rough edges instead of sitting only on top. That is why a hot oven and enough space on the tray make a noticeable difference to the final result.

Serving Notes

These work especially well alongside simple mains because they already bring a lot of richness and savory flavor. Roast chicken, grilled fish, or a lighter salad fit them better than another heavy side.

If you prep ahead, boil and smash the potatoes first, then chill and roast close to serving time. That keeps the crisp edges much stronger.

The appeal here is texture more than complexity. Boiling first softens the centres, while smashing creates ridges and edges that catch the fat and brown deeply in the oven.

For balanced serving guidance, keep these as the starch portion of the plate and pair them with a lean protein and green vegetables rather than treating them as a standalone snack.

What Helps The Potatoes Crisp Well

Serving Notes

If you prep ahead, boil and smash the potatoes first, then chill and roast close to serving time. That keeps the crisp edges much stronger.