These Caramelized Onion & Parmesan Smashed Baby Potatoes are a delicious and savory side dish, perfect for any meal. The creamy mashed potatoes, combined with rich caramelized onions and Parmesan cheese, create a comforting and flavorful experience. Baked to perfection, these potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an ideal complement to any main course.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil the Potatoes: Boil the baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Thyme: Add the minced garlic and thyme to the skillet with the onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
- Smash the Potatoes: On a baking sheet, arrange the baby potatoes. Use a fork or a potato masher to gently smash each potato.
- Top with Onion Mixture: Spoon the caramelized onion mixture over the smashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
Tips & Variations
- Add More Cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking or add another type of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar.
- Herbs: You can experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or sage, to give a unique flavor.
- Vegan Option: Replace the Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative and use olive oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the caramelized onion mixture to add some heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes? Yes, regular potatoes can be used. Just cut them into smaller pieces before boiling to ensure they cook evenly.
- Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time? You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to finish the recipe. Just top with the onion mixture and bake when you’re ready.
- How do I make sure the potatoes are crispy? For a crispier texture, ensure the smashed potatoes are spread out evenly on the baking sheet with a little space between each one, allowing for maximum exposure to the heat.
- Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely! You can use cheddar, Gruyère, or any other cheese you like, but Parmesan works well for its sharp and salty flavor.
- How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Can I freeze these potatoes? Yes, you can freeze the smashed potatoes before baking. After freezing, bake directly from the freezer, but extend the cooking time slightly.
- What can I serve these potatoes with? These potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even as a standalone vegetarian dish.
- Can I use a different herb for flavor? Yes! You can use rosemary, sage, or even a little dill for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
- What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe? Baby potatoes are ideal because of their creamy texture and small size, but you can use any waxy potato variety such as Yukon Gold for a similar result.
Conclusion
These Caramelized Onion & Parmesan Smashed Baby Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any occasion. With tender potatoes, rich caramelized onions, and a crispy Parmesan topping, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy these as a delicious side to your favorite mains or as a comfort food snack!
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French Onion Smashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
This delicious recipe features tender baby potatoes smashed and topped with caramelized onions, garlic, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect side dish that combines savory flavors and a satisfying crispy finish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil the baby potatoes in a pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and thyme to the skillet with the onions, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Once the potatoes are slightly cooled, place them on a baking sheet. Use a fork to gently smash each potato, flattening them slightly.
- Spoon the caramelized onion and garlic mixture evenly over each smashed potato.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, then season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the potatoes are crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the Parmesan with other cheeses, like cheddar or Gruyère, for a different flavor.
- For a crispy topping, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes