Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Parmesan Recipe

The Creamiest Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Parmesan Recipe

Garlic butter smashed sweet potatoes combine rustic comfort with elegant culinary technique, upgradeing an ordinary root vegetable into a crave-worthy side dish.

These golden-edged, crispy delights promise a magical blend of textures that dance between creamy interiors and caramelized exterior surfaces.

Soft, pillowy centers contrast magnificently with crackling, herb-infused edges that capture every nuanced flavor profile.

Rich, savory seasonings elevate these potatoes beyond standard preparations, creating a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty dimension that intensifies the natural sweetness inherent in the potatoes themselves.

Each bite delivers a complex layering of flavors that surprises and delights the palate with remarkable depth.

Home cooks seeking to impress dinner guests or elevate weeknight meals will find this recipe both approachable and sophisticated.

Why Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan Are a Flavor Bomb

  • Crisp Up Sweet Potato Goodness: The broiling method creates deliciously golden, crispy edges that transform boring sweet potatoes into an irresistible side dish with incredible texture.
  • Elevate Flavor Layers: Garlic butter and parmesan cheese combine to deliver a rich, savory punch that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making each bite complex and mouthwatering.
  • Foolproof Cooking Technique: The smashing method is super simple and forgiving, allowing home cooks of any skill level to achieve restaurant-quality results without complicated preparation steps.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than an hour, making it an ideal option for busy families wanting a nutritious and delectable side dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort.

Ingredients That Bring This Crispy, Buttery Side Together

Base Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Starchy root vegetable with a sweet, rich flavor and creamy texture when cooked, best chosen firm and without blemishes.
  • Olive Oil Spray: Light coating for even browning and preventing sticking, helps achieve crispy exterior.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Crushed: Adds robust, pungent flavor and aromatic depth, fresh garlic provides the most intense taste.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings enhancing the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and balancing overall flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Bright herb providing fresh, green notes and visual appeal, preferably flat-leaf variety.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter, Melted: Rich, creamy component adding depth and helping ingredients stick to sweet potatoes, unsalted butter recommended.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese providing a crispy golden topping with nutty undertones, freshly grated gives best flavor.

How to Smash, Season, and Bake Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Trim potato ends and slice into quarters or 1½-inch chunks. Wash thoroughly to remove any dirt.

Step 2: Cook Potato Pieces

Choose one cooking method:

Boiling Method:
  • Place sweet potatoes in large pot of salted water
  • Bring to rolling boil
  • Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender
  • Drain completely
Roasting Method:
  • Spread potato pieces on baking sheet
  • Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes
  • Let cool for 5 minutes

Step 3: Smash Potatoes

  • Lightly spray baking sheet with cooking oil
  • Arrange potato pieces on sheet
  • Gently flatten each piece using fork

Step 4: Create Flavor Mixture

In small bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Crushed garlic
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Step 5: Season Potatoes

  • Pour butter mixture over potato pieces
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper
  • Lightly spray with olive oil

Step 6: Crisp and Melt

  • Broil at high heat for 15 minutes until golden
  • Sprinkle with parmesan cheese
  • Return to oven until cheese melts

Step 7: Serve Hot

  • Add extra salt and parsley
  • Serve immediately while crispy and warm

Tips for Crispy Edges and Buttery Soft Centers

  • Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Select firm, uniform-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking and consistent smashing results.
  • Master the Boiling Technique: Ensure water is heavily salted and potatoes are just fork-tender to prevent mushiness while maintaining structural integrity.
  • Gentle Smashing Matters: Use a fork with light pressure to create crispy edges without completely breaking down the potato's texture.
  • Oil is Your Crispy Friend: Generously spray olive oil before broiling to achieve maximum golden-brown crispiness on the edges.
  • Cheese Melting Pro Tip: Watch the parmesan closely during the final broiling stage to prevent burning and achieve perfect melted coverage.

How to Store and Reheat These Parmesan-Packed Smashed Potatoes

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are completely cool before sealing to prevent condensation.
  • Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with a touch of olive oil to restore crispiness. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crisp edges return.
  • Microwave Option: Place sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Sprinkle fresh parmesan before serving to revive flavor.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness of the garlic butter and complements the sweet potato's natural sweetness.
  • Match with Hearty Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or roasted pork tenderloin to create a balanced and satisfying meal that highlights the potato's creamy texture.
  • Complement with Fresh Salad: Add a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a crisp, tangy contrast to the rich, buttery sweet potatoes and bring freshness to the plate.
  • Enhance with Herbal Beverage: Try a sparkling rosemary-infused water or herb tea to cleanse the palate and echo the parsley and garlic notes in the dish.

Creative Additions to Elevate This Comforting Side

  • Herbaceous Herb Blast: Replace parsley with rosemary and thyme for an earthy, aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version that adds depth and complexity to the sweet potato flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Kick: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning blend over the sweet potatoes before broiling, adding cayenne pepper and smoked paprika for a zesty, bold Southern-style experience.
  • Maple Bacon Crunch: Crumble crispy bacon bits over the smashed sweet potatoes and drizzle with pure maple syrup before the final broil, creating a sweet and savory combination that elevates the dish's richness.
  • Cheesy Mediterranean: Swap parmesan for crumbled feta cheese and add chopped kalamata olives, creating a Greek-inspired variation with tangy and salty undertones.
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Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Parmesan Recipe

Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Parmesan Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter smashed sweet potatoes with parmesan elevate humble root vegetables into a crispy, golden-edged delicacy. Melted butter, roasted garlic, and salty parmesan create an irresistible side dish you’ll crave at every meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes (or 3 large sweet potatoes)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) melted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed

Seasoning and Herbs:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, to taste

Finishing Ingredient:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) parmesan cheese
  • Light spray of olive oil

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly wash sweet potatoes and slice off their extremities, then segment into uniform chunks approximately 1½ inches thick.
  2. Select your preferred cooking method: either submerge potato pieces in generously salted water and simmer until tender (approximately 20-25 minutes), or alternatively roast in preheated oven until fork-piercing reveals softness (25-30 minutes).
  3. Allow cooked potatoes to rest momentarily, ensuring they’re cool enough to handle without discomfort.
  4. Liberally coat a robust baking sheet with culinary spray, then delicately position potato segments across surface.
  5. Employ a fork to gently compress each piece, maintaining structural integrity while creating rustic, textured surfaces.
  6. Craft a luxurious coating by whisking melted butter with finely minced garlic and freshly chopped parsley.
  7. Lavishly drizzle herbed butter mixture over each potato segment, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  8. Enhance flavor profile by sprinkling kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and a light mist of olive oil.
  9. Position baking sheet under high-temperature broiler, transforming potatoes into golden, crispy delicacies (approximately 15 minutes).
  10. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan across surface, returning to broiler momentarily until cheesemelts tantalizingly.
  11. Garnish with additional parsley and salt, serving immediately to preserve optimal temperature and crispness.

Notes

  • Prep sweet potatoes in advance by boiling or roasting until fork-tender for the best texture and easier smashing.
  • Use a light touch when smashing to maintain potato structure and create crispy edges.
  • Ensure baking sheet is lightly greased to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
  • Melted garlic butter and fresh parsley add rich, aromatic flavor to the sweet potatoes.
  • Broiling creates golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and creamy.
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a savory finish and elevates the overall dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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