Garlic-Parmesan Smashed Potato Tower

Name: Garlic-Parmesan Smashed Potato Towers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; ⅓ cup sour cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Chives or green onions, for garnish

Published: August 27, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Garlic-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are deceptively easy to prepare and will make you look like a gourmet chef
The flavor profile is heavenly, rich garlic mingling beautifully with salty Parmesan creates a taste sensation
Visually, these towers are impressive enough to wow your dinner guests without requiring hours of prep time
They’re versatile too; serve them alongside steak, chicken, or even as a standalone dish!

I still remember the first time I made these Garlic-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. My friends couldn’t stop raving about how they were “life-changing.” Talk about pressure when you’re expected to recreate perfection!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their creamy texture makes them perfect for smashing and blending flavors.
Fresh Garlic: Use whole cloves for that robust garlic kick; roasting enhances their sweetness.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh for maximum flavor; it adds an irresistible salty depth.
Butter: You can never go wrong with butter; it brings richness and creaminess to the mash.
Sour Cream: A dollop adds tanginess and contributes to the creamy texture.
Chives or Green Onions: Finely chopped for garnish; they add color and freshness to your dish.
Salt & Pepper: Season generously; they bring out all the wonderful flavors in this recipe.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Potatoes: Begin by washing and peeling about two pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes. Cut them into quarters to ensure even cooking.

Boil Until Tender: Place the potatoes in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring to a boil and let them cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes should do it.

Smash ‘Em Up!: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Grab a potato masher (or fork if you’re feeling adventurous) and smash those beauties until they reach your desired chunkiness.

Add Flavor Galore!: While still warm, mix in 4 cloves of minced garlic (or more if you’re feeling bold), half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 4 tablespoons of butter, and 1/3 cup of sour cream. Stir until everything is beautifully combined.

Season to Perfection: Sprinkle salt and pepper generously into the mixture. Taste test, this is where you can adjust according to your preference!

Create Your Towers: Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, mound generous portions onto plates or serving dishes. Stack one mound on top of another for that tower effect before garnishing with finely chopped chives.

And voilà! Your Garlic-Parmesan Smashed Potato Tower is ready to dazzle everyone at the dinner table.

These delightful towers are not only mouth-watering but also provide a great opportunity for creativity in plating! You might even find yourself dreaming up different variations or toppings, hello crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms!

Serve these towers hot as an accompaniment or take center stage as part of your main course lineup. Either way, they’re sure to be devoured faster than you can say “more garlic, please!”

You Must Know

Garlic-Parmesan Smashed Potato Tower elevates classic comfort food with gourmet flair
The crispy edges and creamy centers create a delightful texture, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
The aroma of garlic and Parmesan wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling potatoes until fork-tender, then smash them while hot for optimal fluffiness. After smashing, brush with olive oil and sprinkle generously with garlic and Parmesan before baking to crispy perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the Parmesan for cheddar or add herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor boost. You can even toss in some crumbled bacon for that smoky goodness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispness, or pop them back into the oven.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For super fluffy potatoes, don’t skimp on mashing; it helps incorporate air!
Make sure your potatoes are not too watery to avoid sogginess
A little extra cheese goes a long way; don’t hold back on flavor!

Cooking these Garlic-Parmesan Smashed Potato Towers always reminds me of my cousin’s wedding. Watching everyone devour these savory bites made the hours spent perfecting the recipe totally worth it.

FAQ

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Absolutely! Yukon Gold and red potatoes work beautifully as well.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan and use olive oil instead of butter.

What is the best way to serve these potatoes?

Serve them as a side dish with grilled meats or as a delicious appetizer with dipping sauce.