Herb-Infused Smashed Red Potatoes with Parmesan Butter
Elevate your potato side dish with this delightful recipe for Herb-Infused Smashed Red Potatoes with Parmesan Butter. These small red potatoes are roasted to perfection and then gently smashed to create a rustic texture. The addition of velvety unsalted butter infused with aromatic garlic and fresh basil, along with the rich taste of grated Parmesan, makes for an irresistible topping. Serve these potatoes alongside grilled meats or as a hearty complement to your favorite vegetarian dishes. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting family meal, these smashed red potatoes are sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
red potatoes
12 (small, washed)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
unsalted butter
4 ounces (softened)
grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (none)
chopped fresh garlic
1 tablespoon (none)
chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the small red potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3
Spread the coated potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4
Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the largest potatoes are fork-tender.
5
While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the Parmesan basil butter. In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to whip together the unsalted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper until light and fluffy.
6
Once the potatoes are cooked and slightly cooled, transfer them to the bowl with the Parmesan basil mixture. Using a fork or potato masher, gently smash the potatoes to create a coarse mash, ensuring the herb-infused butter combines well with the potatoes.
7
Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped basil or Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herb-Infused Smashed Red Potatoes with Parmesan Butter?
This is a rustic side dish featuring roasted small red potatoes that are smashed and mixed with a whipped blend of unsalted butter, fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You will need 12 small red potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, 4 ounces of unsalted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh garlic, and fresh basil.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for small red potatoes which are washed and kept whole for roasting.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long do the potatoes need to roast?
Roast the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, or until the largest potatoes are fork-tender.
How do I prepare the potatoes for roasting?
In a mixing bowl, toss the washed red potatoes with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
What is the texture of these potatoes?
These potatoes have a rustic, coarse texture because they are gently smashed rather than whipped into a smooth puree.
How do I make the herb-infused butter?
Use a hand mixer to whip together softened unsalted butter, grated Parmesan, chopped garlic, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper until light and fluffy.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies 4 ounces of softened unsalted butter to better control the seasoning.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but if using dried, reduce the amount to about one third of the 1/4 cup specified.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh garlic for the Parmesan basil butter mixture.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or poultry products.
What are some serving suggestions for these potatoes?
These potatoes are perfect alongside grilled meats or as a hearty complement to your favorite vegetarian dishes.
Do I need to peel the red potatoes?
No, the potatoes should be left unpeeled to achieve the desired rustic texture and flavor.
What tool should I use to smash the potatoes?
You can use a fork or a potato masher to gently smash the potatoes after they have roasted.
Can I prepare the Parmesan basil butter in advance?
Yes, you can whip the butter mixture ahead of time and store it at room temperature until the potatoes are ready.
How much olive oil is used for the coating?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil to coat the 12 small red potatoes.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender, meaning a fork slides easily into the center of the largest potato.
Should the potatoes be roasted in a single layer?
Yes, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly.
What should I garnish the finished dish with?
You can garnish the potatoes with additional chopped fresh basil or extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with straightforward roasting and mixing steps.
How many potatoes are included in one batch?
The recipe is designed for 12 small red potatoes.
What equipment do I need for the butter?
A hand mixer is recommended to whip the butter, Parmesan, and herbs into a light and fluffy consistency.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
The recipe calls for Parmesan, but you could experiment with other grated hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano.
How should I serve these potatoes?
Serve them warm immediately after smashing them with the herb-infused butter.
Can I add more salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are added 'to taste' both during the roasting prep and in the butter mixture.
What size should the red potatoes be?
Small red potatoes are best for this recipe to ensure they roast quickly and smash easily.
Is this a good dish for gatherings?
Yes, its rustic look and aromatic herb butter make it an impressive side dish for family meals or dinner parties.
Why is the butter whipped with a hand mixer?
Whipping the butter incorporates air, making it light, fluffy, and easier to blend into the smashed potatoes.
Why is it called 'smashed' rather than 'mashed'?
It is called 'smashed' because the potatoes are crushed to create a coarse mash with visible pieces rather than a smooth, creamy consistency.