Paprika-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes Recipe with Garlic Aioli

Paprika-parmesan smashed potatoes bring rustic comfort to any dining experience with their crispy exterior and creamy interior.

These golden-brown delights redefine ordinary spuds into a mouthwatering sensation that tantalizes taste buds.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a textural symphony that elevates a simple side dish into a culinary masterpiece.

Rich parmesan cheese adds a savory depth, while smoky paprika delivers a subtle warmth and complexity to each bite.

The garlic aioli complements the potatoes with its silky, robust flavor profile that enhances every forkful.

Roasted until perfectly golden and seasoned with care, these smashed potatoes promise a delectable journey for your palate.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible combination of crispy, cheesy, and herbaceous elements.

Why Paprika-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Aioli Work

• Elevate Potato Game: These smashed potatoes transform a simple side dish into a crispy, flavor-packed sensation that will make everyone at the table crave more.
• Texture Wonderland: The potatoes boast a perfect contrast between a crunchy, golden exterior and a creamy, soft interior that delivers an irresistible mouthfeel.
• Flavor Explosion: Paprika, oregano, and Parmesan create a bold seasoning blend that turns ordinary potatoes into a gourmet experience with minimal effort and maximum taste.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: This recipe offers restaurant-quality results in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings without complicated techniques.

Paprika-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Aioli Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Potatoes: Starchy, creamy potatoes perfect for smashing and roasting with a crispy exterior.

Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds rich flavor and golden-brown topping.

Seasoning Blend:

Paprika, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic spice mix that creates a bold, savory coating for the potatoes.

Aioli and Oil Components:

Olive Oil: Helps crisp potatoes and adds smooth, rich flavor.

Garlic Cloves: Roasted to create a mellow, sweet base for the creamy aioli.

Mayonnaise: Provides rich, tangy base for the creamy sauce.

Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightens the aioli texture.

Chives: Fresh, mild onion-like herb for bright garnish and flavor.

Lemon Juice: Adds bright, acidic note to balance the rich aioli.

Step-by-Step for Paprika-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Garlic

Preheat oven to 450°F. Wrap garlic cloves in aluminum foil with olive oil and roast during preheating.

Step 2: Boil Potatoes

Boil potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until they can be easily pierced with a fork. Drain thoroughly.

Step 3: Create Seasoning Blend

• Paprika
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Step 4: Smash and Season Potatoes

Lightly oil a baking sheet. Gently smash potatoes using a fork or potato masher. Brush potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle the prepared seasoning blend. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Craft Garlic Aioli

• Roasted garlic
• Mayonnaise
• Yogurt
• Chopped chives
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over potatoes. Bake for an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives. Serve hot with the prepared garlic aioli on the side.

Garlic Aioli Smashed Potatoes Tips

• Boost Potato Tenderness: Boil potatoes until fork-tender to ensure a creamy interior before smashing.
• Master the Smash Technique: Use the bottom of a glass or potato masher to gently flatten potatoes, creating crispy edges and maximum surface area for seasoning.
• Maximize Crispiness: Brush potatoes generously with olive oil and spread them slightly apart on the baking sheet to help each potato develop a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Layer Flavor Strategically: Sprinkle seasoning mix before first roast and add Parmesan during the final bake to build deep, complex taste profiles.
• Elevate Aioli Freshness: Allow roasted garlic to cool slightly before mixing into the sauce to prevent bitterness and preserve its mellow, sweet undertones.

How to Store and Reheat Paprika-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Potatoes will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep aioli separately in a sealed container.
• Reheat: Revive crispy texture by placing potatoes on a baking sheet and warming in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain their crunchy exterior. Drizzle fresh aioli just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Freeze: While possible, freezing is not recommended as potatoes lose their signature crisp texture. If absolutely necessary, wrap tightly in freezer-safe wrap and consume within 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Pairing Options for Paprika-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair these zesty smashed potatoes with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the garlic aioli's brightness and cut through the richness of Parmesan.
• Match with Herb-Roasted Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted salmon to create a balanced meal where the potatoes' paprika seasoning enhances the protein's natural flavors.
• Create a Mediterranean Appetizer Plate: Arrange the smashed potatoes with kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sliced cucumber to transform the dish into a vibrant shared plate that celebrates fresh, bold Mediterranean tastes.
• Add a Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, acidic contrast that refreshes the palate between bites of the crispy, cheesy potatoes.

Flavor Variations for Paprika-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

• Spicy Herb Potato Crunch: Replace paprika with cayenne and add fresh rosemary for a bolder, more intense flavor profile that kicks up the heat and herbaceous notes.
• Mediterranean Potato Bites: Swap oregano for za'atar spice blend, top with crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan, and garnish with chopped parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Truffle Parmesan Smash: Drizzle potatoes with truffle oil before final baking, use white truffle-infused Parmesan, and mix truffle oil into the aioli for a luxurious gourmet experience.
• Ranch-Style Potato Smashers: Replace garlic aioli with homemade ranch dressing, use ranch seasoning in the potato coating, and sprinkle chopped bacon bits on top for a classic American flavor twist.

Paprika-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes With Garlic Aioli Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Paprika-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes elevate classic comfort fare with bold Mediterranean flavors. Crispy potato edges meet creamy centers, complemented by zesty garlic aioli that delivers a perfect balance of rustic charm and gourmet sophistication you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) baby yellow potatoes
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 garlic cloves

Seasoning and Spices:

• 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Oil Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons plain full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius).
2. Create a foil packet with whole garlic cloves and of olive oil, then roast the garlic during the oven preheating process.
3. Place whole potatoes in a large pot of salted water and boil for 15 minutes until easily pierced with a fork, then carefully drain in a colander.
4. Prepare the spice blend by mixing ground paprika, dried oregano, granulated garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt in a small bowl.
5. Transfer boiled potatoes onto a generously oiled baking sheet and gently smash each potato using the bottom of a glass or potato masher.
6. Brush the smashed potatoes with additional olive oil and evenly sprinkle the prepared spice mixture across the potato surfaces.
7. Roast the seasoned potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until edges become crispy and golden brown.
8. While potatoes are roasting, create the garlic aioli by combining the roasted garlic cloves, mayonnaise, plain yogurt, chopped chives, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
9. Remove potatoes from the oven, generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
10. Garnish the finished potatoes with extra chopped chives and serve immediately alongside the prepared garlic aioli.

Notes

• Roast whole garlic cloves in foil with olive oil to unlock deeper, sweeter flavor before smashing potatoes.
• Boil potatoes until perfectly fork-tender to ensure crispy exterior and creamy interior when roasted.
• Create a custom spice blend with paprika, oregano, and garlic powder for maximum flavor complexity.
• Smash potatoes gently with a fork or potato masher to create rustic, crispy edges that maximize crunchiness.
• Prepare homemade garlic aioli using roasted garlic for a rich, creamy dipping sauce that elevates the entire dish.
• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese in the final baking stage for a golden, crispy, umami-packed topping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg