If you’re craving a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture, you’ve got to try this Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe. These tender, golden potatoes smashed just right to soak up the luscious garlic butter, vibrant fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan create a perfect harmony of sweet and savory that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just want to upgrade your weeknight meal, this recipe turns humble sweet potatoes into a dish everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that transform this classic vegetable into something spectacular. Each one plays a vital role, from the creamy butter enriching the potatoes, to the garlic adding a punch of flavor, and the Parmesan creating a perfect golden crust.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose large, firm sweet potatoes to get thick, sturdy rounds perfect for smashing.
- Olive oil: A light brush keeps the baking sheet from sticking and adds subtle fruity notes.
- Butter: Melted butter infuses a rich, silky layer into the potatoes—don’t skimp here!
- Fresh garlic: Minced garlic brings an aromatic bite that marries beautifully with the butter.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal contrast that brightens the dish’s flavor and color.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty crunch when baked on top.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Start by trimming the ends off your sweet potatoes and cutting them into 2-inch thick rounds. Boil these rounds in a pot of water until they are fork-tender in the center, which usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. This step is key because it softens the potatoes just right so they can be smashed without falling apart.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat will help create that delightful, crispy bottom once the potatoes are baked with the garlic butter and Parmesan crust.
Step 3: Smash the Cooked Potatoes
Drain your sweet potatoes carefully, then place them on a baking sheet brushed with olive oil. Using a fork, gently smash each round until it flattens out slightly, but still holds together. This smashing step creates a wonderful surface area for soaking in the garlic butter and crispy edges.
Step 4: Add Garlic Butter and Seasonings
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Spoon this flavorful mixture generously over each smashed sweet potato. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and the fresh grated Parmesan all over the top to build layers of mouthwatering flavor.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll want to look for a golden-brown color on the bottom of the potatoes—that’s the magic moment when the Parmesan crisps up, and the edges caramelize beautifully.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes cool slightly before digging in. This allows the crispy crust to set while keeping the inside perfectly soft and buttery.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a light dusting of Parmesan right before serving adds a fresh, eye-catching finish to this dish. For a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes complements the garlicky butter wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These smashed sweet potatoes are the perfect side to grilled chicken, roasted meats, or even a hearty vegetarian main like a mushroom risotto. Their creamy texture and crispy edges pair beautifully with a range of proteins and veggies for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few smashed rounds topped with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chives for a fancy appetizer version. You could also serve them on a large platter sprinkled with toasted nuts or seeds to add a bit of crunch and contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When stored properly, they retain their flavor and will be a great quick side for your next meal.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Use within 1 month for best quality and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the crispiest results when reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the edges regain their crispness. Microwaving is quicker but can make the potatoes a bit softer.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes! While this recipe shines with sweet potatoes due to their natural sweetness and creamy texture, regular potatoes will also work well. Just adjust cooking time accordingly since different potatoes vary in tenderness.
Is it necessary to boil the sweet potatoes first?
Boiling softens the potatoes enough to be smashed easily without falling apart. You could try roasting them first, but boiling ensures they become tender all the way through for the perfect smashed texture.
Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mixing the garlic, butter, and parsley ahead lets the flavors meld nicely, but be sure to spoon it over the potatoes just before baking for the best fresh taste.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute. The garlic and olive oil combo still delivers plenty of delicious flavor.
What other herbs can I use besides parsley?
Fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives all pair wonderfully with garlic butter and sweet potatoes. Feel free to experiment to match the herbs with your main dishes or personal taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe, it will become one of your go-to side dishes for any occasion. They’re deceptively simple but incredibly flavorful, and they bring such a warm, comforting touch to the table. Give them a try—you’re going to love the crispy edges, buttery garlic punch, and that irresistible sweet-savory combination that only sweet potatoes can deliver.
Print
Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a flavorful and crispy side dish perfect for any meal. Boiled until tender, then smashed and topped with garlic butter, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese before baking to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes
Garlic Butter Topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Trim the ends off the sweet potatoes, then cut each potato into 2-inch thick rounds. Place the potatoes in a large pot of water and heat over high heat until boiling. Boil the sweet potatoes until fork-tender in the center, about 20-25 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the smashed potatoes.
- Smash Potatoes: Drain the sweet potatoes and place them on a large baking sheet brushed with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Use a fork to gently smash each potato round to flatten slightly but keep intact.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Spoon this aromatic mixture evenly over the smashed sweet potatoes. Then sprinkle salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake Potatoes: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld and to avoid burning.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the potatoes for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch but will alter taste slightly.
- Parsley can be replaced with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herb flavor.
- To make this dish vegan, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative and omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese.
- Leftover smashed sweet potatoes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
