Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan: A Flavorful Side Dish
Sweet potatoes are already a delicious, nutritious option for any meal, but when combined with garlic butter and topped with Parmesan, they become a show-stopping side dish that will steal the spotlight. Garlic butter smashed sweet potatoes with Parmesan offer the perfect balance of sweetness from the potatoes and savory, garlicky richness, all with a cheesy twist. This dish is the perfect addition to any dinner party, holiday meal, or casual family dinner.
In this article, we’ll take you through the recipe step by step, offer some tips for customizing it to your preferences, and provide some storage tips so you can enjoy these delightful potatoes later.
For more delicious potato side dishes, check out Crispy Roasted Potatoes and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Making garlic butter smashed sweet potatoes with Parmesan is simple, and it requires just a few key ingredients. Here’s how to prepare this delicious side dish:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel the sweet potatoes (optional) and cut them into halves or quarters to ensure they cook evenly. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the sweet potatoes. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the water and transfer the sweet potatoes to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Smash the Sweet Potatoes:
Using a fork or potato masher, gently smash the sweet potatoes to your desired consistency. You want them to still hold some shape but with a nice, rustic texture. - Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic. - Assemble the Dish:
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the smashed sweet potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top, then drizzle a bit of olive oil over the potatoes to help them crisp up in the oven. - Bake:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet with the smashed sweet potatoes into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the potatoes become golden brown and crispy. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately as a flavorful side dish that pairs well with meats, poultry, or any main course.
Advanced Techniques
While the basic recipe is delicious, you can make it even more flavorful with a few advanced techniques and creative additions.
1. Add Extra Cheese Layers:
To make the dish even cheesier, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top after baking and return the dish to the oven for an extra 5 minutes to melt the cheese. You can also try mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for more depth of flavor.
2. Use Roasted Garlic for Richer Flavor:
Instead of sautéing minced garlic, try using roasted garlic for a mellower, sweeter flavor. Simply roast whole garlic bulbs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes until soft, then squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and mash them into the butter for a richer garlic flavor.
3. Add Fresh Herbs or Spices:
Along with fresh parsley, you can enhance the flavor by adding other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage. For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking.
4. Make it Crispy:
If you love a bit of extra crunch, after smashing the sweet potatoes, drizzle with more olive oil and bake at a higher temperature (425°F/220°C) for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will make the edges crispy and golden.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
If you make a large batch of garlic butter smashed sweet potatoes with Parmesan, you can store leftovers for later. Here’s how to store, reheat, and keep them fresh:
Storage:
Once the sweet potatoes have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best texture, it’s recommended to reheat them in the oven instead of the microwave.
Freezing:
While freezing is not the best option for this dish due to the texture of the potatoes after freezing and reheating, you can still freeze leftovers if necessary. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven, although the texture may not be as crispy.
Reheating:
To reheat leftover garlic butter smashed sweet potatoes with Parmesan, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy on the edges. You can also reheat them in a skillet with a little olive oil to regain some of their crispiness.
Shelf Life:
- In the fridge: 3-4 days.
- In the freezer: Up to 1 month.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
This recipe is quite flexible and can be easily modified to fit different dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
1. Vegan Version:
To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or olive oil. For the cheese, use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
2. Dairy-Free Version:
If you need a dairy-free version, simply swap out the Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese substitute or skip the cheese entirely. You can still enjoy the garlic butter flavor with plenty of seasoning.
3. Low-Carb Version:
For a lower-carb version, you can replace the sweet potatoes with cauliflower. Simply steam or roast the cauliflower until tender, then follow the same steps to smash and prepare the garlic butter topping. You can even add a bit of cheese if desired!
4. Paleo-Friendly:
If you’re following a paleo diet, swap the butter with ghee (clarified butter), and ensure the Parmesan is replaced with a paleo-friendly cheese alternative or omitted altogether.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes! While the dish will have a different flavor profile, regular russet potatoes can easily be substituted for sweet potatoes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the potato chunks.
2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the smashed sweet potatoes ahead of time, and then bake them just before serving. Store the mashed sweet potatoes in the fridge, then top with garlic butter, Parmesan, and olive oil before baking.
3. Can I make this dish with pre-cooked sweet potatoes?
You can use leftover or pre-cooked sweet potatoes for this dish, which will reduce the cooking time. Simply smash the potatoes, add the garlic butter and cheese, and bake until crispy.
4. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can mix in other roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or onions to give it an extra layer of flavor. These can be roasted with the sweet potatoes or added after smashing.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Garlic butter smashed sweet potatoes with Parmesan are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that will impress your guests or family. The combination of soft, sweet potatoes with savory garlic butter, crispy Parmesan, and fresh herbs creates a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a side dish to complement your meal, these smashed sweet potatoes will always be a hit.
With the flexibility to customize with different toppings and herbs, this recipe can be adapted to fit various dietary needs and personal preferences. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this flavorful dish!