Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite side dish: Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes! They’re not just delicious; they’re also packed with nutrients, making them a guilt-free indulgence. I remember the first time I made these for a family dinner—everyone was raving about how the creamy sweet potatoes paired perfectly with the savory garlic and nutty Parmesan. It was a hit! These little gems are so easy to whip up and bring a lovely splash of color to your plate. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them for every gathering!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to create your Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes: Look for firm ones with smooth skin for the best texture.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin is my favorite for its rich flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic really elevates this dish, so don’t skimp!
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated works wonders for that cheesy goodness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, but I always add a generous pinch!
- Fresh parsley for garnish: This adds a pop of color and freshness!
Make sure to have everything ready before you start, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious side dish!
How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Now, let’s dive into the deliciousness of preparing your Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love every step of the process.
Prepping the Sweet Potatoes
First things first, you’ll want to peel those beautiful sweet potatoes. Just grab a vegetable peeler and go to town—make sure to get rid of all the skin! Then, chop them into large chunks, about 1 to 2 inches. This ensures they cook evenly and mash beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth taking a little extra time to get the size right!
Cooking the Sweet Potatoes
Next up, let’s get those chunks boiling! Place them in a big pot and cover them with water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water—it really enhances the flavor! Bring it to a boil and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces through. Just be careful not to overcook them; you want them soft, but not mushy!
Mashing and Baking
Once your sweet potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Now, here comes the fun part! Add in the olive oil, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mash everything together until you get that perfect smooth yet chunky consistency. Then, spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and sprinkle with that glorious grated Parmesan cheese. Pop them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful combination of garlic and Parmesan elevates the dish.
- Nutritious, packed with vitamins and fiber from sweet potatoes.
- Versatile enough to pair with any main course.
- A crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to take your Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes to the next level! First off, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds that irresistible flavor you just can’t get from the pre-grated stuff. Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the garlic to your taste—if you love it, go for more! If you prefer a milder flavor, stick to what I suggested. And remember, when mashing, it’s all about that perfect balance of smooth and chunky. You want those delicious bits of sweet potato to shine through!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes! For a little kick, try adding some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy twist. You can also mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to bring in a lovely earthy flavor. If you’re a cheese lover, why not experiment with asiago or feta instead of Parmesan? For a creamy touch, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before mashing. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: the nutritional values for these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided a general breakdown, it’s always a good idea to check individual products if you’re keeping a close eye on your intake!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes, simply transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Just spread them out on a baking sheet and warm them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just be sure to cover them to keep them moist. Enjoy that deliciousness all over again!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about my Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes, and I’m here to help clear things up!
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and mash them in advance, then just bake them right before serving.
Can I use other types of potatoes? Sure! While sweet potatoes give a lovely flavor, you can use regular potatoes if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve with them? These smashed sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even on a holiday table!
How do I store leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and they reheat beautifully!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For more information on the health benefits of sweet potatoes, visit Healthline.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes: 5 Irresistible Reasons
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes are a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into large chunks.
- Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and return to the pot.
- Add olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the sweet potatoes.
- Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth but still chunky.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Adjust garlic quantity to your taste.
- These can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potatoes