🥔 Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe | Parmesan & Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes on a Plancha

🥔 Crispy Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes with Parmesan on a Plancha BBQ

No barbecue is complete without a great potato side, and these crispy smashed potatoes are guaranteed to steal the show. Boiled until tender, lightly crushed and finished on a hot plancha, they develop irresistibly crisp edges while staying fluffy in the middle.

A generous coating of garlic butter, grated Parmesan and fresh herbs takes this simple side dish to the next level. They're delicious alongside steaks, burgers, grilled chicken or seafood and are just as popular with guests as the main course.

Using a plancha BBQ creates even browning across every potato, giving you a crisp golden finish that's difficult to achieve on traditional grill grates.

📝 Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Serves: 4–6

Difficulty: Easy

🛒 Ingredients

For the Potatoes

  • 1kg baby potatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Garlic Butter

  • 75g unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives

To Finish

  • 50g finely grated Parmesan
  • Extra parsley
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

🔥 Equipment Needed

  • Plancha BBQ
  • Large saucepan
  • Potato masher or flat spatula
  • BBQ spatula
  • Small saucepan

👨🍳 Method

Step 1 – Boil the potatoes

Place the potatoes into a saucepan of salted water.

Bring to the boil and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until just tender.

Drain well and allow them to steam dry for a few minutes.

Step 2 – Prepare the garlic butter

Melt the butter in a small saucepan.

Stir in the garlic, parsley and chives, then remove from the heat.

Step 3 – Heat the plancha

Preheat the plancha BBQ to a medium-high heat.

Brush the surface lightly with olive oil.

Step 4 – Smash the potatoes

Place the potatoes onto the hot plancha.

Using a potato masher or sturdy spatula, gently press each potato until slightly flattened.

Brush generously with the garlic butter.

Cook for 6–8 minutes until crisp underneath.

Turn carefully, brush with more garlic butter and cook for another 5–6 minutes.

Step 5 – Finish

Transfer to a serving dish.

Sprinkle generously with Parmesan and fresh parsley while still hot.

Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

💡 Cooking Tips

  • Let the potatoes steam dry before smashing to help them crisp up.
  • Avoid overcrowding the plancha.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavour.
  • Turn the potatoes carefully to keep them intact.
  • Serve immediately while they're hot and crispy.

🌟 Delicious Variations

Truffle Parmesan Potatoes

Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil.

Chilli Garlic Potatoes

Add chilli flakes to the garlic butter.

Rosemary Sea Salt Potatoes

Swap the parsley for fresh rosemary.

Smoky Paprika Potatoes

Dust with smoked paprika before cooking.

Cheesy Loaded Potatoes

Top with grated mature cheddar, crispy bacon and spring onions.

🍽️ What to Serve with Crispy Smashed Potatoes

These potatoes pair perfectly with:

  • Ribeye steak
  • Smash burgers
  • Grilled chicken
  • BBQ sausages
  • Garlic butter prawns
  • Rack of lamb
  • Grilled salmon
  • Mixed salads

They're also delicious served with sour cream, aioli or garlic mayonnaise for dipping.

🥡 Storage & Leftovers

Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the plancha or in the oven until hot and crispy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a plancha?

A plancha provides an even cooking surface, allowing every potato to develop a beautifully crisp golden crust.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes. Boil the potatoes earlier in the day, then finish them on the plancha just before serving.

Which potatoes work best?

Baby potatoes, Jersey Royals or other waxy varieties work particularly well.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes. Simply use vegetarian Parmesan or another hard vegetarian cheese.

Can I add cheese while cooking?

It's best added at the end so it melts gently over the hot potatoes without burning.

🛍️ Shop the Equipment at Sal's Place

Simple side dishes often become the highlight of a barbecue, especially when they're cooked on a hot plancha until perfectly crisp.

🔗 Explore Plancha BBQs at Sal's Place

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Serve these crispy smashed potatoes alongside your favourite barbecue dishes and enjoy them straight from the plancha while they're at their best.