Caesar Smashed Potatoes

Make Caesar smashed potatoes as a fun new side for dinner or just to snack on when friends come over. These spuds are baked on a layer of savory Parmesan cheese that melts and crisps in the pan. Two light brushings of Caesar dressing give the baby potatoes so much flavor, and a topping of crunchy, cheesy bread crumbs is the finishing touch.

Caesar smashed potatoes stand out from usual potato recipes thanks to the blend of textures and all that Caesar dressing flavor!

Ingredients for Caesar Smashed Potatoes

• Baby potatoes: These small spuds cook quickly so you can get to smashing sooner. Select potatoes that are roughly the same size so that they’ll cook through at the same rate.
• Parmesan cheese: A layer of grated Parmesan on the pan turns into a crisp-edged, melty base for the potatoes. For the best-looking and smoothest melt, skip the pre-shredded and shelf-stable options and grate your own cheese instead.
• Caesar dressing: A simple store-bought creamy Caesar dressing gives the potatoes all the traditional flavors: garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and anchovies. If you prefer to make your own, here’s a 10-minute homemade Caesar dressing to try.
• Bread crumbs: A traditional Caesar salad has toasted croutons. To evoke that crunchy texture, we top the Caesar potatoes with panko bread crumbs tossed with Parmesan and butter and baked until the crumbs are browned and crisp.
• Butter: Either salted or unsalted butter is fine to use. It’s melted, then tossed with the bread crumbs and cheese.
• Seasonings: Flavor the potatoes as you go with salt and black pepper.
• Nonstick spray: Coat the foil or parchment (my preference) with nonstick spray to ensure the potatoes will release easily from the pan once baked.

Directions

Step 1: Boil the potatoes

Add the baby potatoes to a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil, and cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes, until they’re tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. Use a slotted spoon to remove the potatoes from the water and set aside.

Editor’s Tip: Add a pinch of salt to the water before you bring it to a boil.

Step 2: Arrange the potatoes and cheese

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a 15×10-1-inch baking sheet with parchment or foil, and generously coat it with nonstick spray. Sprinkle 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the parchment or foil. Place the cooked potatoes on top of the cheese, leaving space between each potato.

Editor’s Tip: To make sure the cheesy potatoes don’t stick to the sheet, I prefer to use parchment over foil. If you have only foil on hand, coat the surface very generously with nonstick spray.

Step 3: Smash and add the dressing

Use the bottom of a drinking glass to flatten or “smash” the potatoes.

Brush the tops of the potatoes with a 1/4 cup Caesar dressing.

Step 4: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake the smashed potatoes for 16 to 18 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned and the cheese underneath them is melted.

Step 5: Add more dressing and the bread crumbs

While the potatoes bake, stir together the melted butter, panko bread crumbs, the remaining grated Parmesan, and the salt and pepper. After baking, brush the remaining Caesar dressing over the potatoes. Sprinkle the Parmesan bread crumbs over the top of each potato.

Step 6: Bake again and serve

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another five to seven minutes, until the bread crumb topping is nicely browned. Use a spatula to loosen the cheese potatoes from the parchment or foil. Serve the smashed potatoes hot with extra Caesar dressing on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Caesar Smashed Potato Variations

• Add bacon: Cook bacon and crumble it. Add the bacon to the bread crumb mixture, or sprinkle it over the potatoes before adding the bread crumbs.
• Sprinkle with a green garnish: Chopped chives, green onions or parsley add a pop of color to the potatoes, as well as some fresh flavor.
• Give them a little kick: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper over the potatoes after adding the bread crumbs but before the final bake. They add a little spice and extra color too.

How to Store Caesar Smashed Potatoes

If you can’t quite finish the whole pan of Caesar smashed potatoes—or are just trying to show some restraint—leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator. Once the potatoes are cool, transfer them to a sealed food storage container. (Don’t forget the bits of browned cheese from the pan!) Then, pop the dish into the fridge.

How long do Caesar smashed potatoes last?

When kept in the fridge and tightly covered, Caesar smashed potatoes will last for three to four days.

How do you reheat smashed potatoes?

If you’re in a hurry to dig in to leftover Caesar smashed potatoes, place them on a microwave-safe plate covered with a paper towel. Zap the potatoes in 30-second bursts, checking after each one, until they’re warmed through.

However, reheating the smashed potatoes in the oven is the best way because the bread crumbs will crisp up again. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet loosely covered with foil. Bake in a 350° oven until they’re heated through.

Caesar Smashed Potato Tips

Can you make these with other types of potatoes?

I use baby yellow potatoes in this recipe, but other types, such as baby reds or baby purples, can also be used. Fingerling potatoes are another good choice. What’s important is to choose small potatoes that are close in size so that they all cook through at the same rate.

What else can you serve with Caesar smashed potatoes?

I like to pour extra Caesar dressing in small dishes for dipping the Caesar smashed potatoes. Drizzling the dressing over the potatoes is also a good option. For a little chili heat, blend some Sriracha sauce or hot sauce into the Caesar dressing before drizzling or dipping.

Caesar smashed potatoes are a crowd-pleasing appetizer to set out in a spread with other apps like pigs in a blanket, sausage-stuffed mushroom caps or roasted vegetable dip. The smashed potatoes are also very good served as a side dish with slow-cooker meat loaf, roast chicken or a good grilled steak.