Let’s dive into the fun part: cooking! Here’s how to make these delightful potatoes:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. This is a great time to involve the kids—let them help with the smashing!
4. Transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking sheet. Using a fork or a potato masher, gently smash each potato until it’s about 1/2 inch thick.
5. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with the minced garlic. Drizzle this mixture over the smashed potatoes, ensuring each one is well-coated.
6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes, followed by salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
8. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

A little tip from my kitchen: if you love extra garlic, feel free to increase the amount. My dad always said, “You can never have too much garlic!”