Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the potatoes. Cook until fork tender, about 15 minutes. Remove and place on a baking sheet.
Preheat oven to 400 °F (204 °C)
Gently, using a potato masher or similar, smash the potatoes. Not too hard or you'll end up with crumbled potatoes. Just enough pressure to smash them.
In a small measuring cup, whisk together melted butter, ranch powder, and minced garlic.
Evenly pour the butter mixture atop the smashed potatoes then sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
Season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are brown and the edges/skin get crispy.