Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add desired number of potatoes and cook them until they are fork tender.
On a cookie sheet, drizzle olive oil. Place tender potatoes on cookie sheet and leave enough room between each potato.
With a potato masher (or bottom of a flat glass/cup), gently press down into each potato until it slightly mashes. Rotate 90 degrees, and gently mash again.
Brush the tops of the potatoes generously with olive oil. Sprinkle potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic, and cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven (450) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve or load them up with desired toppings (see content above recipe card for options).