Pesto Smashed Potatoes
Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, Pesto Smashed Potatoes are the perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet flair. This easy-to-make recipe begins with fork-tender baby potatoes that are gently smashed, drizzled with olive oil, and baked to perfection for irresistibly crispy edges. A generous topping of vibrant pesto adds a burst of herby goodness, while optional grated Parmesan gives a savory, cheesy finish. Garnished with fresh basil, these flavorful smashed potatoes are an ideal side dish for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. With just 10 minutes of prep, this crowd-pleasing recipe is as simple as it is delicious! Keywords: crispy smashed potatoes, pesto potatoes, easy side dish, roasted baby potatoes.
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Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Baby potatoes
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 cups Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese (grated, optional)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2
Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Step 3
Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
Step 4
Transfer the cooked potatoes to the prepared baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently smash each potato until it is about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 5
Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and season with black pepper. Ensure the potatoes are well-coated in the oil.
Step 6
Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the edges.
Step 7
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and, while the potatoes are still hot, spoon a small amount of pesto onto each potato. Spread it gently with the back of a spoon.
Step 8
If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pesto-topped potatoes for extra flavor and return them to the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
Step 9
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your Pesto Smashed Potatoes!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (916.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1601.5 |
| Total Fat 104.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 24.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g | |
| Cholesterol 33.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6355.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 131.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 6.5g | |
| Protein 44.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 951.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3110.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories