Description
These Pesto Smashed Red Potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish featuring tender boiled baby red potatoes coated in savory pesto and olive oil, topped with melted parmesan cheese and broiled to crispy perfection. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe combines creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors with a satisfying crispy texture.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 ½ lbs baby red potatoes (680 g)
Coating
- 2 Tbsp pesto (30 g)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (30 mL)
Topping
- ½ cup grated parmesan (40 g)
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes: Bring a large pot of water (half full) to a boil. Add the baby red potatoes and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until fork-tender depending on potato size. Drain well and pat the potatoes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the smashed potatoes.
- Coat the potatoes: In a bowl, stir together the drained potatoes with 2 tablespoons of pesto and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring each potato is evenly coated for flavor.
- Smash the potatoes: Transfer the coated potatoes to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass cup or a fork, gently but firmly press down on each potato to flatten them to your desired thickness.
- Add cheese and bake: Place a small mound of grated parmesan cheese atop each smashed potato. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.
- Broil for crispiness: Switch the oven to the broil setting and cook the potatoes for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely, until the parmesan cheese turns golden brown and slightly crispy at the edges. Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat and restore crispiness, heat in the oven or air fryer.
- Different potatoes: You can use other types of potatoes, but if using larger potatoes, dice them and boil longer to ensure tenderness.
- How to smash: Use the bottom of a glass cup, wide-mouth mason jar, or similar heavy glass object to gently flatten each potato. Glass works well because it’s heavy and transparent for better control.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
