I’m a big fan of most potatoes recipes and a big fan of smashing vegetables for extra crispiness. So naturally, I had to combine this ingredient + this cooking method into crispy veggie perfection…Smashed Potatoes! These aren’t mashed potatoes (the mushy Thanksgiving-favorite). These are SMASHED potatoes, (the crispy treats that will be devoured as soon as they hit the dinner table). Let’s cook!
Why you’ll love it
Boiled and baked to perfection. This combination creates a crispy texture and speeds up the cooking time. Baby or petite potatoes are already the perfect size for eating in one bite. This makes them ideal for a smashed red potato recipe. 4 simple ingredients are all you need. There’s no need for a boatload of spices when fresh pesto and parmesan is all you really need.
Ingredients for smashed red potatoes
The main things: We need baby red potatoes to make baby red potatoes smashed, obviously. These get tossed in olive oil to help them brown and crisp up. The flavor: All of the flavors come from homemade pesto and parmesan. I like to grate fresh parmesan, but pre-grated will work too.
How to make Pesto Roasted Potatoes
Making these potatoes is simple. The trick is to not overcook the potatoes while boiling them. Here’s an overview of what you’ll do.
Storage
If you have leftovers (doubtful!) you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat them, place them in the oven or air fryer to make them crispy again.
Why this Recipe Works
Well tested with a variety of methods and seasoning. This means that I’ve failed and then succeeded so the recipe will work perfectly for you. Mix up the flavors by adding a little spice with red pepper flakes, Calabrian chilies, or cayenne pepper. Or come up with your own spice blend to add! Use them as croutons. Hear me out, they are crispy, bite-sized, and filling making them the perfect addition to a salad!
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yup, you can use any type of potato. But, if you use a full-size potato, you will need to dice it up and probably boil it for a bit longer because the skin is tougher.
How do I smash the potatoes?
I like to use the bottom of a glass cup. The bottom of a wide-mouth mason jar also works well. Any jar will work but I’ve found glass works best because it’s clear enough to see the potato and heavy enough to smash.
what to serve with smashed potatoes
These pesto potatoes pair well with many things but I love serving them with some Italian classics. While some might serve it with a more classic American dish, I prefer them with:
A Bruschetta Pizza is the perfect dinner to serve with roasted potatoes. Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi is creamy and dreamy making it a great compliment to the crispy potatoes. Easy Eggplant Parmesan uses many of the same ingredients making it a simple pairing. 15-minute Mediterranean Parsley Salad pairs well with the potatoes. Like ordering a salad and fries at a restaurant!
P.S. If you love this recipe, try out Smashed Radishes! They’re similar to these potatoes but with lemon pepper seasoning and parmesan!
