Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Zesty Pesto: Your New Favorite Side Dish

Prepare to meet your new culinary obsession: crispy smashed potatoes generously drizzled with a vibrant, zesty pesto. This dish isn’t just a side; it’s a revelation that will forever change the way you think about potatoes. My journey to discovering these perfect bites began innocently enough, rooted in a summer tradition. There’s a charming restaurant in Rhode Island my family and I frequent, renowned for its incredible smashed potatoes served with a unique mustard sauce. For years, these potatoes were a highlight of our trips, sparking a craving I never anticipated for something so seemingly simple. Yet, despite my usual inclination to recreate beloved restaurant dishes, these remained a delightful mystery. That is, until a chance encounter while browsing magazines in a grocery line. A captivating photo of crispy smashed potatoes with pesto stopped me in my tracks. The idea was so brilliant, so tantalizing, that I abandoned my spot in line, gathered the necessary ingredients, and had this extraordinary dish on our dinner table that very night!

The Allure of Crispy Smashed Potatoes

What makes smashed potatoes so special? It’s the delightful contrast: a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown exterior giving way to a fluffy, tender interior. Unlike traditional mashed potatoes, which offer a uniform creaminess, or roasted potatoes that can sometimes be one-dimensional, smashed potatoes provide an exciting textural experience with every bite. They possess all the comforting warmth of a potato dish but elevate it with an addictive crunch that’s hard to beat. This method of preparation unlocks a whole new dimension of flavor and texture, making them far more interesting than your average boiled or baked potato. Plus, the simplicity of the process makes them an ideal choice for home cooks looking for maximum impact with minimal fuss.

I’ve even contemplated introducing these crispy smashed potatoes to our Thanksgiving table, potentially replacing the beloved mashed potatoes, a true family favorite. While disrupting holiday traditions is often met with significant resistance, I believe these could pass muster, especially with a generous pour of gravy. Their simple preparation and consistently delicious results make them a strong contender. Every time I’ve made them, they’ve turned out flawlessly – a testament to how difficult it is to mess up this fantastic recipe!

Thanksgiving Dilemmas and Delicious Solutions

Realistically, a Thanksgiving without our cherished mashed potatoes would likely cause a minor family uproar. So, for now, the crispy smashed potatoes will remain my secret weapon for the days following the big feast. Imagine this: the Thanksgiving leftovers are dwindling, the turkey sandwiches have been made, but there’s still a delightful amount of leftover gravy. What better way to enjoy it than with a fresh batch of these crispy wonders? They offer a fantastic way to extend the holiday spirit, transforming leftover gravy into a brand-new, equally satisfying meal.

Unleashing the Versatility of Smashed Potatoes

Beyond holiday considerations, I’ll continue making these crispy smashed potatoes for one simple, undeniable reason: they are utterly delicious. Their versatility is truly remarkable. They make a perfect breakfast side, offering a much more exciting and flavorful alternative to traditional hash browns. Picture them alongside your scrambled eggs or a savory brunch spread! They’re also an excellent snack for a Sunday football game, easily outshining typical potato chips or elaborate appetizers. I’m even planning to win the “weeknight side dish award” with a fresh batch. The beauty lies in their ease of preparation; most of the cooking time is passive, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your potatoes transform into golden perfection. This low-effort, high-reward approach makes them ideal for any day of the week, from busy evenings to leisurely weekend gatherings.

Nutritional Powerhouse: The Humble Potato

As if their incredible taste and texture weren’t enough, potatoes also offer a surprising array of nutritional benefits, especially when you leave their skins on. Often underestimated, potatoes are a powerhouse of essential nutrients. They are an excellent source of potassium, containing more of this vital mineral than a banana, which contributes to healthy blood pressure and fluid balance. Furthermore, they are packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant important for immune function and skin health. Beyond these, potatoes provide a good source of B Vitamins, crucial for energy metabolism, as well as iron for oxygen transport and calcium for strong bones. So, when you indulge in these crispy delights, you’re not just enjoying a tasty treat; you’re also fueling your body with valuable nutrients.

The Pesto Perfection: A Zesty Twist

The pesto recipe accompanying these smashed potatoes is a fairly traditional one, but with a special addition that pays tribute to my initial inspiration. I’ve incorporated a touch of Dijon mustard, a nod to the creamy, mustard-infused dressing of the Rhode Island restaurant’s original smashed potatoes. This subtle inclusion adds a lovely depth and tang that perfectly complements the rich basil and garlic flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous or simply can’t get your hands on fresh basil, there are fantastic alternative pesto recipes to explore. For a unique earthy flavor, consider trying this kale and cashew pesto, or for a peppery kick, this arugula and spinach pesto could be just what you’re looking for. Each offers a distinct profile that pairs wonderfully with the crispy texture of the potatoes.

Whether you’re serving them as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying side for dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these crispy smashed potatoes with pesto are guaranteed to impress. Their simple ingredient list and straightforward cooking process make them an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels, ensuring consistently delicious results every time. Don’t be shy about experimenting with different herbs or spices for the potatoes themselves, or exploring variations on the pesto to truly make this dish your own.

Let me know in the comments below if you’re brave enough to sneak these onto your Thanksgiving menu this year! I’ll be rooting for your success in updating tradition with this irresistible dish. And if not for Thanksgiving, certainly for all the other delicious meals to come!

📖 Recipe

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Pesto

Crispy, creamy, dairy-free, and utterly delicious. You’ll never look at plain potatoes the same way again! If you haven’t tried smashed potatoes prepared like this before, get ready for a treat.

Author:
Debra Klein

4.95 from 17 votes

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Prep Time
5 mins

Cook Time
40 mins

Total Time
45 mins

Course
Side Dish

Cuisine
American

Servings
6 servings

Calories
271 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs. small potatoes (red bliss or Yukon gold, skins on)
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• Coarse sea salt
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Fresh thyme sprigs

For the Pesto:

• 3 cups basil (combo with parsley if needed)
• 2 large cloves garlic
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2-4 Tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In a large stock pot, bring enough water to cover the potatoes completely to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.
3. Boil potatoes for 15 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork. Drain thoroughly.
4. Place the cooked potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet. Using a clean kitchen towel, gently pat the potatoes dry to remove any residual water. Then, use the bottom of a sturdy glass or a 1-cup Pyrex measuring cup to gently smash each potato until it’s flattened but still holds together as one piece.
5. Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and use a brush to baste them evenly. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt, ground white pepper (or crushed red pepper flakes if desired), and fresh thyme leaves. Flip the potatoes over and repeat the drizzling, basting, and sprinkling steps on the other side.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are beautifully golden brown and crispy.

Make the pesto:

7. Place the basil, garlic, pine nuts, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt, and ground white pepper into the bowl of a food processor. Process until all ingredients are finely chopped. With the processor still running, slowly drizzle in the ¼ cup of olive oil. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue mixing for about 2 minutes until the pesto is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired.
8. If the pesto consistency is too thick for your preference, turn the processor on again and drizzle in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, scraping down the sides and testing the consistency after each addition until it reaches your desired smoothness.
9. Drizzle the freshly made pesto generously over the crispy smashed potatoes and serve warm.

Notes

• Pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• It’s hard to imagine having leftover smashed potatoes, but if you do, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat and restore their crispiness, warm them in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat or in a 400°F (200°C) preheated oven until thoroughly heated through.

Nutrition

Serving:

1g

Calories:

271kcal

Carbohydrates:

26g

Protein:

4g

Fat:

18g

Saturated Fat:

2g

Polyunsaturated Fat:

14g

Sodium:

354mg

Fiber:

3g

Sugar:

2g

Note

The nutrition calculations provided here are estimates, often generated using online tools. For the most precise nutritional information, it is recommended to calculate based on the exact ingredients and quantities you use. You are ultimately responsible for verifying the accuracy, completeness, and usefulness of any nutritional data.

Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag me @dkhealthcoach or use hashtag #dkhealtcoach on Instagram so I can see it!!