There’s something delightfully comforting about a plate of crispy smashed potatoes, especially when they’re laced with a luscious homemade garlic pesto. I still remember the day I decided to ditch the usual fast food routine and explore the heart of my kitchen instead. Armed with just a few fresh ingredients, I found myself on a journey to transform simple baby potatoes into a gourmet delight that even my friends couldn’t resist.
Imagine the aroma of garlic dancing in the air as you blend fragrant basil with crunchy pine nuts, bursting with flavor and nutritious goodness. These Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto aren’t just easy to make—they’re a joyful addition to any gathering or an indulgent side to elevate a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them solo after a long day, these potatoes are bound to become your new favorite dish. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that promises crispy edges paired with a vibrant, zesty twist!
Why are Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto irresistible?
Crispy textures and creamy pesto combine for a delightful bite! This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your potato game, creating a dish that’s not only simple but stunningly flavorful. Quick prep time makes it a perfect fit for busy weeknights. Use seasonal herbs for an extra touch—try adding some freshly chopped parsley! Crowd-pleaser appeal means it’s great for gatherings, impressing guests with minimal effort. Perfect as a side dish or a hearty snack, these potatoes are sure to be a hit at any table!
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto Ingredients
• Discover everything you need to create these delicious potatoes!
For the Potatoes
- Baby gold/yellow potatoes – 1 1/2 pounds will give you that fluffy interior and crispy skin you’re dreaming of!
- Olive oil – 1 1/2 Tbsp helps achieve that perfect golden brown color.
- Sea salt – A healthy pinch enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.
- Black pepper – A healthy pinch adds just the right amount of spice.
For the Garlic Pesto
- Fresh basil – 2 heaping cups bring a fragrant and vibrant flavor to the dish.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, chopped, for that robust, aromatic kick!
- Raw pine nuts or walnuts – 3 Tbsp for a delightful crunch; feel free to substitute if allergies are a concern.
- Lemon juice – 2 Tbsp brightens the pesto and balances the flavors.
- Nutritional yeast – 1 1/2 Tbsp adds a cheesy depth to the pesto without dairy.
- Extra virgin olive oil – 2-3 Tbsp is essential for a smooth, luscious consistency.
- Sea salt – A healthy pinch at the end sets off the flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper – Another pinch to round out the seasoning.
Whip up these Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto and enjoy a dish that exemplifies comfort and culinary creativity!
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto
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Boil potatoes: Place the rinsed baby gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with water until just submerged. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower to medium-high. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until tender.
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Prepare pesto: While the potatoes are cooking, blend the fresh basil, chopped garlic, pine nuts or walnuts, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast in a food processor. Slowly stream in 2-3 Tbsp of olive oil until you achieve a thick, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Preheat oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and place them on the baking sheet.
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Smash potatoes: Using a fork or the palm of your hand, gently smash each cooked potato until flattened but still intact, about ½ inch thick.
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Season and roast: Drizzle the smashed potatoes with 1 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown.
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Top and serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven, spoon the garlic pesto generously over them, and garnish with extra chopped basil or parsley and additional pine nuts if desired.
Optional: Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Crispy Smashed Potatoes
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Potato choice: Use baby gold or yellow potatoes for the best texture; they become fluffy on the inside while remaining crispy outside.
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Perfect smash: Don’t over-smash the potatoes; aim for a gentle press. You want them flattened but still holding together for optimal crispiness.
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Pesto prep: Blend the pesto until smooth but keep it thick enough to coat the potatoes; adjust the oil and seasoning as needed to avoid a watery mix.
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Roasting hints: Keep an eye on the potatoes as they roast to avoid burning. You want them golden brown and crispy, not dark and charred.
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Season carefully: Always taste-test your garlic pesto before serving. It should be bright and flavorful—be cautious with salt since roasted potatoes already have seasoning.
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Serve fresh: Enjoy your Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto immediately for the best flavor and texture; they tend to lose their crunch if left too long.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto are perfect for meal prep! You can cook the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance by boiling them as per the recipe, then storing them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. To maintain their texture, avoid smashing them until you’re ready to roast. The garlic pesto can also be prepared up to 3 days ahead—just blend the ingredients and store it in the fridge, ensuring that you drizzle a little olive oil on top to prevent browning. When it’s time to serve, simply smash the potatoes, drizzle with oil, roast as directed, and top with the fresh pesto for a deliciously easy, gourmet side that’s just as flavorful as when made fresh!
What to Serve with Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that enhance the joyous flavors of crispy, golden potatoes.
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Garlic Butter Steak: Tender, juicy steak in a garlic butter sauce adds a rich, savory element that pairs perfectly with the herbaceous pesto.
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Roasted Asparagus: Crisp-tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil complements the potatoes’ texture and brings a refreshing crunch to the plate.
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Grilled Lemon Chicken: Zesty, grilled chicken infused with lemon brightens the meal, balancing the rich flavors of the potatoes and pesto harmoniously.
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Mixed Green Salad: A light salad of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette offers freshness and contrasts beautifully with the hearty potatoes.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchiness and creamy dressing of coleslaw bring a delightful textural contrast, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio elevates the meal, cutting through the richness and enhancing the flavors.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a silky chocolate mousse brings a touch of decadence to end the meal on a sweet note, balancing the savory starting course.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Room Temperature: Keep leftover Crispy Smashed Potatoes at room temperature for up to 1 hour, but for safety and freshness, refrigerate promptly.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for optimal crispiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat from frozen in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until warmed through and crispy, about 20-30 minutes. Enjoy that delightful crunch again!
Crispy Smashed Potatoes Variations
Feel free to explore these exciting twists that will take your crispy smashed potatoes to a whole new level!
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Herb-Infused: Add rosemary or thyme to the boiling water for a fragrant infusion that enhances the potatoes’ flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with the salt and pepper for a delightful heat.
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Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan on top during the last few minutes of roasting for a cheesy crust that melts into deliciousness.
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Balsamic Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction before serving for a sweet, tangy contrast to the herbaceous pesto.
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Nut-Free Pesto: Swap out pine nuts or walnuts for sunflower seeds in the pesto for a nut-free version that’s equally tasty!
In a world of flavors, these personalized twists will make each bite of your crispy smashed potatoes a unique experience. Mix and match to discover your perfect combination!
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes should I use for Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! For the best texture and flavor, I recommend using baby gold or yellow potatoes. They have a creamy interior that becomes fluffy when cooked, and a skin that crisps up beautifully during roasting.
How long can I store leftover Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
You can store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep their crispy texture, I suggest reheating them in the oven. Just place them on a baking sheet and warm them up at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I freeze Crispy Smashed Potatoes? How?
Yes, you can freeze them! First, smash the cooled potatoes and spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until crispy and warmed through, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
What if my potatoes don’t crisp up?
Very common! If your potatoes come out soggy, make sure to use enough olive oil and allow enough space on the baking sheet. An overcrowded pan will trap steam and prevent crisping. Additionally, keep an eye on the roasting time; a little extra can help them reach that golden perfection!
Is this recipe suitable for vegans or those with nut allergies?
Yes! This dish is naturally vegan, thanks to the use of nutritional yeast instead of cheese. However, if nut allergies are a concern, you can substitute the pine nuts or walnuts for seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the pesto without sacrificing flavor. Just ensure you’re using a nut-free pesto in that case!
Can I make the garlic pesto in advance?
Certainly! You can prepare the garlic pesto up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will stay fresh. When ready to use, give it a quick stir, as the ingredients may settle. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic Pesto for Ultimate Flavor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the rinsed baby gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then lower to medium-high. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- While the potatoes are cooking, blend the fresh basil, chopped garlic, pine nuts or walnuts, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast in a food processor. Slowly stream in 2-3 Tbsp of olive oil until thick and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once potatoes are tender, drain and place on baking sheet.
- Gently smash each cooked potato with a fork or palm until flattened but still intact, about ½ inch thick.
- Drizzle smashed potatoes with 1.5 Tbsp of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from oven, spoon garlic pesto over them, and garnish with extra chopped basil or parsley and additional pine nuts if desired.