Pesto Smashed Potatoes

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 3

Pesto Smashed Potatoes Recipe

by The Chefin Appetizer

Prep

10 min

Cook

45 min

Ready In

55 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	2 1/2 lbs small red potatoes
	coarse salt
	1 cup stock or 1 cup chicken broth
	1 cup prepared store bought pesto sauce

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

295

Sugar

Fat

15g

Pesto Smashed Potatoes are a fun and delicious spin on traditional mashed potatoes. These potatoes are boiled, smashed, and then baked with a drizzle of olive oil and a generous helping of pesto sauce. They are crispy, salty, and addictive - perfect for snacking or as a side dish to any meal. Pesto gives these potatoes a boost of flavor and makes them more exciting than plain mashed potatoes. The best part about this recipe is that it's easy to customize - switch up the pesto sauce to your liking or add different herbs or spices for an extra kick.

Instructions

1.	Wash the potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt.
2.	Bring to a boil and cook for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
3.	Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes.
4.	Preheat the oven to 425°F.
5.	Grease a baking sheet and place the potatoes on it, leaving some space in between each.
6.	Using a potato masher, smash each potato until it is slightly flattened but still holds its shape.
7.	Drizzle some olive oil on top of each potato.
8.	Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of pesto on top of each potato.
9.	Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the potatoes are browned and crispy. Serve warm.

PROS

Pesto mashed potatoes are an easy and delicious appetizer perfect for any occasion.
They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
The pesto adds a burst of flavor and makes them more interesting than regular mashed potatoes.

CONS

While this dish is tasty, it is high in carbs and fat.
Depending on the recipe, store-bought pesto can also be high in sodium.
Be careful not to eat too many or use a lot of salt when cooking so as not to overdo it on the sodium content.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates and potassium, which can help keep you full and regulate blood pressure. Pesto also contains a lot of healthy fats and antioxidants from ingredients such as nuts, olive oil, and basil.