With fresh pesto and savory parmesan, these pesto smashed red potatoes have become a staple in the Live Eat Learn household. Thanks to pre-boiling the potatoes, they only require four ingredients and come together quickly. Just boil, smash, and then bake to crispy perfection!
Boil: Bring a large pot of water (½ full) to a boil. Add 1 ½ lbs baby red potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes (depends on the size of your potatoes).Drain well then pat dry with paper towels.Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Stir: Stir together dried potatoes, 2 Tbsp pesto, and 2 Tbsp olive oil.
Smash: Transfer potatoes to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a cup or fork to gently but firmly flatten each potato.
Bake: Top each potato with a small mound of parmesan cheese, then bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese is melty. Switch your oven setting to "broil" and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, watching very closely, until cheese is golden brown and a bit crispy at the edges.
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Notes
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.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.