So, it is Monday again. In case you missed how I feel about this particular day of the week you can read about it here. I felt this super easy, super flavorful side dish was only appropriate to share on a day most of us probably feel like smashing things when the day is done.
This is a twist on the smash potato, also called crash potato recipe that has been floating around Pinterest for a while. The process is pretty simple, boil some little red potatoes until tender, crank your oven up so it is super hot, smash the potatoes on a cookie sheet, bake until crisp. We tried this and liked the method but it didn’t have much flavor. So, I kicked it up a notch with some pesto, parmesan, and fresh basil. So much better. The outside is crisp and covered in warm pesto with meaty cheese while the inside stays soft and fluffy.
This is a really good side dish to have in your repertoire because it can easily be made to feed a lot of people, can be made pretty quickly and it doesn’t require a lot of ingredients.
Save RecipeIngredients
- 6 small red potatoes
- 6 Tablespoons of Pesto (I used jarred pesto and it worked great)
- 6 Teaspoons of shredded Parmesan
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425
- Place potatoes in a medium size pan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Let the potatoes boil until they are fork tender, approximately 15 minutes (The more tender they are the easier they are to smash)
- When potatoes are tender drain and rinse with cool water, set aside.
- Grab a small cookie sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil.
- Place potatoes on cookie sheet and grab a sturdy cup, a potato masher, or anything you feel comfortable using to smash the potatoes. (I use the bottom of a measuring cup.)
- Smash the potatoes (not too flat!) then top each with a tablespoon of pesto, a teaspoon of parmesan and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bake 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp
- Garnish with fresh basil (optional)
Try these other easy side dishes!
Gouda and Jalapeno Stuffed Twice Baked Potatoes
Asparagus, Avocado, and Mozzarella Salad
