Pesto Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin
Meet your new comfort food obsession: Pesto Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin! Creamy mashed potatoes blended with vibrant pesto, layered with gooey cheese, and topped with crispy bread crumbs. This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, adding a deliciously sophisticated twist to classic comfort food.
Mashed Potatoes with a Twist
If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that combines comfort and sophistication, look no further. Pesto Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin takes your classic mashed potatoes to the next level.
The rich, creamy texture of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the fresh, herby flavor of pesto. Add in some gooey, melted cheese and a crispy bread crumb topping, and you’ve got a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday feast, or a casual potluck with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which means more time enjoying and less time cooking.
Looking for more easy yet elegant seasonal side dishes? Be sure to try ourrustic Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, buttered new potatoes with dill and lemon, creamy lemon risotto, our zesty Italian roasted vegetables, and our savory truffle mashed potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key Ingredients
*Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
Party Tip: Prepare Ahead!
Hosting a gathering? Save time by assembling your Pesto Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin the day before. Just add the bread crumbs and bake right before serving for a stress-free, delicious side dish that will wow your guests!
Step-By-Step Directions
1
Preheat And Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2
Boil Potatoes
Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15 mins). Drain and mash with butter.
3
Mix in Cream
Mix in heavy cream, salt to taste, and pesto.
4
Layer And Cheese
Layer half the potato mix in the dish. Dot with cream cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan. Repeat.
5
Add Topping
Toss bread crumbs with olive oil, then sprinkle on top.
6
Bake
Bake for 30 mins until crumbs are toasted and cheese is melted.
Pro Tips
- Perfect Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the creamiest mash. They have the ideal starch content for a fluffy texture.
- Pesto Perfection: For the best flavor, use homemade pesto or a high-quality store-bought brand. Fresh basil makes a big difference!
- Cheese Choices: Grate your own Parmesan for better melting and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
- Season Wisely: Taste your potato mixture before adding salt. Pesto can be quite salty, so adjust accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.
- Browning Control: If the bread crumbs start to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil. This will protect the topping while allowing the potatoes to cook through and the cheese to melt perfectly underneath.
Perfect Pairings
These creamy, cheesy Pesto Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin would pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes:
Seafood: The vibrant pesto and creamy potatoes go wonderfully with grilled or baked fish, shrimp, or scallops. Try serving them with this easy baked Herb-Crusted Cod with Lemon and Panko. Or try pairing it with our Pesto Butter Salmon or Basil Pesto Crusted Salmon recipes.
Grilled or Roasted Meats: Complement the rich, herby flavors with grilled chicken, pork chops, or a perfectly roasted leg of lamb. Consider pairing these potatoes with our fragrant Lavender Herb Butter Roasted Chicken or our Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Strawberry Sauce.
Barbecue: Add them to a barbecue spread with smoked brisket, BBQ chicken and ribs, or pulled pork for a deliciously comforting side.
Salads: Serve alongside salads that feature arugula, asparagus, and other spring greens. Try pairing with our Spinach and Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan and our Lemony Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese.
FAQs
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Pesto Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe
Equipment
- 1 baking dish (I used a 10.5 by 7.5-inch dish. A 9×9-inch square baking dish would also work, but a 9×13 will be too big.)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes peeled and quartered
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- salt to taste (depending on how salty your pesto is)
- ⅓ cup pesto homemade or pick your favorite
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- ½ cup cream cheese softened
- ⅓ cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Start off by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a baking dish.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until they’re tender — a fork should slide in easily, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes well, mash them with butter until you’ve got a smooth consistency.
- Mix in the heavy cream and add a little salt to taste (depending on how salty your pesto is). Then, blend in that beautiful pesto.
- Spread half of the potato mixture into your prepared dish. Dot with half of the cream cheese and sprinkle with half of the Parmesan. Then repeat the process once more and layer on the remaining potatoes, dot again with the remaining cream cheese, and the rest of the Parmesan.
- In a small bowl, toss the bread crumbs with olive oil until they’re all coated, then scatter them evenly over the top of your gratin.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are toasted and the cheese is melty and slightly browned. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with some foil.
- Let it sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven — it’s going to be hot and bubbly!
- If you loved this recipe, be sure to leave a 5-star rating and review below!
Recipe Notes
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning a party or holiday meal? Pesto Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin is a great dish to prepare in advance. Here’s how to do it:- Prep Ahead: Prepare the mashed potatoes, mix in the pesto, and layer with cheese as instructed. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Bread Crumb Topping: Keep the bread crumb mixture separate and store in an airtight container. Just before baking, sprinkle the crumbs on top.
- Bake When Ready: When you’re ready to serve, take the dish out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Add the bread crumbs and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Leftovers and Storage
- Storage: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For a crisp topping, uncover for the last 5 minutes.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
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