Romesco Smashed Potatoes with Red Pepper Sauce: Crispy, Nutty, and Flavorful

Introduction

Romesco Smashed Potatoes with Red Pepper Sauce elevate a classic side dish into a bold, flavorful experience. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with rich Romesco sauce made from roasted red peppers, nuts, and olive oil, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or elegant entertaining.

The nutty, smoky, and slightly tangy sauce pairs beautifully with the golden potatoes, creating a harmony of textures and flavors. This recipe is simple to follow, yet delivers a sophisticated, restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress.

Why This Recipe Is Special

Romesco sauce, a Spanish classic, brings depth, nuttiness, and vibrant red color to simple smashed potatoes. Unlike plain roasted potatoes, this dish combines crispiness, tender interiors, and a rich, aromatic sauce, creating a satisfying and visually striking side or appetizer.

It’s also versatile—you can adjust the sauce’s nuttiness, tang, and spiciness, or garnish with fresh herbs for added freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, golden edges with soft, fluffy interiors
Rich, smoky, and nutty Romesco sauce
Quick and easy to prepare
Vibrant, visually appealing presentation
Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining

Ingredients and Tools

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

1.5 lbs (700 g) small potatoes, such as baby or new potatoes
2–3 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Romesco Sauce:

2 roasted red peppers (jarred or fresh)
¼ cup (30 g) almonds or hazelnuts, toasted
1–2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1–2 tsp sherry vinegar or lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of chili flakes for subtle heat

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley or cilantro
Toasted nuts for added crunch

Tools You Will Need

Large pot for boiling
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone mat (optional)
Potato masher, fork, or bottom of a glass
Food processor or blender for Romesco sauce
Spatula or tongs

Pro Ingredient Notes

Baby potatoes cook evenly and smash uniformly.
Toasting nuts enhances the flavor of the Romesco sauce.
Smoked paprika adds warmth and depth to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10–12 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain and allow to dry slightly.

Tip: Drying the potatoes ensures maximum crispiness during roasting.

Step 2: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Arrange boiled potatoes on the baking sheet. Gently press each potato with a potato masher, fork, or bottom of a glass until about ½ inch thick.

Visual cue: Flatten without breaking completely to create a larger surface area for crisping.

Step 4: Season and Roast

Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are golden and crispy. Flip halfway through roasting for even browning.

Step 5: Prepare the Romesco Sauce

In a food processor or blender, combine roasted red peppers, toasted nuts, garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, vinegar or lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust consistency with a small amount of water if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Remove roasted potatoes from the oven. Spoon Romesco sauce generously over the potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and toasted nuts if desired. Serve immediately.

Serving Idea: Pair with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or as a vibrant appetizer for gatherings.

Tips for Best Results

Use small, uniform potatoes for even cooking and smashing.
Dry potatoes thoroughly after boiling to maximize crispiness.
Roast at high heat to achieve golden, crunchy edges.
Toast nuts for a more robust, nutty flavor.
Adjust Romesco sauce spiciness and tanginess to your preference.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Potatoes not crispy: Ensure the oven is preheated and potatoes are spaced apart.
Potatoes falling apart: Do not overboil; they should remain firm but tender.
Sauce too thick: Add a small amount of water or olive oil to reach desired consistency.
Uneven seasoning: Blend Romesco sauce thoroughly and taste before serving.

Easy Variations and Customizations

Garlic-Infused Romesco

Add an extra clove of roasted garlic for a more pronounced flavor.

Spicy Romesco

Include a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for added heat.

Cheesy Option

Sprinkle lightly grated Manchego or Parmesan over potatoes before serving for extra richness.

Vegan-Friendly

This recipe is naturally vegan; use olive oil and nuts without any dairy additions.

Mediterranean Twist

Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Arrange potatoes on a platter and drizzle with Romesco sauce. Garnish with toasted nuts and fresh herbs. Serve alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as part of a tapas-style appetizer spread.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Boil and partially smash potatoes in advance. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and roast before serving. Prepare Romesco sauce ahead and store in an airtight container; add over potatoes just before serving. Avoid microwaving to retain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use larger potatoes?

Yes, but smaller potatoes provide more uniform crisping and roasting.

Can I prepare these ahead for a party?

Yes, roast the potatoes ahead and reheat lightly. Add Romesco sauce and garnish just before serving.

Can I freeze these potatoes?

Partially cooked potatoes can be frozen. Reheat in a hot oven, and add sauce fresh before serving.

Can I adjust the sauce flavor?

Yes, adjust vinegar, paprika, or chili to taste for desired tanginess and heat.

Conclusion

Romesco Smashed Potatoes with Red Pepper Sauce are a bold, flavorful, and visually appealing side dish. The combination of crispy, golden potatoes and rich, nutty Romesco sauce makes them perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or tapas-style meals.

With detailed instructions, tips for crispiness, and versatile variations, this recipe transforms simple potatoes into a gourmet, restaurant-quality dish. Crispy, flavorful, and full of Mediterranean flair, these smashed potatoes are sure to impress.