Mashed potatoes might be the most comforting side dish out there. You can actually get creative and flavor them differently. Take any classic mashed potato recipe and turn it into pesto mashed potatoes simply by stirring in some of your favorite pesto. My favorite secret ingredient to add into mashed potatoes is mascarpone cheese!

Try this recipe using my pistachio pesto recipe! 

Ingredients:

• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cleaned

• 8oz container of mascarpone cheese

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

• 1-2 tsp salt

• ¼ cup pesto, plus a little more for garnish

• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for garnish

Instructions:

1. After peeling potatoes, give them a rinse then cut into chunks and place into the Instant Pot. Add water and a teaspoon of salt. Lock the lid into place and make sure the valve is turned to sealing. Pressure cook for 10 minutes. Then, do a quick release for the steam. *If you are not using an Instant Pot to cook your potatoes, then place the cut potatoes in a large pot, fill with cold water, add the salt, then bring to a boil and cook until they are tender, about 15 minutes.

2. Drain the potatoes to discard the leftover water. Return potatoes to the pot and add the mascarpone, teaspoon salt, ¼ cup pesto and ½ cup heavy cream.

3. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy. If you need to get it to be creamier, add a little more cream (or milk) until desired texture.

4. Transfer into a serving bowl and garnish with a little swirl of pesto on top and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

We’d love to see your finished product! Post your picture on Instagram, tag us @danimade.kitchen and hashtag it #danimade