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Potato/ Sides/ Spice

‘Nduja and Pesto Potatoes

May 30, 2022 by Chris Collins

These ‘Nduja and Pesto Potatoes are loaded with flavour and so simple to make!

If you’re looking for a fancy (but simple) way to spruce up potatoes to serve as a side dish, this is the recipe for you! Or if you’re just looking for ways to use ‘Nduja, then these are always a tasty excuse too 😋. Follow me…

close up shot of pesto nduja potato on wooden chopping board

‘Nduja Potatoes

First things first, just in case you’ve landed here out of pure intrigue:

What is ‘Nduja?

‘Nduja – pronounced ‘en-doo-ya’ – is a spicy spreadable sausage from southern Italy. You can add it to a range of different dishes such as pizza, pasta, or various meats and seafood. Or just can slather straight on crackers or bread! Today, however, we’re combining it with potatoes.

What kind of potatoes to use?

I love serving these like mini loaded potatoes, as such I love using large baby potatoes (Jersey Royal New Potatoes to be specific). Large Fingerling or Anya Potatoes will also work. Sometimes stores also just sell ‘Large Baby Potatoes’.

Process shots: combine potatoes with salt, pepper and olive oil (photo 1), roast (photo 2), add to bowl (photo 3), add ‘Nduja (photo 4), mix to combine (photo 5), quickly roast again (photo 6).

6 step by step photos showing how to make nduja potatoes

Pesto Potatoes

Once you’ve roasted the potatoes in ‘Nduja, we’re going to load them up with pesto.

What kind of Pesto to use?

I recommend whipping up a batch of my Chive and Parsley Pesto (because chives and parsley are both a blessing to potatoes). But regular Basil Pesto also works just fine!

Crème Fraîche

Both the ‘Nduja and pesto have quite intense flavours, so I love adding a dash of crème fraîche to help balance everything out (namely the spice from the ‘Nduja). It also enhances the creaminess of the potato itself.

Process shots: slice potato (photo 1), spread in excess ‘Nduja (photo 2), add crème fraîche (photo 3), add pesto (photo 4).

4 step by step photos showing how to make pesto potatoes

close up shot of Nduja pesto potatoes on wooden chopping board focus on one

Serving ‘Nduja Pesto Potatoes

I typically serve these as a Side for dinner. My favourite dishes to serve them with are Steak and Chicken Parmesan (or regular Chicken Schnitzel). You could serve them as Finger Food, but they’re quite messy and fairly oily too.

For more spicy roasted potato recipes check out my Spicy Potatoes and Garlic Rosemary Chorizo Sweet Potatoes!

Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for these ‘Nduja Pesto Potatoes shall we!?

close up shot of silver fork holding Nduja pesto potato

How to make ‘Nduja Pesto Potatoes (Full Recipe & Video)

close up shot of pesto nduja potato on wooden chopping board

'Nduja and Pesto Potatoes

These 'Nduja Pesto Potatoes are loaded with flavour and so simple to make!
5 from 1 vote
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Servings (click & slide): 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories per serving: 439kcal
Cost per serving: £2.50 / $3

Equipment:

  • Large Baking Tray
  • Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
  • Large Mixing Bowl & Spatula (optional - for mixing in 'Nduja)

Ingredients (check list):

  • 2lb / 1kg Large Baby Potatoes (see notes)
  • 2 heaped tbsp 'Nduja (see notes)
  • 1/2 cup / 120g Pesto (see notes)
  • 1/4 cup / 60g Crème Fraîche
  • 1.5 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions:

  • Add the potatoes to a large baking tray and coat in oil, salt and pepper. Space them out and stab each one a couple of times with a sharp knife. Roast in the oven at 200C/400F for 40mins, or until deep golden, crispy and cooked right through the centre.
  • Remove from the oven and tip into a large mixing bowl. Add 'Nduja and use a spatula to coat the potatoes. Tip the potatoes back onto the baking tray. You can mix the potatoes on the baking tray if you don't have access to a large mixing bowl, it's just a bit more fiddly.
  • Place back in the oven for a few mins until the potatoes crisp up again and the 'Nduja completely melts. Keep a keen eye on them because the 'Nduja can burn quite quickly.
  • Make a slice in each potato and gently squeeze to open up the centre, as you would a baked potato. Use a brush or spatula to add any 'Nduja on the tray into the potatoes. Top with a dash of creme fraiche (around 1 tsp depending on potato size) and a good drizzle of pesto (around 2 tsp depending on potato size).
  • Serve up as a side dish and enjoy!

Quick 1 min demo!

Notes:

a) Potatoes - I love using large baby potatoes for this recipe because they come out like mini loaded potatoes. I try to use Jersey Royal New Potatoes, but large Baby Potatoes, Fingerling Potatoes/Anya Potatoes all work well. 
b) 'Nduja - This is a spicy spreadable sausage from southern Italy. It's got a gorgeous smoky, tart flavour. You'll find it in some supermarkets, sometimes called Nduja Paste. You'll definitely find it online or in Italian stores.
c) Pesto - I highly recommend whipping up a batch of my Chive and Parsley Pesto (because chives and parsley are both a blessing to potatoes). But regular Basil Pesto also works just fine!
d) Crème fraîche - Both the 'Nduja and pesto have quite intense flavours, so the Crème fraîche helps balance everything out, namely the spice from the the 'Nduja. It also enhances the creaminess of the potato itself. It's not a deal-breaker if you don't use it, but it is a great addition. 
e) Calories - Whole recipe divided by 4.

Your Private Notes:

Nutrition:

Nutrition Facts
'Nduja and Pesto Potatoes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 439 Calories from Fat 240
% Daily Value*
Fat 26.69g41%
Saturated Fat 5.65g28%
Trans Fat 0.002g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.998g
Monounsaturated Fat 15.678g
Cholesterol 17mg6%
Sodium 688mg29%
Potassium 1073mg31%
Carbohydrates 42.13g14%
Fiber 5.3g21%
Sugar 2.05g2%
Protein 9.93g20%
Vitamin A 389IU8%
Vitamin C 46mg56%
Calcium 122mg12%
Iron 2.52mg14%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition is based on the absence of salt unless stated as a measurement in the ingredients. Cost is worked out based on ingredients bought from UK supermarkets, then divided by the number of servings. In both instances these values are just for guidance. Please check out my FAQ Page for more info.
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Looking for more?You'll find plenty more delicious comfort food like this in my Debut Cookbook 'Comfy'

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2 Comments

  • Reply
    Bob
    August 25, 2022 at 1:24 pm

    5 stars
    I can say with confidence that these are the best potatoes I’ve ever had!!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      August 25, 2022 at 1:30 pm

      Great to hear, Bob! Thanks for the review 🙂

    5 KNOCKOUT

    DINNERS

    YOU'LL NEVER STOP MAKING!

    A FREE EMAIL SERIES, FROM ONE FOODIE TO ANOTHER