Crispy Smashed Potatoes w/Caviar

• Yield4–6 servings

Ingredients

4oz Thick-cut bacon, cut into ½” pieces

1½t +1T Extra-virgin olive oil

1lb Baby Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

8oz Fresh goat cheese

1 Small shallot, finely chopped

3T Whole milk

2T Sour cream

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1T Finely chopped tender herbs (such as dill, chives, and/or tarragon), plus more for serving

Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

1 Avocado, sliced, cut into 1″ pieces

1 Scallion, thinly sliced

1.75-oz. Jar salmon caviar, preferably wild and smoked

Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

Process

Step 1

Cook 4 oz. thick-cut bacon, cut into ½” pieces, and 1½ tsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bacon is browned and crisp, 8–10 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.

Spoon 2 Tbsp. bacon fat into a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2

Place 1 lb. baby Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed, in a large saucepan

Pour in cold water to cover;

Season generously with kosher salt.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer potatoes until a paring knife slides easily through the flesh, 20–25 minutes.

Drain and let cool 5 minutes.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 400°.

Spread out potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Using the bottom of a measuring cup or a potato masher, gently smash potatoes to about ½” thick.

Let cool another 5 minutes.

Step 4

Drizzle reserved bacon fat and remaining 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil over potatoes;

Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Roast until potatoes are golden brown and crisp, 40–50 minutes.

Goat Cheese and Assembly

Step 5

While the potatoes are roasting, beat 8 oz. fresh goat cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. (Or use a whisk and a large bowl.)

Add 1 small shallot, finely chopped, 3 T whole milk, and 2 T sour cream 

Beat until mixture is light and fluffy, about 1 minute.

Add zest and juice of 1 lemon and 1 T finely chopped tender herbs (such as dill, chives, and/or tarragon);

Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

Beat to combine.

Step 6

Arrange potatoes on a platter or divide among plates.

Top each with 1 avocado, sliced, cut into 1″ pieces, whipped goat cheese, some bacon and 1 scallion, thinly sliced, a healthy spoonful of caviar from one 1.75-oz. jar salmon caviar, preferably wild and smoked, and more herbs.

Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.