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If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy edges, melty cheese, and savory bacon with a comforting creamy bite, you’ve got to try this Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe. These golden little gems take simple baby Yukon Gold potatoes and transform them into crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed morsels that bring extra joy to any meal. Whether as a hearty side or a standout appetizer, this recipe delivers irresistible texture and loads of rich taste that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its few but essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role, balancing crispy, creamy, and savory notes, making the flavors shine without any fuss.
- Baby Yukon Gold potatoes: Their natural buttery flavor and waxy texture make them perfect for smashing and roasting crispy.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich fruitiness and helps achieve that golden, crunchy exterior.
- Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlicky depth that enhances the potatoes without overpowering.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out every bit of flavor in the potatoes and toppings.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle spicy kick to balance the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over the hot potatoes, adding cheesy goodness.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon: Brings smoky, crispy texture that’s pure indulgence in each bite.
- Sour cream: Adds creamy tang that complements the savory toppings beautifully.
- Fresh chives: Sprinkle on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- Optional extras: Extra sour cream or hot sauce to customize your loaded experience.
How to Make Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by placing your baby Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bringing it to a boil. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes, just until the potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape. This ensures they cook through without becoming mushy, creating the perfect texture for smashing.
Step 2: Smash and Season
Once drained and slightly cooled, arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently press down each potato until it’s about half an inch thick. This smashing step is crucial for maximizing crispy edges. Then drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for that irresistible seasoning layer.
Step 3: Roast to Crispy Perfection
Slide the potatoes into a 425°F preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, those smashed potatoes develop a beautiful golden color and wonderfully crisp edges that contrast perfectly with their soft centers.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon
Pull the potatoes out of the oven and immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over each one. Return them to the oven just long enough—2 to 3 minutes—for the cheese to melt into gooey, dreamy goodness.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Transfer your loaded smashed potatoes to a serving platter, dollop with sour cream, and scatter chopped fresh chives on top. This final touch adds freshness and makes the whole dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
The star garnishes for loaded smashed potatoes are sour cream and chopped chives, which create a refreshing and creamy contrast to the crispy, cheesy potatoes. If you like a bit of heat, a drizzle of hot sauce on top brings a spicy kick that livens up every bite.
Side Dishes
These loaded smashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with grilled steaks, juicy burgers, or even roasted chicken. Their crispy texture and rich flavors complement just about any protein, making your meal feel complete and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the potatoes on a rustic wooden board for a casual feel or arrange them in a colorful ceramic dish for a pop of visual interest. You can even turn them into a party snack by offering small forks and letting guests customize their own toppings like jalapeños, green onions, or extra cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover loaded smashed potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness again without any hassle.
Freezing
While this Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe offers the best texture fresh, you can freeze the cooked potatoes before adding cheese and bacon. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Just note that crispiness may be slightly reduced after thawing.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy edges, reheat your leftover potatoes in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to soften the crispy texture you worked so hard to create.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While baby Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and flavor, you can also use baby red potatoes or new potatoes. Just be mindful that waxier potatoes hold their shape better when smashed.
Is there a way to make these potatoes vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the bacon and add extra cheese, or try topping with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, add oil, seasoning, and roast as instructed to restore the crispiness.
How spicy can I make the Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe?
For a spicier take, swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack cheese and add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. You could also scatter sliced jalapeños on top before baking.
Are these potatoes gluten-free?
Yes! This Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for guests with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch and irresistible flavor of this Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe to make your meal shine. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that feels special but is completely achievable on any weeknight or weekend. I truly hope you give these smashed beauties a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the table!
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Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a delicious and crispy side dish featuring tender baby Yukon Gold potatoes smashed and roasted to golden perfection. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives, these flavorful potatoes make a perfect appetizer or accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Optional
- Extra sour cream or hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Boil Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Boil the baby Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 15–20 minutes or until they are fork-tender and easily pierced.
- Drain and Cool Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle while smashing.
- Prepare for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly space the potatoes on the sheet.
- Smash Potatoes: Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato to about 1/2-inch thickness to increase surface area for crispiness.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Roast Potatoes: Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the potatoes are crispy and golden on the edges.
- Add Toppings: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately top each potato with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon pieces.
- Melt Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the loaded smashed potatoes to a serving platter. Dollop with sour cream and sprinkle with chopped fresh chives. Serve warm with additional sour cream or hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- For a different flavor, substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for some spiciness.
- These loaded smashed potatoes work wonderfully as an appetizer or as a side dish for steak, burgers, or grilled meats.
- Ensure potatoes are smashed to a uniform thickness to promote even roasting and crispiness.
