If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food side, look no further than this Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on traditional mashed or baked potatoes, combining crispy textures with creamy, cheesy toppings that are generously enhanced with savory bacon and fresh green onions. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of rich flavors, crunchy edges, and tender potato center that is simply irresistible. This dish is easy to prepare, feels special, and is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe uses simple pantry staples, but every ingredient plays a significant role in creating the perfect blend of flavors and textures. From the golden baby Yukon Gold potatoes providing creamy interiors to the crispy bacon adding a smoky crunch, each component is essential for that mouthwatering final touch.
- Baby Yukon Gold potatoes (1.5 pounds): Choose these for their buttery, creamy texture that holds up well when smashed.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning all those layers of flavor perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into a gooey, cheesy topping that complements the potatoes.
- Cooked bacon, crumbled (4 slices): Provides that irresistible smoky, salty crunch that makes the dish special.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Offers a cool, tangy creaminess to balance out the crispy potatoes and bacon.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Gives an extra layer of richness and helps with browning.
- Green onions, thinly sliced (2 tablespoons): Bring a fresh, sharp bite that brightens the whole dish.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild, savory depth of flavor.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the seasoning with subtle sweetness and earthiness.
- Chopped fresh chives (optional): Use as a garnish for a touch of color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven for that perfect crispy finish later, setting it to 425°F (218°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the baby Yukon Gold potatoes. Cooking them until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes, is crucial because you want them soft enough to smash, but still firm enough to hold their shape. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
Step 2: Smash and Season
Now, transfer the potatoes onto a greased baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press down each potato until it’s flattened but still in one piece. This smashed shape allows for maximum crispy surface area later. Drizzle the olive oil and melted butter over each smashed potato, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This combination of fats and seasonings takes the flavor to a whole new level as they roast.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Place your potatoes in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, they’ll develop a beautiful golden crust with super crispy edges, while the insides stay soft and fluffy. This crispiness is what makes the Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe so addictive and satisfying.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon
Once crispy, pull the potatoes out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon on top. Return the baking sheet to the oven for a quick 3 to 5 minutes to melt the cheese perfectly and warm the bacon through, creating an irresistible cheesy, smoky blanket.
Step 5: Final Toppings and Serve
After removing from the oven, scoop dollops of tangy sour cream over the potatoes, and sprinkle with fresh green onions and optional chives. These final touches add refreshing contrast and vibrant color, making your Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe truly shine on the plate. Serve warm for the ultimate indulgence.
How to Serve Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate this dish dramatically. A spoonful of sour cream adds creaminess, while green onions and chopped chives bring fresh flavor and a pop of bright green color that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce if you’re craving a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats like steak or chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh, crisp salad. Its richness balances hearty proteins and adds a satisfying carb component to your meal, rounding out any dinner perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these potatoes on a large platter as a party appetizer. You can set up a toppings bar with extra cheese, bacon, sour cream, chives, and hot sauce so guests can customize their own. Another idea is to serve these as loaded potato bites on skewers for easy snacking at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and retain much of their flavor and texture if reheated carefully.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining the crispy texture, you can freeze the loaded smashed potatoes before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, if you want to enjoy them later.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe leftovers is in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This method helps bring back some of the original crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture, as it tends to make potatoes soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While baby Yukon Golds are perfect for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, red potatoes or fingerlings can also work well. Avoid waxy potatoes like russets as they may not hold together as nicely when smashed.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply skip the bacon and add extra cheese or toppings like sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a delicious vegetarian version of the Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter, dairy-free shredded cheese, and skip the bacon or replace it with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a fully vegan delight.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or even a dollop of cream cheese for similar tang and creaminess.
How spicy can I make the Loaded Smashed Potatoes?
Feel free to add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or drizzle hot sauce on top to achieve your desired level of heat. This is a versatile dish ready to adapt to your spice preferences.
Final Thoughts
Making the Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe at home brings a wonderful combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful bites that everyone will love. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough to impress guests without fuss. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes!
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Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a deliciously crispy and cheesy side dish made with tender baby Yukon Gold potatoes, topped with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this gluten-free recipe brings comfort and flavor to any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) to get it ready for baking the potatoes crispy and golden.
- Cook Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the baby Yukon Gold potatoes. Cook until they are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
- Smash Potatoes: Transfer the cooked potatoes to a greased baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato flat but not completely mashed, keeping some texture.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and the melted unsalted butter. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to add robust flavor.
- Bake Until Crispy: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn crispy and golden brown on the edges.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the smashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon. Return to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes to melt the cheese thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven, then top with a dollop of sour cream, thinly sliced green onions, and fresh chopped chives if desired. Serve the loaded smashed potatoes warm as a savory side dish.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
- You can swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or your favorite melting cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure potatoes are evenly smashed but still hold some structure for the best texture.
- Use cooked bacon slices for convenience or cook your own bacon until crispy.
