Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
If you’re ready to shake up your potato game, Loaded Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser you never knew you needed. Think crisp-edged baby potatoes, generously topped with gooey cheddar, smoky bacon, a cool dollop of sour cream, and snappy green onions—every bite is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory. Whether you’re serving these as a show-stopping appetizer, casual party snack, or an irresistible side, this recipe is easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Trust me, this is the kind of comfort food that disappears fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Loaded Smashed Potatoes is how simple the ingredient list is, yet how each one brings something special to the table. From the buttery potatoes to the melty cheddar and the zippy green onion garnish, every component truly matters for color, flavor, and texture.
- Baby potatoes: These little beauties are just the right size for smashing and become delightfully creamy inside, crisp outside.
- Olive oil: Helps the potatoes get those golden, crunchy edges you’ll crave.
- Garlic powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with cheese and bacon.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the best in every ingredient and seasoning potatoes all the way through.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Nothing beats watching cheddar melt into bubbly, gooey perfection on piping hot potatoes.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon: For incredible smoky flavor and just the right amount of hearty crunch.
- Sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy contrast to all the rich, warm toppings.
- Chopped green onions: Brings color and a fresh, punchy finish that’s the signature of any great loaded potato.
How to Make Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Place your baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them generously with salted water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender, meaning a fork slides in easily without the potato falling apart. Proper boiling at this stage promises the creamy insides every loaded smashed potato deserves.
Step 2: Smash and Arrange
Once drained, lay the warm potatoes out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Here comes the fun part—use the bottom of a sturdy glass or measuring cup to gently flatten each potato to roughly 1/2-inch thick. Don’t worry if some are a little wonky; those jagged edges just get crispier in the oven!
Step 3: Season Generously
Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil, and don’t skimp! Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, a shower of salt, and plenty of black pepper. The oil helps everything sizzle up beautifully and ensures that seasoning hits all those delicious nooks and crannies.
Step 4: Roast to Crispy Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated 425°F oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for deep golden edges and an audibly crisp bottom—it’s worth peeking halfway through to rotate the pan or add a drizzle more oil if needed.
Step 5: Load Up with Cheese and Bacon
Pull the roasted potatoes from the oven and sprinkle them immediately with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Pop them back in the oven for five quick minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt into every crevice and the bacon to re-crisp.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Green Onions
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, pull the tray from the oven and let the potatoes cool for a minute or two. Add a dainty dollop of sour cream onto each potato and shower with fresh chopped green onions. Now, dig in while they’re hot for the full loaded smashed potatoes experience!
How to Serve Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Garnishes
Loaded Smashed Potatoes are all about those finishing touches! Apart from the classic sour cream and green onions, you can sprinkle on chives, a dusting of paprika, or even a pinch of hot sauce for a little kick. If you want to take it further, add a handful of fresh herbs or a drizzle of ranch dressing for a modern twist!
Side Dishes
These potatoes can easily be the centerpiece of any table, but they shine alongside crowd favorites such as grilled chicken, juicy steak, or pulled pork sandwiches. For a lighter meal, pair them with a crisp green salad or some simple roasted vegetables. Their hearty, cheesy flavor makes them ultra-versatile as a side or starter.
Creative Ways to Present
Loaded Smashed Potatoes look beautiful piled high on a rustic wooden board, atop a bed of leafy greens, or arranged on an elegant platter with extra toppings in little bowls. For parties, consider making mini versions with extra-small potatoes and placing toothpicks in each for easy snacking. Or, serve them family-style with a DIY toppings bar to let everyone customize their own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious in your refrigerator for up to three days, making them a fabulous make-ahead option for busy nights or next-day lunches.
Freezing
While these potatoes are at their best fresh and crispy, you can freeze them if needed. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Keep in mind, some toppings like sour cream don’t freeze as nicely, so add those fresh after reheating.
Reheating
To revive that irresistible crispness, pop the loaded smashed potatoes in a 400°F oven or air fryer for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through and crunchy once more. The microwave works in a pinch but will sacrifice that dreamy texture. Always add fresh garnishes after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use another type Appetizer
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are ideal for their size and texture, you can use small Yukon gold or red potatoes in a pinch. Just aim for consistent sizing so they cook evenly and smash easily.
What’s the best way to make them vegetarian?
Simply skip the bacon or swap in your favorite plant-based bacon bits for that familiar crunch and savoriness—these loaded smashed potatoes are flexible for every diet!
How can I make them extra crispy?
Make sure the potatoes are spaced apart on the baking sheet and use plenty of olive oil. For even more crunch, broil them for a minute or two after roasting, watching closely so they don’t burn.
Are loaded smashed potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check any store-bought bacon or toppings you choose to be sure they fit your dietary needs.
Can I prepare loaded smashed potatoes ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can boil and smash the potatoes earlier in the day, then roast and top with cheese and bacon just before guests arrive. Hold off on adding sour cream and green onions until serving for the best results.
Final Thoughts
If your taste buds are craving something comforting and playful, do yourself a favor and bring these Loaded Smashed Potatoes to your next gathering or dinner table. They’re simple, endlessly customizable, and certain to wow anyone lucky enough to snag a bite. Dive in, get smashing, and make some memories—one cheesy, crispy potato at a time!
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Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a delightful twist on classic roasted potatoes. Baby potatoes are smashed, roasted until crispy, then topped with cheddar, bacon, sour cream, and green onions for an indulgent appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Baby Potatoes:
1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes,
Olive Oil Mixture:
2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and black pepper to taste,
Toppings:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet. Boil potatoes until tender. Smash each potato, season, and roast.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Melt cheese in the oven. Top with sour cream and green onions.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon or use plant-based bacon bits.
- Best served hot; reheat in oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 potatoes
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
