Loaded smashed potatoes are a fun twist on classic spuds! They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with yummy goodies like cheese, bacon, and green onions.
These potatoes make any meal a treat. I like to serve them at parties because everyone loves to dig in. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes bring creaminess and a lovely buttery flavor. If you can’t find them, red potatoes or baby potatoes will also work. Just make sure they are waxy for good texture.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds a bold flavor. If you prefer something milder, try mild cheddar or Monterey Jack. A combination of cheeses can add depth, too!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and a slight tang. For a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It will still give you that creamy texture with added protein.
Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a nice crunch. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using crispy chickpeas or tempeh bacon for some texture without the meat.
Green Onions or Chives: Both add freshness. If you don’t have them, fresh parsley can work in a pinch. Just chop finely to enhance the flavor.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes?
Getting that crispy edge on your smashed potatoes is all about the technique! Here’s how to make them golden and crunchy:
- After boiling, ensure the potatoes cool a bit before smashing. This helps them hold their shape.
- Smash them gently but firmly with the bottom of a glass or a fork. The more surface area exposed, the crispier they get!
- Drizzle enough olive oil liberally over the smashed potatoes. This is key for crispiness!
- Make sure the oven is preheated. Baking at high heat helps create those crispy edges in just 20-25 minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give your potatoes some space to brown nicely!
How to Make Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 40-50 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes cooking the potatoes, then 45 minutes baking and topping them. It’s a fantastic dish to share with family and friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s warming up, wash the baby potatoes well to remove any dirt. Place the washed potatoes in a large pot, fill it with water, and sprinkle in some salt. Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes until they’re tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mashing the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool for a bit so you can handle them safely. When they’re cooled, take the bottom of a glass or a fork and gently smash each potato until it’s flattened, but make sure they stay in one piece!
3. Baking the Smashed Potatoes:
Next, place your smashed potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and season them with a little more salt and pepper. Now, it’s time to bake! Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the edges are nice and crispy and golden brown.
4. Adding the Cheesy Goodness:
After the first bake, take the potatoes out of the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each one. Put them back in the oven for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s starting to smell good in here!
5. Topping and Serving:
Finally, once the cheesy potatoes are out of the oven, it’s time to add the toppings. Spoon a dollop of sour cream on each potato, followed by the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions or chives. Now they’re ready to serve! Enjoy your warm and flavorful Loaded Smashed Potatoes right away!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon gold potatoes are great for their creamy texture, you can also use red potatoes or even russets. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may vary in cooking time, so check for tenderness when boiling.
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
How Should I Store Leftover Loaded Smashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, adding extra cheese if desired!
Can I Prepare These Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the potato mixture a few hours ahead. After smashing the potatoes, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just drizzle with olive oil and seasoning before popping them in the oven!
