Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
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Cheesy Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with gooey cheese, these potatoes are the perfect side dish for just about any meal. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this easy recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Need more yummy side dish recipes? Be sure to try some of my favorites like my cheesy hashbrown casserole and perfect mashed potatoes! You’ll even love that these cheesy potatoes are similar to a loaded baked potato!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Cheesy Combo: The perfect balance of crispy edges and melted, gooey cheese makes every bite irresistible.
- Simple and Easy: It’s an easy-to-follow recipe with minimal ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with almost any main dish, from steak to chicken, making it a go-to side.
- Comfort Food: These potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—hearty, warm, and satisfying.
If you love loaded baked potatoes, you’re going to flip for these Cheese Smashed Potatoes. They’ve got the crispy edges, fluffy insides, and all that melty cheese goodness you crave, but with an extra crunch. It’s like having a bite-sized, crispy version of a loaded baked potato, and trust me, they’re a game-changer.
These have quickly become one of our favorite appetizers as a family. Whether it’s dinner or a quick snack for game night, they never last long. You can even add toppings like bacon or sour cream to take them over the top. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
These smashed potatoes with cheese come together with just a handful of simple ingredients that pack big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips to make the most out of each one:
- Petite Gold Potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect for smashing because they get crispy on the outside and stay fluffy on the inside. Make sure to boil them until just tender for the best results.
- Oil: A good drizzle of olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully. Don’t skimp—this is key to getting that golden-brown crunch.
- Ranch Seasoning: Adds a zesty, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese and bacon. Sprinkle generously to coat the potatoes for maximum taste. You can also opt for salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection on top of the potatoes. Shred your own cheese for the best melt—it makes a difference!
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch. Cook it until crispy and crumble it over the top for that extra burst of flavor.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun and delicious ways to customize your Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe:
- Spicy Twist: Add a kick by mixing in some red pepper flakes or drizzling sriracha on top before serving.
- Herb Lovers: Swap out the ranch seasoning for fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a more earthy, aromatic flavor.
- Loaded Style: Amp up the toppings with a dollop of sour cream, green onions, and even avocado slices for a fully loaded version.
- Garlic Parmesan: Instead of cheddar, sprinkle on freshly grated Parmesan and toss in some minced garlic before baking for a savory garlic-Parmesan variation.
How to Make Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
This recipe could not be easier to make and is insanely delicious for all of my potato loving friends. Nothing, and I mean nothing, beats a baby potatoes recipe with cheese.
- Prep the Potatoes: Wash and boil the potatoes with salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Smash the Potatoes: Drain, then smash the potatoes on a baking tray.
- Season: Brush with an oil and ranch seasoning mix.
- First Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
- Final Bake: Sprinkle cheese and bacon, then bake for another 15-20 minutes until fully crisp.
Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
Storage:
If you have leftovers of your cheesy roasted potatoes, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness.
Make Ahead:
To prepare these potatoes in advance, boil and smash the potatoes as instructed, then store them in the fridge (before adding the cheese and bacon) for up to a day.
When ready to serve, brush with oil, bake them until crispy, and add the cheese and bacon for the final bake. This way, you’ll have fresh, cheesy smashed potatoes in no time!
Tips For Success:
Best Way to Smash the Potatoes: Use the bottom of a flat glass or cup for the most even pressure when smashing. You can also use a fork, but a glass helps ensure the potatoes flatten uniformly for maximum crispiness.
Prevent Potatoes from Breaking or Falling Apart: To keep the potatoes from falling apart, make sure to boil them just until they’re tender, not overcooked. They should be soft enough to flatten but still firm enough to hold their shape. Gently press down when smashing—don’t push too hard, as this can cause them to break apart.
Other Topping Ideas: Mix it up by trying different toppings! Sour cream, chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or even jalapeños are great alternatives. You can also add a sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor. Want to get fancy? Try drizzling a little truffle oil before serving!
Crispier Potatoes: If you want your potatoes even crispier, bake them once until golden, then flip them over and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes before adding the cheese and bacon.
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This also helps the potatoes crisp up evenly.
Recipe FAQs
If the potatoes are breaking apart, they may have been overcooked. Try boiling them for less time or pressing down more gently to prevent them from falling apart.
Yes, you can boil and smash the potatoes in advance, then store them in the fridge until ready to bake. Add the oil, cheese, and bacon just before baking for fresh, crispy potatoes.
The best way to smash the potatoes is to use the bottom of a flat glass or a sturdy mug. This gives you even pressure, helping to flatten the potatoes without breaking them apart. If you don’t have a glass handy, you can also use a large fork, but be gentle to avoid over-smashing. The potatoes are ready when they’re fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork, but they should still hold their shape without falling apart.
Besides bacon and cheese, you can add toppings like sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing or truffle oil.
Yes, while petite gold potatoes are great for smashing, you can use baby red potatoes or fingerling potatoes. Just make sure they’re small and boil them until tender but not mushy.
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Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 oz petite gold potatoes
- 2 tablespoons oil (we like avocado oil)
- 1 tablesoiib ranch seasoning*
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 4 pieces bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Instructions
- Start by washing the petite gold potatoes thoroughly. Cut each potato in half width-wise. Place the cut potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. Add a hefty sprinkle of salt to season the potatoes as they cook.
- Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork can pierce through the potatoes, but they still hold their shape. You don’t want them too soft.
- While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 425°F so it’s ready by the time the potatoes are done.
- Drain the water from the pot and carefully transfer the potatoes, cut side down, onto a baking sheet. Using the bottom of a flat cup or glass, gently press down on each potato to flatten them. Be careful not to press too hard—you want them smashed but not completely broken apart.
- In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil and ranch seasoning. Generously brush this mixture over each smashed potato, ensuring they’re well coated for flavor and crispiness.
- Place the seasoned potatoes in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden and crispy.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits evenly over the top of the potatoes.
- Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are crisp to your liking.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Categories:
5-Ingredient or Less Recipes, Appetizers, Dinner Recipes, New Years, Party, Side Dish Recipes,
Really good!!
Thanks for being the first to review, Chelsea!