There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of a perfectly cooked potato, and these Super Crispy Loaded Smashed Potatoes take that experience to another level. Picture indulging in golden-brown bites, each one topped with a luscious swirl of sour cream, crispy bacon, and fresh chives—pure comfort food that’s perfect for sharing during game days or casual gatherings.
I stumbled upon this delightful recipe on a chilly Sunday afternoon when I craved something hearty yet easy to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients, you can transform humble baby potatoes into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply refreshing your weeknight meals, these loaded smashed potatoes promise to deliver bold flavors and a delightful texture, proving once again that homemade food always wins over fast food. Are you ready to make your taste buds dance? Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Why are Loaded Smashed Potatoes a must-try?
Crispy texture: Each potato boasts a satisfying crunch, making them irresistible.
Flavor explosion: Topped with rich cheese, tangy sour cream, and crispy bacon, every bite is a burst of savory goodness.
Quick preparation: With minimal ingredients and easy steps, dinner prep becomes a breeze.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, they’ll leave your friends and family raving and reaching for more.
Versatile options: Customize with spicy cheeses or alternative toppings to suit your taste preferences!
These Loaded Smashed Potatoes aren’t just a dish; they’re a celebration of flavor you won’t want to miss!
Loaded Smashed Potatoes Ingredients
• Dive into the deliciousness with these must-have ingredients!
For the Potatoes
- Baby Yellow Potatoes – Perfectly crisp on the outside while fluffy inside; substitutes like baby red or fingerling potatoes work well too.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds a peppery kick; freshly ground offers the best flavor.
For the Toppings
- Olive Oil – Essential for crispiness; can be swapped with vegetable oil if preferred.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Delivers a creamy finish; consider using Pepper Jack for a spicy twist!
- Sour Cream – Provides a tangy complement; Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative.
- Bacon – Crispy goodness that takes flavor up a notch; for a lighter option, use turkey bacon.
- Chopped Fresh Chives – Garnish for a fresh onion-like flavor; green onions are also a delightful substitute.
Embrace these ingredients for the ultimate Loaded Smashed Potatoes experience!
How to Make Loaded Smashed Potatoes
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Preheat your oven: Set your trusty oven to 450°F and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly with oil or nonstick spray. This will ensure those potatoes get beautifully crispy.
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Boil the potatoes: Place baby potatoes in a Dutch oven, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, around 15 minutes. Drain them and let cool slightly.
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Smash the potatoes: Take the cooled potatoes and, using a flat object (like a spatula), gently press down on each one on the baking sheet until slightly flattened but still intact. Aim for a rustic look!
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Season and bake: Brush the smashed potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
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Add the cheese: Once the potatoes are crispy, remove them from the oven, sprinkle each one with shredded cheddar cheese, and return them to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese has melted.
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Cook the bacon: In a cast iron skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat before using.
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Top & serve: Once the potatoes are hot and cheesy, finish them with a generous dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of crispy bacon, and a handful of fresh chives. Serve these little delights immediately while they’re still warm!
Optional: Add a drizzle of hot sauce on top for an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions for Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Feel free to get creative with these delicious options that elevate your loaded smashed potatoes even further!
- Dairy-Free: Replace cheese and sour cream with nutritional yeast and cashew cream for a nutty, vegan twist. Creamy and fulfilling!
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or drench the sour cream with your favorite hot sauce to ignite your taste buds. Just the right amount of heat!
- Cheese Swap: Try crumbled feta or tangy goat cheese instead of cheddar for a unique flavor profile. Each brings its own personality to the dish!
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the olive oil before brushing on the potatoes for aromatic flair. A fragrant brush adds depth to every bite!
- Bacon Alternative: Use crispy tempeh or sautéed mushrooms as a savory topping instead of bacon for a scrumptious vegetarian option. You won’t miss the meat!
- Garlic Lover’s Delight: Add roasted garlic to the sour cream for an irresistible depth of flavor that enhances the overall experience. It’s a savory dream come true!
- Texture Contrast: Top the finished dish with crunchy fried onions or seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra layer of crunch with every bite. Elevate those crunchy sensations!
- Flavor Burst: Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair that tantalizes the palate in unexpected ways. Surprise your guests with a bold twist!
These variations make your loaded smashed potatoes customizable and unforgettable!
Expert Tips for Loaded Smashed Potatoes
• Gentle Mashing: Ensure to smash the potatoes gently to maintain their integrity while maximizing the surface area for crisping.
• Cold Water Boil: Boil the potatoes in cold salted water to promote even cooking. This avoids the risk of mealy potatoes and enhances texture.
• Crisp Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat them in an air fryer or oven. This keeps the loaded smashed potatoes crispy and delicious.
• Flavorful Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to season the potatoes liberally with salt and pepper before baking to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack or blue cheese for a twist. It opens up new flavor possibilities that you’ll love!
How to Store and Freeze Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Fridge: Store any leftover loaded smashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F to restore their crispy texture.
Freezer: Place the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat baked potatoes in an air fryer or oven to regain their delightful crispiness.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving smashed potatoes at room temperature for longer than 2 hours to ensure freshness and food safety.
What to Serve with Loaded Smashed Potatoes?
Imagine your dinner table filled with a symphony of flavors and textures, where each dish beautifully complements your crispy, savory potatoes.
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Creamy Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy side adds a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the potatoes. Its crisp texture enhances the overall meal experience.
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Garlic Butter Green Beans: Tender-crisp green beans sautéed in garlic butter offer a delightful pop of color and flavor, providing a light and vibrant touch to your spread.
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Zesty Corn Salad: A bright, sweet corn salad with lime and herbs perfectly brightens the palate between bites of the loaded smashed potatoes, keeping your taste buds dancing.
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Tangy BBQ Ribs: Juicy, smoky ribs pair wonderfully with the savory potatoes, creating a hearty meal that screams comfort food and keeps the party vibe alive.
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Sour Cream & Chive Dip: Serve this alongside for extra dipping and spread options. It mirrors your dish’s sour cream topping and takes the flavor to another level!
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Crisp Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing provides a fresh, crisp contrast that complements the warmth of the smashed potatoes.
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Applesauce: This unexpected, sweet side offers a delightful contrast to the salty, savory flavors of the potatoes, making each bite more exciting.
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Craft Beer: A cold, refreshing craft beer pairs seamlessly with the crispy Loaded Smashed Potatoes, heightening the flavors and making every gathering feel special.
Make Ahead Options
These Super Crispy Loaded Smashed Potatoes are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy deliciousness without the last-minute rush! You can prep the baby potatoes by boiling and smashing them up to 24 hours in advance. After smashing, refrigerate them tightly covered to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply brush the cooled potatoes with olive oil, season, and pop them into a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until crispy. Top with cheese and return to the oven for just 2-3 minutes for perfectly melted goodness. With this prep-ahead method, you can savor the delightful crunch and flavor without spending all your time in the kitchen!
Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe FAQs
What potatoes are best for making Loaded Smashed Potatoes?
I recommend using baby yellow potatoes for their ideal balance of crispiness and fluffiness. However, baby red or fingerling potatoes can work just as well if you’re looking for a different flavor or texture.
How should I store leftover Loaded Smashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 375°F until they regain their crispy texture.
Can I freeze Loaded Smashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! To freeze, place your smashed potatoes on a baking sheet until they’re solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay good for up to one month. Remember to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven for the best results.
What can I substitute for bacon in my Loaded Smashed Potatoes?
If you’re looking for alternatives, crumbled tempeh, mushrooms, or turkey bacon make great substitutes for bacon. They provide that savory flavor without the richness of pork, making your dish lighter while still delicious.
How do I prevent my Loaded Smashed Potatoes from getting soggy?
For the crispiest outcome, be sure to smash the potatoes gently, maximizing their surface area while keeping them intact. Additionally, using cold salted water to boil the potatoes helps ensure even cooking and prevents a mealy texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for Loaded Smashed Potatoes?
If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, you can easily adjust this recipe! Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option, and if you’re catering to vegetarians or vegans, simply swap the bacon for plant-based alternatives like crumbled tempeh or sautéed mushrooms.
Crispy Loaded Smashed Potatoes for Ultimate Snack Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and grease a baking sheet lightly with oil or nonstick spray.
- Place baby potatoes in a Dutch oven, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, around 15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Using a flat object, gently press down on each potato on the baking sheet until slightly flattened but still intact.
- Brush the smashed potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle each potato with shredded cheddar cheese and return them to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese has melted.
- Cook diced bacon in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Top the hot potatoes with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of crispy bacon, and fresh chives. Serve immediately.