Transform ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary side dish with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious cheesy smashed potatoes recipe. Flavored to perfection with aromatic garlic salt, rich cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits, this dish offers a tantalizing combination of textures and tastes. Forget your usual roasted fingerling potatoes or intricate potato skins; smashed potatoes provide a wonderfully crisp exterior and a fluffy, tender interior that will impress everyone at your table. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or preparing for a special gathering, these simple yet sophisticated potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a fun alternative that always disappears first!
Smashed Potatoes Video Tutorial
The Irresistible Allure of Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
There’s something uniquely satisfying about cheesy smashed potatoes. This easy side dish recipe is not just simple to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile, making it a constant hit in any culinary setting. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the delightful contrast of textures: crispy, golden-brown edges meeting a soft, buttery center, all enhanced by melted cheese and savory bacon. My go-to shortcut for this recipe involves simply pricking the potatoes and microwaving them until they’re perfectly fork-tender and ready to be mashed. This significantly cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What makes these cheesy smashed potatoes truly special is their adaptability. While cheddar cheese and bacon bits offer a classic, comforting flavor profile, you can easily customize them to suit any palate or occasion. Experiment with different types of cheese, add fresh herbs, a dash of spice, or even a dollop of sour cream and chives for an elevated touch. The possibilities are endless, ensuring that this recipe never gets old.
If you’re a potato enthusiast eager to explore more delightful potato creations, be sure to check out our Loaded Potato Skins, crispy Potato Rounds, or our perfectly seasoned Sweet Potato Fries. Looking for main dishes that pair perfectly with these savory smashed potatoes? You’ll definitely want to try them alongside our hearty Sloppy Joes, flavorful Monterey Chicken, or our vibrant Grilled California Chicken. These smashed potatoes aren’t just a side; they’re an experience!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Smashed Potatoes
Creating truly outstanding cheesy smashed potatoes begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after balance of crispy texture and rich flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Potatoes: The foundation of our dish! I highly recommend using smaller varieties such as Red Potatoes or Fingerling Potatoes. The key here is their size, which allows for maximum surface area to get wonderfully crispy when smashed and baked. Their waxy texture also holds up well without becoming overly starchy. Ensure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Butter: This provides a rich, classic flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully. When melted with oil, it creates a perfect basting liquid that encourages browning and crispness.
- Avocado Oil: A fantastic choice for its high smoke point and neutral flavor. While avocado oil is preferred, you can easily substitute it with other cooking oils like olive oil or vegetable oil. The oil helps achieve that glorious crunch on the exterior of the potatoes.
- Garlic Salt: This seasoning powerhouse adds a savory depth and a delightful garlicky kick. If you don’t have garlic salt on hand, you can create your own by combining half salt and half garlic powder. For an even more robust garlic flavor, consider adding a pinch of freshly minced garlic to the butter and oil mixture.
- Shredded Cheese: The “cheesy” in cheesy smashed potatoes! My personal favorites are sharp cheddar or a vibrant fiesta blend for a little extra spice. However, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or a mozzarella blend. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a golden, gooey layer on top.
- Bacon Bits: These crispy morsels add a smoky, salty crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft potatoes and melted cheese. You can easily make homemade bacon bits from scratch for superior flavor, or opt for convenient store-bought varieties.
How to Make Perfectly Crispy Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
Creating these delightful smashed potatoes is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a side dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with garlic, cheese, and bacon flavor:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing your chosen potatoes (red or fingerling work best). Using a fork, prick each potato a couple of times. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting. Place all the pricked potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until they are perfectly fork-tender. They should be soft enough to easily mash, but not mushy.
- Smash and Season: Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a little extra oil. Carefully transfer the microwaved potatoes to the prepared baking dish. Using a potato masher, gently press each potato down until it forms an approximately 1/2-inch thick piece. The goal is to create a flat surface for crisping while keeping the potato mostly intact. In a small bowl, melt the butter and combine it with the avocado oil. Drizzle this flavorful butter-oil mixture evenly over all the smashed potatoes, ensuring every piece is coated. Finally, generously sprinkle the garlic salt over the top for an irresistible aroma and taste.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for an initial 30 minutes, or until the potatoes turn a beautiful golden brown and their edges become wonderfully crispy. At this point, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese and bacon bits over the hot, crispy potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and melted, and the bacon bits are slightly crisper.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, allow the cheesy smashed potatoes to cool for a minute or two before serving. The aromas alone will be enough to make your mouth water! Enjoy this incredible side dish warm, perhaps with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful smashed potatoes is easier than you think, especially with a few insider tips:
- Choose Small Potatoes: For the best results, always opt for small or fingerling potatoes. Their size is ideal for smashing, creating more surface area for that coveted crispy crust.
- No Peeling Required: Save time and add extra nutrients and texture by leaving the potato skins on! They crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Prick Before Microwaving: Don’t skip pricking the potatoes with a fork a few times before microwaving. This simple step is crucial for allowing steam to escape, ensuring they cook evenly and preventing them from bursting.
- Alternative Cooking Method: If you prefer not to use a microwave, you can boil the little potatoes instead. Boil them until they are just fork-tender – they should still hold their shape but be soft enough to easily pierce and smash with a potato masher. Avoid over-boiling, as mushy potatoes won’t smash well.
- Customizable Flavor: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can make these as pure garlic smashed potatoes (without cheese and bacon) for a simpler, yet equally delicious, side. Or, load them up with cheese and bacon for an indulgent treat. Both versions are incredibly tasty!
- Perfect Dipping Sauce: For an extra layer of deliciousness, try dipping these warm, cheesy smashed potatoes in a creamy ranch dressing. It’s an unexpected pairing that elevates the flavor.
- Don’t Over-Mash: While the goal is to smash them, avoid mashing them into a completely smooth consistency. You want some irregular edges and nooks for maximum crispiness.
- Even Spreading: Ensure the butter/oil mixture and garlic salt are spread as evenly as possible over each potato for consistent flavor and browning.
- Batch Cooking: If making a large batch, use multiple baking sheets to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, preventing the potatoes from getting truly crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smashed Potatoes
The best potatoes for smashed potatoes are small, waxy varieties like red potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, or fingerling potatoes. Their size is perfect for smashing, and their waxy texture helps them hold their shape and get wonderfully crispy. Make sure they are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Yes, you can absolutely prepare smashed potatoes in advance! To get a head start, precook the potatoes (microwave or boil), smash them, and season them with the butter, oil, and garlic salt. Then, cover the baking dish tightly and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, simply remove the dish from the fridge and let it come to room temperature while your oven preheats. Then, bake as directed, adding the cheese and bacon during the last 10 minutes.
Leftover smashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, allow them to cool completely before refrigerating.
To reheat and retain crispiness, spread the leftover smashed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this will make them soft and less appealing.
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon bits. You can replace them with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch, or even a different vegetarian topping like caramelized onions or roasted red peppers.
Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
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15 minutes
40 minutes
55 minutes
8
people
Ingredients
-
1½
pounds
red potatoes,
or fingerling potatoes -
3
tablespoons
butter -
3
tablespoons
avocado oil -
2
teaspoons
garlic salt -
1
cup
shredded cheddar cheese -
1/2
cup
bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200°C).
- Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Wash the potatoes and prick each with a fork a couple times, then microwave them all on a plate for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are fork tender.
- Add the microwaved potatoes to the baking dish and use a potato masher to mash into approximately 1/2″ thick pieces. Melt the butter and oil, drizzle over the smashed potatoes, and sprinkle the garlic salt over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden. Add the cheese and bacon and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bacon is a little crisp. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Calories:
262
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
19
g
|
Protein:
10
g
|
Fat:
17
g
|
Saturated Fat:
6
g
|
Cholesterol:
22
mg
|
Sodium:
973
mg
|
Potassium:
390
mg
|
Fiber:
3
g
|
Sugar:
1
g
|
Vitamin A:
226
IU
|
Vitamin C:
17
mg
|
Calcium:
97
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Side Dish
American
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More Easy and Delicious Potato Side Dish Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with these cheesy smashed potatoes, you’re in for a treat! The world of potato side dishes is vast and incredibly satisfying. Here are some more of our favorite easy-to-make potato recipes that are perfect for any meal:
- Indulgent Twice Baked Potatoes: Creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
- Classic Loaded Potato Skins: A perfect appetizer or hearty snack.
- Slow Cooker Cheesy Hash Brown Potatoes: Effortless and incredibly comforting.
- Hearty Breakfast Hash Browns: The ideal start to any day.
- Oven Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Parmesan and Rosemary: Simple elegance for any meal.
- Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup: A warm and inviting bowl of goodness.
- Classic Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: A timeless casserole that’s always a hit.
- Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes: Set it and forget it perfection.
- Ham and Cheese Scalloped Potatoes: A complete meal in a dish.
- Comforting Cheesy Potato Casserole: Family-favorite, perfect for potlucks.
- Copycat Potato Broccoli Cheese Soup: Recreate your restaurant favorites at home.
- Best Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy, garlicky, and rich.
- Flavorful Herb Roasted Potatoes: A simple, aromatic classic.
- Steakhouse Style Baked Potato in Oven: Achieve restaurant quality at home.
- Explore even more Side Dish Recipes for endless inspiration.
- Discover our full collection of Potato Recipes – your ultimate guide to spud perfection!
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight solution, an impressive dish for entertaining, or a hearty meal addition, these cheesy smashed potatoes are a versatile and delightful choice. With their crispy edges, fluffy interior, and savory blend of garlic, cheese, and bacon, they truly offer a unique and satisfying potato experience that’s far beyond the ordinary. Give this easy smashed red potatoes recipe a try and watch it become a new family favorite!