Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe

If you are craving a cozy, totally irresistible snack or side dish, look no further than these Loaded Smashed Potatoes. This dish takes humble mini red potatoes and transforms them into crispy, flavorful bites topped with melted cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that balances creamy, crunchy, salty, and savory into every single mouthful. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner or bringing a dish to share, Loaded Smashed Potatoes are sure to become your new comfort food obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a key role in delivering the perfect Loaded Smashed Potatoes. From the tender potatoes that form the base, to the sharp cheddar that gives richness, and the crispy bacon for a punch of smoky flavor, every element enhances the texture, taste, and color.

• Mini red potatoes: These small potatoes cook quickly and have the ideal thin skin for smashing and crisping up beautifully in the oven.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a gooey, melty richness that pairs perfectly with the potatoes and bacon.
• Green onion: Provides a fresh, mild bite that cuts through the richness with a pop of color.
• Bacon, crumbled: Introduces a smoky, salty crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Avocado oil spray: Used to coat the potatoes lightly for extra crispiness without weighing them down.
• Sea salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the potatoes and toppings.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth that complements the other seasonings.
• Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a gentle sweetness and earthiness.
• Black pepper: Gives a hint of warmth and spice to balance the richness.
• Paprika: A dash adds color and a touch of smoky flavor to finish.

How to Make Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by boiling the mini red potatoes until they are fork tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. This ensures the inside stays soft and creamy, which is crucial for achieving that perfect contrast with the crispy outside once smashed and baked.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is key for getting that irresistible golden crisp on the potatoes. Meanwhile, cook your bacon until crisp and chop into small crumbles so they distribute evenly on top.

Step 3: Smash and Season

Drain the boiled potatoes and spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using the bottom of a glass or a mason jar, gently press down to smash each potato to about half its thickness—careful not to break them apart too much! Then spray with avocado oil and sprinkle the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake to Crisp

Pop your smashed potatoes into the hot oven for 15 minutes. The intense heat will turn the outsides wonderfully crispy while the inside stays fluffy and tender. This step creates the delightful texture contrast that makes Loaded Smashed Potatoes so special.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon

Pull the potatoes out of the oven and immediately sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar and crumbled bacon on top. Return to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully, binding everything together deliciously.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish off with fresh green onions sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness and color. Serve warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dip for the ultimate indulgence.

How to Serve Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Garnishes

The toppings give Loaded Smashed Potatoes personality and flair. Chopped green onions add brightness and a slight bite, while a sprinkling of extra paprika can boost the smoky, earthy notes. For a creamy element, dollops of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing work wonders.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with simple greens or a crisp salad to balance out the richness. Consider roasted veggies or a tangy coleslaw to add texture and freshness. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled meats or seafood for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Loaded Smashed Potatoes on a large platter for sharing, making them great for parties or game day. To impress guests, try layering them in a shallow casserole dish topped with extra cheese and bake until bubbly. They also make a fun finger-food option if you offer individual dipping bowls of ranch or spicy aioli.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Loaded Smashed Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the best texture, it’s best to reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked potatoes, but for the best flavor and crispness, it’s recommended to freeze them before adding cheese and bacon. Place the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in a hot oven until crispy, then add fresh toppings.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 375-degree oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. This helps revive the texture much better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Absolutely! While mini red potatoes work best for their size and skin texture, you can also use baby Yukon Gold or fingerlings. Just make sure they are small enough to smash and crisp evenly.

Is avocado oil necessary?

Avocado oil is great for high-heat roasting and adds a neutral flavor, but you can substitute with olive oil or any other cooking oil you prefer.

How do I make Loaded Smashed Potatoes extra crispy?

For an extra crispy finish, try soaking the potatoes in ice water for an hour before boiling. This step helps remove excess starch and results in crunchier edges once baked.

Can Loaded Smashed Potatoes be made vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a savory twist without the meat.

What’s the best dip to serve with Loaded Smashed Potatoes?

Ranch dressing is a classic and pairs perfectly with the dish’s flavors. You could also try sour cream mixed with chives, a spicy aioli, or even a tangy yogurt-based dip.

Final Thoughts

Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a total game-changer if you love comfort food that feels special but is so easy to make. The perfect balance of crispy edges, melty cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh onions will keep you coming back for more. I encourage you to give these a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes!

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