If you have a soft spot for crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside potatoes loaded with all the flavors you love, this Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new favorite dish. Imagine perfectly boiled baby potatoes smashed just right, seasoned with a blend of garlic, onion, and smoky paprika, then baked until golden and crispy. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon crumbles, tangy sour cream, and fresh chives, these potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that bring crowds together. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe delivers warm, irresistible flavors with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe is wonderfully straightforward — it’s all about using a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the baby potatoes’ creamy texture to smoky spices and rich toppings, every element builds layers of taste and satisfaction.
- Baby gold or red potatoes (1 1/2 pounds): Their small size ensures quick cooking and creates perfect bite-sized smashed pieces that crisp up beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a lovely richness and helps the potatoes crisp without overpowering their natural flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle savory note that enhances the potatoes with gentle depth.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Complements the garlic for a balanced, rounded seasoning.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with a warm smokiness that pairs beautifully with the bacon.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out the flavors of every ingredient.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts perfectly on top, adding gooey, sharp richness.
- Cooked bacon (4 slices, crumbled): Provides crispy, savory bites that elevate the loaded experience.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Offers a cool, creamy contrast to the crispy potatoes and savory toppings.
- Chopped chives or green onions (2 tablespoons): Add a fresh, vibrant pop of color and mild onion flavor for the finishing touch.
How to Make Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still hold their shape. This perfectly tender texture is key for smashing and roasting later on.
Step 2: Smash the Potatoes
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle. Place them spaced out on your lined baking sheet, then gently press each potato down to about half an inch thick using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup. The smashing creates more surface area for crispiness and delicious seasoning absorption.
Step 3: Season and Roast
Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil, making sure each piece is lightly coated. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly across the potatoes. This seasoning mix provides that irresistible savory and smoky flavor base. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and delightfully crisp.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon
After the potatoes have crisped, take them out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese perfectly and warm the bacon, resulting in a truly indulgent, cheesy topping.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream and Chives
Once out of the oven, dollop each potato with a bit of sour cream and scatter the chopped chives or green onions on top. This cool, fresh finish balances the rich cheese and bacon, making every bite burst with flavor and texture.
How to Serve Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes transforms this dish from great to unforgettable. While sour cream and chives are classic toppings, try swapping in chopped parsley, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions, or even a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick. These little extras add not only vibrant color but unexpected flavor layers that make the dish pop.
Side Dishes
Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe works perfectly as a crowd-pleasing side. Pair it with grilled chicken or steak for an all-American feast, or let it complement lighter mains like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Its crispy texture and decadent toppings bring warmth and heartiness that enrich any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For party guests, serve the smashed potatoes on a large wooden board with tongs for a casual buffet style. Another fun idea is to plate them individually, stacking two smashed potatoes for height and drizzling with extra sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This makes the dish feel special enough for celebrations and cozy dinners alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you might not), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crispiness intact, avoid covering them too tightly right after cooking, and reheat as described below to bring back their crunch.
Freezing
This Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe doesn’t freeze as well as it shines fresh. The crispy texture softens when thawed and reheated, so it’s best to enjoy freshly made. However, you can freeze plain boiled potatoes for later smashing and roasting if you want to save prep time.
Reheating
The secret to reviving leftover smashed potatoes is reheating them in the oven or a toaster oven at 375°F for about 10 to 15 minutes. This heats them through while restoring a bit of their original crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes besides baby gold or red?
Absolutely! You can use baby Yukon gold, fingerlings, or other small waxy potatoes. The key is choosing varieties that hold their shape well and become creamy inside when boiled.
What can I substitute for bacon to make this vegetarian?
To keep it vegetarian, skip the bacon or use plant-based bacon alternatives, smoked tempeh, or even sautéed mushrooms for a smoky flavor without meat.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the cheddar cheese and sour cream for your favorite dairy-free substitutes. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor if you’re avoiding all dairy.
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time before baking?
You can boil and smash the potatoes a few hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Bring them to room temperature before seasoning and baking to ensure even crisping.
How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Ensure they are well-coated with olive oil and spaced out on the baking sheet so they’re not overcrowded. Using a hot oven and flipping them halfway through roasting can also help achieve maximum crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe a try means treating yourself and your loved ones to a dish that’s both cozy and celebratory. It’s simple to prepare but loaded with flavors and textures that satisfy every craving for comfort food. Whether you’re new to smashing potatoes or a seasoned fan, these crispy, cheesy, bacon-topped gems deserve a spot on your dinner table very soon.
Print
Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a deliciously crispy and cheesy side dish featuring tender baby potatoes smashed and baked to golden perfection, topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and fresh chives. Perfect for parties or a flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 1/2 pounds (680g) baby gold or red potatoes
Seasoning and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the potatoes bake evenly without sticking.
- Boil the Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook for 15–20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain and allow them to cool slightly for easier handling.
- Smash the Potatoes: Place the cooked potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, gently press each potato down until it is about 1/2 inch thick, creating a flat, smashed surface.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle the smashed potatoes evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the top to enhance their flavor.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake the seasoned potatoes for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy around the edges.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the potatoes from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon on top of each potato. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the loaded smashed potatoes with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions before serving for a fresh, creamy finish.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit bacon or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- Serve with ranch dressing or hot sauce for extra flavor variations.
- These smashed potatoes are best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispness.
