Description
Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a deliciously crispy and cheesy side dish featuring tender boiled baby potatoes smashed and roasted to golden perfection, then topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions. This comforting recipe is perfect for family meals and gatherings, offering a flavorful twist on classic roasted potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- Optional: extra cheese, ranch drizzle, or hot sauce for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the potatoes to a crispy finish.
- Boil Potatoes: Place baby potatoes in salted boiling water and cook for 15–20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly for easier handling.
- Smash Potatoes: Arrange the boiled potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, gently press down each potato to flatten it while keeping it intact.
- Season Potatoes: Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Roast Potatoes: Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown on the edges.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top of the potatoes.
- Melt Cheese: Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes until the cheese has melted perfectly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven, place a dollop of sour cream on each potato, and garnish with chopped green onions or chives. Optionally add extra cheese, ranch drizzle, or hot sauce before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and substitute with sautéed mushrooms for a savory topping.
- You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time and reheat in the oven to crisp them just before serving.
