These Loaded Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate crispy, cheesy, and savory appetizer! With crispy smashed potatoes topped with sour cream, bacon, and fresh chives, they’re a perfect bite-sized treat for any gathering or as a side dish. Simple to prepare and loaded with flavor, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple at your next party or family meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby yellow potatoes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 4 slices bacon (diced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 450°F and lightly oil a baking sheet or coat it with nonstick spray. - Boil the Potatoes:
Place the baby potatoes in a Dutch oven and cover with cold salted water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and simmer until just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes well and let them cool slightly. - Smash the Potatoes:
Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using a flat dry measuring cup or glass, carefully smash the potatoes until flattened but still in one piece. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. - Bake the Potatoes:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle the tops of each potato with cheddar cheese and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. - Cook the Bacon:
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. - Top and Serve:
Top each potato with sour cream, bacon, and chives. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrients
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients used)
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Potassium: 900mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 350 IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 160mg
- Iron: 2mg
Why Loaded Smashed Potatoes Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Loaded Smashed Potatoes are ideal for any occasion because they’re incredibly versatile, flavorful, and easy to prepare. They work as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a snack. The crispy exterior of the smashed potatoes makes them fun to eat, while the melted cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives offer a delicious combination of flavors that complement each other perfectly.
They’re also highly customizable, so you can add extra toppings like jalapeños, green onions, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor. Whether you’re serving a small group or a crowd, these potatoes can be made in batches to suit the number of guests. They’re a guaranteed hit at any gathering, from casual dinners to holiday meals and game-day parties.
How to Make Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Making Loaded Smashed Potatoes is simple and quick, with just a few steps required to get these golden, crispy potatoes onto your plate. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat it with nonstick spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
- Boil the Potatoes
Place the baby potatoes in a Dutch oven or large pot and cover them with cold salted water, ensuring there’s about an inch of water above the potatoes. Bring the water to a boil and simmer the potatoes for about 15 minutes, or until they are just tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes well and allow them to cool slightly before handling.
- Smash the Potatoes
Place the cooked potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using a flat dry measuring cup or a glass, carefully press down on each potato to smash it until flattened but still intact. Be gentle when smashing to ensure the potatoes stay together and don’t break apart.
Brush the smashed potatoes with olive oil and season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. The olive oil will help achieve a golden, crispy exterior during baking.
- Bake the Potatoes
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. During this time, the potatoes will develop a satisfying crunch while remaining soft and fluffy inside. Once they’re golden and crispy, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each potato and return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cook the Bacon
While the potatoes are baking, heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet, draining the excess fat on a paper towel-lined plate. The crispy bacon will add a savory crunch to the potatoes.
- Top and Serve
Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven. Top each potato with a dollop of sour cream, a generous sprinkle of crispy bacon, and chopped fresh chives. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and enjoy the ultimate loaded potato experience!
Why These Loaded Smashed Potatoes Are So Irresistible
What makes these Loaded Smashed Potatoes so delicious is the combination of crispy and creamy textures. The outside of the potatoes becomes golden and crunchy, while the inside remains soft and fluffy. The melted cheddar cheese provides a rich, gooey texture that perfectly complements the crispy bacon, sour cream, and fresh chives.
Each bite is packed with flavor, from the savory, smoky bacon to the tangy sour cream and the fresh, vibrant chives. The potatoes are seasoned perfectly with just the right amount of salt and pepper, allowing the other ingredients to shine. These loaded potatoes are the perfect balance of indulgent and satisfying, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Nutritional Information for Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Each serving of these Loaded Smashed Potatoes contains approximately 330 calories, making them a delicious but moderately rich option for an appetizer or side dish. The dish provides 28 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of protein, and 23 grams of fat, with 7 grams of saturated fat coming from the cheese and bacon. While the fat content is higher, the protein and fiber content help balance it out, making the dish satisfying and filling.
These potatoes also provide 3 grams of fiber, which is helpful for digestion, and 2 grams of sugar, which is naturally occurring in the potatoes. With 350 milligrams of sodium, the dish is fairly moderate in sodium, but it’s important to adjust the seasoning based on your dietary preferences. The vitamin A content (350 IU) and calcium (160 mg) provide additional health benefits, supporting vision and bone health.
Serving Suggestions for Loaded Smashed Potatoes
These Loaded Smashed Potatoes can be served with a variety of sides or as part of a larger meal. Here are some ideas for pairing:
- With Grilled Meats: Serve these potatoes alongside grilled steaks, chicken, or pork for a satisfying main course.
- As a Party Snack: These bite-sized potatoes are perfect for serving at parties or gatherings. Pair them with dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.
- With a Salad: Pair with a light, refreshing salad to balance out the richness of the potatoes. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will complement the savory flavors perfectly.
- As a Side Dish: These loaded potatoes are great with burgers, sandwiches, or any hearty meal.
Conclusion
Loaded Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness. With their golden, crispy exterior, soft and fluffy interior, and generous toppings of sour cream, bacon, and chives, these potatoes are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, they’re a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Simple to make and loaded with flavor, these potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!