Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Irresistible Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crispy and golden loaded smashed potatoes offer a mouthwatering twist on classic side dishes that will make your taste buds dance.

potatoes get transformed into crunchy, creamy delights with a simple technique.

Cheese, bacon, and green onions create an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

Forget boring potato preparations that lack excitement and personality.

Oven-baked methods ensure each bite delivers maximum crispiness and satisfaction.

Perfectly seasoned and packed with indulgent toppings, these potatoes will become your new favorite comfort food.

You cannot resist diving into this delectable creation that promises to steal the spotlight at any meal.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or fingerling potatoes. Each variety will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the dish.

  • How do I prevent potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or generously oil the baking sheet to ensure the potatoes don’t stick and create crispy edges.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Skip the bacon and replace it with crispy mushrooms or roasted nuts for a protein-packed vegetarian version. You can also add extra herbs for more flavor.

  • Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?

You can boil and smash the potatoes earlier in the day, then refrigerate. Just add olive oil and seasonings right before baking to maintain their crispy texture.

Party Potatoes That Get Everyone Talking

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These potatoes deliver irresistible crispy edges and soft centers that make everyone at the table happy, perfect for gatherings and parties.
  • Quick Kitchen Win: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, even beginner cooks can create a delicious side dish that looks and tastes professionally prepared.
  • Customizable Crowd-Favorite: Easy to adapt with different cheese, herbs, or toppings, these potatoes offer versatility for picky eaters and creative cooks who love personalization.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: By smashing potatoes and adding classic toppings like bacon and cheese, you transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish without complex techniques.

Potatoes Ingredient List for Your Next Bash

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the base of this crispy and delicious party dish.
Seasoning and Oil:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the potatoes.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy exterior and adds rich flavor to the potatoes.
Toppings and Extras:
  • Cheese: Adds creamy, melty goodness to the crispy potatoes.
  • Bacon: Provides a salty, crunchy element that complements the potatoes.
  • Sour Cream: Offers a cool, tangy contrast to the hot and crispy potatoes.
  • Chives: Fresh herb that adds a light, oniony garnish and bright color to the dish.

Making Party Potatoes for All Occasions

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Turn your oven to a toasty 450°F and grab a baking sheet.

Lightly coat the sheet with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil Potato Magic

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Drop in your whole potatoes and let them simmer for about 15 minutes until they’re fork-tender.

Once done, drain them carefully and let them cool down slightly.

Step 3: Smash And Season Potatoes

Transfer the warm potatoes onto the prepared baking sheet.

Using a measuring cup or the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each potato to create a delightful crushed texture.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder (optional)

Step 4: Create Crispy Potato Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for edges turning golden brown and creating irresistible crispy edges.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle your favorite shredded cheese over the potatoes.

Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.

Step 6: Crisp The Bacon

While potatoes are baking, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches crispy, crunchy perfection (about 6-8 minutes).

Step 7: Add Delicious Toppings

Crumble the crispy bacon and add generous dollops of:
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped chives
  • Crumbled bacon bits

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Plate these mouthwatering potatoes immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

Watch your guests dive in with excitement!

Tricks for Making Creamy Party Potatoes

  • Generously oil the baking sheet to ensure potatoes don't stick and achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or potato masher to create even, crispy surfaces with lots of golden edges.
  • Drizzle extra olive oil and sprinkle herbs like rosemary or thyme for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
  • Pat potatoes dry before boiling to remove excess moisture and guarantee a crunchy exterior when baked.
  • Swap cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan version that still delivers rich, savory flavor.

Party Potatoes New Twists and Toppings

  • Vegan Herb Roasted Potatoes: Replace cheese and bacon with nutritional yeast and crispy roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein option.
  • Spicy Cajun Smashed Potatoes: Swap regular seasoning with Cajun spice blend, adding cayenne pepper and paprika for extra kick.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, following same smashing and roasting technique for keto-friendly version.
  • Mediterranean Potato Medley: Top with crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh oregano for Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Party Potatoes for Family Style Meals

  • Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Serve these crispy potatoes as a shareable starter at game day parties or casual gatherings, perfect for dipping and munching together.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Transform these potatoes into a stunning side dish for weekend brunches, pairing wonderfully with eggs, frittatas, or breakfast casseroles.
  • Gourmet Game Night: Elevate movie or game nights by presenting these loaded potatoes as a decadent, restaurant-style snack that everyone will love and devour quickly.
  • Customizable Comfort: Experiment with different cheese types, herbs, and toppings like jalapeños or caramelized onions to match your mood and flavor preferences.

Storing Party Potatoes After the Party

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the crispy texture intact.
  • Wrap potatoes tightly in freezer-safe wrap or container, storing for 1-2 months without toppings to maintain quality.
  • Spread potatoes on baking sheet, bake at 375F for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through, restoring original crunchiness.
  • Warm potatoes on microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, adding a quick sprinkle of cheese to revive flavor.
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Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Crispy golden Loaded Smashed Potatoes bring comfort and indulgence to your dinner table. Creamy interiors, crisp exteriors, and irresistible toppings make this dish a crowd-pleasing sensation you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) baby yellow potatoes
  • 4 slices bacon, diced
  • 3/4 cup (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (8 grams) chopped fresh chives
  • 1/3 cup (80 grams) sour cream
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 450°F and coat a baking sheet with oil for optimal potato roasting.
  2. Submerge potatoes in generously salted water, simmering for 15 minutes until fork-tender, then carefully drain and allow brief cooling.
  3. Arrange boiled potatoes onto the prepared baking sheet, gently pressing each potato with a measuring cup to create rustic, textured surfaces.
  4. Drizzle olive oil across smashed potatoes, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
  5. Roast potatoes in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until edges transform into golden, crispy perfection.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over potatoes and return to oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely.
  7. While potatoes bake, crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat for approximately 6-8 minutes until achieving desired crunchiness.
  8. After removing potatoes from oven, garnish with crumbled bacon, dollops of sour cream, and freshly chopped chives.
  9. Transfer immediately to serving platter and enjoy while piping hot for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Customize Potato Texture by choosing waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the perfect crispy-creamy balance.
  • Prevent Sticking by generously oiling the baking sheet and using parchment paper for easier cleanup and guaranteed crispiness.
  • Maximize Flavor Potential by seasoning potatoes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or herbs like rosemary for extra depth and excitement.
  • Create Dietary Variations by using dairy-free cheese alternatives, turkey bacon, or plant-based toppings to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 277 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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