Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Perfectly crispy, cheesy, and bursting with bacon flavor, these crowd-pleasing bacon loaded smashed potatoes are perfect as an appetizer for any gathering or as a quick side dish for a busy weeknight!

What makes this recipe a standout is the perfect balance of the creamy mashed potatoes with crispy edges, the tartness of sour cream, and the extra texture and flavor of the bacon.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Make it as a side for your next slow cooker chicken and it’ll add so much excitement to your otherwise bland dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Loaded Smashed Potatoes

• 1.5 lbs baby yellow potatoes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• ¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 5 slices bacon, chopped and cooked
• ¼ cup sour cream
• fresh chives

Step-by-Step Preparation With Pictures

1. Start by preheating your oven to 425° F and line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of water with a pinch of kosher salt for 15 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and set aside.

3. While the potatoes are boiling, chop your bacon into small bite-sized pieces.

4. Fry the chopped bacon in a skillet for 5 minutes or until crispy. Then, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.

5. While the bacon is cooking, chop the fresh chives finely. Set aside for later.

6. Arrange the cooked potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Grab a glass and gently smash each potato to flatten it, but ensure they are still in one piece. Alternatively, you can also use a potato masher.

7. Brush each potato with olive oil.

8. Season with salt and black pepper.

9. Bake the potatoes for 25 minutes until golden. Bake for an additional 5 minutes if you’d like them extra crispy.

10. Remove the baking pan from the oven. Sprinkle the smashed potatoes with cheddar cheese. Then, return to the oven for about 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts beautifully.

11. Take the baking sheet out of the oven. Then, top each potato with crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onion leaks.

12. Arrange in a platter and serve while still hot. Enjoy!

Variation Ideas

Don’t be afraid to tweak or customize your oven-roasted smashed potatoes! Here are some variation ideas I’ve experimented with that you might love as well!

• Swap the Cheese: Try mozzarella for a stretchy texture or Gruyere for a nutty flavor. Simply shred it up and sprinkle it over your potatoes instead of cheddar. 

• Add Some Heat: Want to give your potatoes a little kick? Add some jalapeños and chop them up into small pieces. Then, sprinkle them over your potatoes before popping them in the oven. If you like things extra spicy, add a sprinkle of chili flakes too. 

• Caramelized Onions: For a sweet twist, add caramelized onions on top before baking. Thinly slice an onion and cook it in a skillet with a bit of butter or oil over low heat until it turns golden brown and sweet. 

• Change the Protein: Not a fan of bacon? Substitute with crispy fried chorizo or smoked salmon for a different flavor profile. For chorizo, simply cook it up until it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it over your potatoes before baking. If you’re using smoked salmon, just flake it into small pieces and scatter it over your potatoes.

• Herb Infusion: Give your potatoes an extra boost of flavor by infusing the olive oil with garlic or herbs like rosemary or thyme. Or add a small piece of homemade cajun butter on top of each potato before returning them to the oven for the last 2 minutes.

• Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish, skip the bacon and add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers instead. Just slice up your mushrooms or peppers and cook them in a skillet with a bit of olive oil until they’re tender and golden brown. 

Serving Suggestions

Here are delicious ways on how to enjoy your oven-roasted smashed potatoes to the fullest!

• As a Side Dish: These loaded smashed potatoes pair well with air fryed chicken, steak, baked salmon, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

• As an Appetizer: Arrange these mashed potatoes on a nice platter and serve them up as a finger food at your next gathering. To assemble, place the potatoes on a decorative platter along with a dipping sauce in a small bowl.

• With Salad: Accompany these potatoes with a crisp green salad for a light, balanced meal. The creamy texture of the potatoes will complement the crispness of your greens perfectly.

• Breakfast Option: Yes, they’re even great with eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch! Serve them alongside scrambled, fried, poached eggs, or these healthy veggie egg bites for a delicious and filling morning meal.

• Pairings: If you’re serving these loaded smashed potatoes as an appetizer at your gathering, consider setting up a dipping station with options like creamy ranch, sour cream dip, or this savory mushroom hummus with sautéed garlic.

Tips for Success

• Choosing Potatoes: Look for baby yellow potatoes for this recipe. They have a naturally creamy texture and hold their shape well when smashed compared to other varieties.

• Even Cooking: Make sure to boil the potatoes until just tender—overcooking will make them fall apart when smashed.

• Don’t Over-Smash: Be gentle when smashing your potatoes. Keep them mostly intact to avoid them from breaking into pieces during baking.

• Crispiness Factor: Don’t skimp on the oil and baking time! These are key for achieving that desirable crispy edge.

• Season Well: Potatoes need a good amount of salt, so season them generously before baking to bring out their best flavor.

• Cheese Matters: Use a good quality cheese that melts well, like a medium or sharp cheddar, for the best flavor and texture.

• Pre-Cook Bacon: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits for convenience.

Storage

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place them in the oven at 350° F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

One Last Thing

So, take your classic baked potatoes to a new level and try this loaded smashed potatoes recipe!

You’ll be instantly convinced that these are like tiny flavor grenades, ready to explode with cheesy goodness and smoky bacon bits in every bite. They’re so good, that you might just forget about the main course entirely.

Your Turn

If you make these cheesy and crispy bacon loaded smashed potatoes, please take a moment to let me know how you liked them by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card.

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