Smashed Potatoes

🥔 Smashed Potatoes — Crispy, Cheesy, and Totally Addictive

If comfort food had a best friend, it would be these potatoes.

 

Some sides are forgettable. Some sides are filler. But smashed potatoes? They’re the scene‑stealers. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with melty cheddar, smoky bacon, cool sour cream, and fresh chives — they’re basically loaded baked potatoes in bite‑sized form.

They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, BBQs, or honestly just as a “snack dinner” when you want something fun. And the best part? They look fancy but are ridiculously easy to make.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “potatoes are the main event” or team “potatoes are just the sidekick”?

I haven’t met a potato I didn’t love! So when you can combine two into one, it’s perfect! It’s amazing to me that if you change it up the  preparation a little, it comes out a completely different potato!

This is the perfect side dish for any dinner, potluck or even the backyard bbq!

 

 

🥕 Nutritional Facts & Fun

• Potatoes: Fiber + potassium + cozy carbs.
• Cheddar Cheese: Calcium + melty goodness.
• Bacon: Protein + smoky crunch.
• Chives: Freshness + color pop.
• Sour Cream: Tangy balance.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you consider potatoes a “health food” because they’re a veggie, or a “comfort food” because… well, cheese and bacon?

👩‍🍳 Cooking Tips for Potato Success

• Boil First: Don’t skip this step — it makes smashing easier.
• Smash Gently: You want rustic edges, not mashed potato pancakes.
• Crispy Trick: Roast at high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan.
• Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar = bold flavor, mild cheddar = creamy comfort.
• Make Ahead: Boil potatoes earlier in the day, then smash and roast before serving.

🔄 Recipe Variations

• Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes: Swap cheddar for Parmesan and add garlic butter.
• Tex‑Mex Style: Top with jalapeños, salsa, and pepper jack cheese.
• Buffalo Smashed Potatoes: Drizzle with buffalo sauce and ranch.
• Veggie Lovers: Add roasted peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Breakfast Twist: Top with a fried egg and hot sauce.

💬 Reader prompt: Which version would your family devour first — garlic Parm, Tex‑Mex, or breakfast style?

🧒 Kid Tips

• Let kids help “smash” the potatoes (messy but fun).
• Keep toppings mild for picky eaters.
• Serve with ketchup or ranch for dipping.
• Make mini versions with smaller potatoes for kid‑sized bites.

🛒 Grocery Hacks

• Baby Potato Saver: Buy in bulk — they last weeks in a cool, dark place.
• Cheese Hack: Shred your own — it melts better than pre‑shredded.
• Bacon Shortcut: Use pre‑cooked bacon crumbles for busy nights.
• Chive Swap: Green onions work if you’re out of chives.

🎯 Reader Challenge

This week, I challenge you to make Smashed Potatoes and serve them at your next family dinner or game night. Bonus points if you try one of the variations! Post your creation with #LouLouGirlsSmashedPotatoes so we can all drool together and swap ideas.

🥪 Leftover Remix

• Smashed Potato Nachos: Layer with cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream.
• Smashed Potato Breakfast Hash: Chop and fry with eggs.
• Smashed Potato Quesadillas: Sandwich between tortillas with cheese.
• Smashed Potato Soup Starter: Blend into creamy potato soup.

💬 Reader prompt: Would you dare turn smashed potatoes into nachos, or do you keep them classic?

 

 

Smashed Potatoes

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby yellow potatoes
• coarse salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 to 6 slices bacon, cooked and diced
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.

2. Place potatoes in dutch oven and cover with cold salted water about an 1 inch. Bring to a boil and simmer until just tender, about 15 to 30 minutes; drain well dry, and let cool slightly.

3. Place potatoes onto 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; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

4. Place into oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Sprinkle the tops of each potato with cheese; place into oven and bake until cheese has melted, an additional 2-3 minutes.

5. Top each potato with sour cream, bacon and chives.

   Serve immediately.

🔢 Calorie Count (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: ~280
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Total Carbs: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 9g

💡 Note: Calories vary depending on how generous you are with the cheese and bacon (and let’s be honest, we all go heavy).

 

💭 Final Thoughts

These Smashed Potatoes are proof that side dishes can totally steal the spotlight. With crispy edges, fluffy centers, and all the loaded toppings, they’re the kind of dish that makes everyone smile.

They’re also endlessly adaptable. You can keep them classic, go Tex‑Mex, or even turn them into breakfast. And because they’re so easy, they’re perfect for weeknights, parties, or cozy weekends.

Here’s the thing about potato recipes — they’re never just food. They’re the smell of bacon sizzling in the kitchen, the sight of cheese bubbling in the oven, and the sound of happy chatter as everyone sneaks “just one more.”

And these smashed potatoes? They’re a little extra special. They’re crispy, they’re cheesy, and they’re guaranteed to make you the star of any table. They’re the kind of dish that makes people pause mid‑bite and say, “Oh wow, these are amazing.”

But here’s what I love most: they’re a recipe that invites creativity. You can swap toppings, play with flavors, or even turn them into nachos. They’re forgiving, flexible, and fun — just like the best kind of kitchen adventures.

So here’s my challenge to you: make them, share them, and tell me your twist. Did you go garlic Parm? Did you sneak in jalapeños? Did you eat three before they even made it to the plate? (No judgment — I’ve been there.) Snap a pic, post it, and tag it so we can all drool together.

💬 Reader prompt: Should we do a “Potato Party Series” next? I’m dreaming up loaded baked potato soup, cheesy scalloped potatoes, and maybe even potato pizza.

Until then, may your potatoes be crispy, your cheese melty, your bacon smoky, and your kitchen full of laughter, love, and second helpings. Because at the end of the day, food isn’t just about filling our bellies — it’s about filling our lives with joy, connection, and a little sparkle. And these smashed potatoes? They’re ready to do all three.

Did you try our Smashed Potatoes recipe? What did you think? Did you love it? We would love to hear from you! Please leave us a comment below or tag us on Instagram! 

 

 

SIDE DISH HEAVEN

 

Need a yummy side dish? Sauteed Peas with Prosciutto is a super easy and quick dish for any meal!

 

 

Move over mashed potatoes, make room for cheesy, creamy, scrumptious Scalloped Potatoes! This easy recipe is perfect for holiday dinners to Sunday dinner.

 

 

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