Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a deliciously indulgent twist on traditional baked potatoes, offering a crispy exterior with a fluffy, soft interior, all packed with your favorite toppings. This dish involves boiling small potatoes until tender, smashing them to create more surface area, and then baking until the edges are crisp and golden. Once baked, these potatoes are topped with a generous amount of cheese, crisp bacon bits, sour cream, and fresh green onions or chives, mimicking the classic flavors of a fully loaded baked potato but in a more fun and shareable form. Perfect as a hearty side dish, appetizer, or even a casual main course, Loaded Smashed Potatoes are sure to be a hit for their flavor-packed profile and irresistible texture.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds small potatoes (like baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
Directions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare the potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash the potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare for smashing:
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Place them on a greased baking sheet, leaving plenty of room between each potato.
- Smash the potatoes:
- Using the bottom of a cup or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until it is flattened but still in one piece. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Bake the potatoes:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
- Add toppings:
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle each with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Final touches:
- Remove from the oven and add a dollop of sour cream to each potato. Sprinkle chopped green onions or chives over the top.
- Serve:
- Serve the Loaded Smashed Potatoes hot, allowing guests to enjoy the crispy texture combined with the creamy and savory toppings.
Loaded Smashed Potatoes are incredibly versatile, allowing you to add or substitute toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try them with different types of cheese, diced onions, chopped fresh herbs, or even a dollop of guacamole for a twist. Whatever variations you choose, they’re bound to be a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish.
