If you are looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish that brings together hearty comfort and irresistible flavor, then this Bacon Cheddar Smashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender baby potatoes smashed to perfection, layered with crispy bacon, melted sharp cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh chives, each bite delivers a delightful contrast of creamy interiors and crispy, golden edges. This recipe is perfect for elevating any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bacon Cheddar Smashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to build layers of texture and flavor — from the creamy baby potatoes to the punchy cheddar cheese and that salty, crunchy bacon.
- 1 ½ pounds yellow baby potatoes: Their thin skin and creamy texture make them perfect for smashing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds crispness and helps achieve that gorgeous golden crust.
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter (melted): Brings richness and a silky finish to the potatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing every bite.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp and melty, cheddar adds a vibrant cheesy kick.
- 8 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled): Brings smoky crunch that takes this recipe to the next level.
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives (chopped): A fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor to top it all off.
How to Make Bacon Cheddar Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is crucial for getting those crispy, caramelized edges that make smashed potatoes so addictive.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Place the baby potatoes in a large pot of boiling water and cook until they are fork-tender, usually about 15 to 20 minutes depending on their size. Drain them and dry thoroughly — this step helps them crisp up beautifully when baked.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes on the Pan
Lightly brush a sheet pan with half of the olive oil, then arrange the cooked potatoes on the pan. Gently smash each potato with the back of a fork just enough to flatten them without breaking them apart completely. This ensures that you keep the fluffy insides intact while creating maximum surface area for crispiness.
Step 4: Oil and Bake
Brush the tops of the smashed potatoes with the remaining olive oil. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the outsides to turn golden brown and crunchy.
Step 5: Add Butter, Cheese, and Bacon
Remove the pan and brush the potatoes with melted butter for an extra layer of indulgence. Sprinkle each potato generously with salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and then crumbled crispy bacon. This combination is where all the flavor magic comes alive.
Step 6: Final Bake for Melting and Crisping
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the edges get even crispier and beautifully browned.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Hot
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped chives over the top. These add a fresh, mild bite and a lovely pop of green to your finished dish. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in with delight.
How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh chives add a subtle onion flavor and vibrant color, but feel free to get creative with a dollop of sour cream, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for an extra indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
This Bacon Cheddar Smashed Potatoes Recipe is a fantastic partner for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a hearty veggie burger. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these potatoes in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets, especially if you’re entertaining. You could also mix in some caramelized onions or swap chives for fresh thyme to delight your guests with unexpected flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The potatoes will soften a bit but can easily be revitalized using the reheating method below.
Freezing
While smashing and baking fresh is best, you can freeze cooked boiled potatoes before baking. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to your cook time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Bacon Cheddar Smashed Potatoes Recipe is in a hot oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to restore the crisp edges and melted cheese goodness. Avoid microwaving to keep them from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow baby potatoes work beautifully for their creamy texture and size, red potatoes or fingerlings can also be lovely, just adjust boiling time slightly depending on their size.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply leave out the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to keep that savory depth. You can also experiment with vegetarian bacon alternatives.
What’s the best way to get crispy edges on smashed potatoes?
High oven heat and plenty of oil are your best friends. Make sure the potatoes are dried well before smashing and brush with olive oil liberally before baking to get that golden, crispy crust.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
You can boil and smash the potatoes a few hours in advance, then cover and keep them in the fridge. When ready, bake and add toppings just before serving to enjoy fresh, crispy results.
How spicy are these potatoes?
The classic Bacon Cheddar Smashed Potatoes Recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add a touch of heat by sprinkling red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the salt and pepper.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheddar Smashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those comforting, crave-worthy dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough to whip up without fuss, yet special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Trust me, once you try it, these potatoes will become one of your new favorites to make again and again.
Print
Bacon Cheddar Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bacon Cheddar Smashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish featuring tender boiled baby potatoes smashed and baked to a crispy golden perfection. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives, they offer a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors ideal for any meal gathering.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 ½ pounds yellow baby potatoes (washed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter (melted)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 8 strips bacon (cooked until crisp then crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F to prepare for baking the smashed potatoes.
- Boil Potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the whole yellow baby potatoes and cook until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes depending on size. Drain well and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare Pan and Smash Potatoes: Brush a sheet pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange the cooked potatoes on the pan, then use a fork to gently smash each potato, careful not to over-smash and keep them mostly in one piece.
- Oil the Potatoes: Brush the tops of the smashed potatoes with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil for crispiness.
- Bake First Round: Place the potatoes in the oven and bake at 450°F for 15 minutes to begin crisping the edges.
- Add Butter and Toppings: Remove the potatoes from the oven and brush them with melted butter. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, then evenly distribute shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over each potato.
- Bake Again: Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh chopped chives over the potatoes for a fresh finish, and serve hot.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are thoroughly dried after boiling to achieve maximum crispness when baked.
- Do not over-smash the potatoes; keep them intact to maintain texture.
- Bacon can be substituted with vegetarian bacon for a vegetarian variation, though this would change the overall flavor profile.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- Can be prepared ahead up to the first bake and reheated before adding toppings for serving.
