These Loaded Smashed Potatoes are the perfect bite-sized treat for game day or any gathering. With crispy smashed red potatoes topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, they’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish. Serve them with ranch dressing for the ultimate flavor-packed bite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

14 mini red potatoes
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup green onion, chopped
½ cup bacon, crumbled
Avocado oil spray
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
Dash of paprika

Directions

Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
Add the red potatoes and boil for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender.
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
Cook the bacon according to the package instructions and chop into small pieces.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out the boiled potatoes.
Use a glass or mason jar to smash each potato.
Spray with avocado oil and season with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Bake for 15 minutes until crispy.
Remove from the oven, top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Garnish with fresh green onions and serve with ranch dressing.
Enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 180-220
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 350mg

These crispy, cheesy, and bacon-loaded smashed potatoes are a simple yet delicious dish, great as a snack, appetizer, or even a side. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about texture and flavor. The small red potatoes are boiled until tender, then smashed and roasted until they reach a perfect level of crispiness. Once they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges, they get topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. The combination of these ingredients makes for an irresistible blend of flavors—savory, cheesy, and slightly smoky from the bacon. When paired with a side of creamy ranch dressing, every bite is a burst of rich, comforting taste.

Another reason this recipe stands out is its simplicity. It doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Plus, it’s highly customizable! You can add different cheeses, swap out the bacon for another protein, or experiment with various seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

The Secret to Perfect Smashed Potatoes

Achieving the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness in smashed potatoes depends on a few key factors:

Choosing the Right Potatoes: Mini red potatoes work best for this recipe because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well after boiling and smashing. Their thin skin crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding an extra layer of crunch.
Boiling for the Right Amount of Time: You want the potatoes to be fork-tender but not overly soft. This ensures they don’t fall apart when smashed and hold their structure while crisping up in the oven.
Smashing Evenly: Using a glass or mason jar helps create even pressure, resulting in uniform thickness. This ensures that each potato gets crispy on the edges while remaining soft on the inside.
Using the Right Seasonings: A blend of sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes without overpowering them.
Baking at High Heat: Roasting at 450°F (232°C) ensures maximum crispiness. The high temperature helps the potatoes develop a golden, crunchy exterior.

Customizing Your Loaded Smashed Potatoes

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some ways you can switch things up to make it your own:

Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar cheese adds a deliciously rich flavor, you can experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Gouda, or Parmesan.
Protein Alternatives: Instead of bacon, try crumbled sausage, shredded chicken, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms for added umami.
Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can add an extra layer of freshness and color.
Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a drizzle of hot sauce over the potatoes before serving.
Dipping Sauces: While ranch dressing is a classic pairing, you can also serve these with sour cream, garlic aioli, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a bold twist.

Perfect Occasions to Serve Loaded Smashed Potatoes

These crispy, cheesy potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served on various occasions:

Game Day Appetizer: Their bite-sized nature makes them the ideal finger food for watching sports with friends and family.
Holiday Side Dish: They make a fun and tasty addition to holiday feasts alongside traditional entrees.
Casual Gatherings: Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, potluck, or family dinner, these potatoes are always a hit.
Weeknight Comfort Food: Pair them with a grilled steak, roasted chicken, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.

Healthier Alternatives for a Guilt-Free Indulgence

If you’re looking for a lighter version of this recipe, here are some healthier substitutions:

Use Turkey Bacon: Swapping regular bacon for turkey bacon reduces the fat content while still delivering great flavor.
Opt for Low-Fat Cheese: Using reduced-fat cheddar cheese helps cut down on saturated fat while keeping the cheesy goodness.
Air Fry Instead of Baking: For an even crispier texture with less oil, try cooking the smashed potatoes in an air fryer.
Use Greek Yogurt-Based Dips: Instead of ranch dressing, a Greek yogurt dip with garlic and herbs can provide a tangy and creamy alternative.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These loaded smashed potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored and reheated for later.

Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
Freezing: If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freeze the smashed potatoes after the first bake (before adding toppings). Then, when ready to serve, bake them directly from frozen, add toppings, and return them to the oven to melt the cheese.

Conclusion

Loaded Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness. Whether you’re making them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and plenty of ways to customize, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear in no time!

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