LOADED SMASHED POTATOES

There’s something magical about a humble potato that’s been transformed into a crispy, golden, flavor-packed bite. I first fell in love with the idea of smashed potatoes at a summer potluck years ago, watching a friend pull a sheet pan from the oven that was piled high with these rustic, crunchy-edged wonders. They were simple, yet everyone gravitated toward them, picking them off the tray before the main dishes were even served. That’s the power of a great side dish—it often steals the show. And these Loaded Smashed Potatoes are no exception. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the satisfying crunch of roasted potatoes with the indulgent, savory toppings of a fully-loaded baked potato. Whether you’re serving them for a game day snack, a holiday side, or just a Tuesday night treat, they deliver on texture, flavor, and pure comfort.

Loaded Smashed Potatoes Ingredients

Loaded Smashed Potatoes start with a fantastic base of crispy potatoes, but it's the combination of simple, quality ingredients that makes them unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs small Yukon Gold or baby potatoes
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
• ¼ cup sour cream (for serving)

Smart Substitutions: No Yukon Golds? Small red potatoes work beautifully. For a lighter version, try reduced-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. And if you’re out of bacon, diced ham or even a plant-based bacon alternative will add that smoky, salty kick. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility.

Loaded Smashed Potatoes Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

This recipe is about 30% faster than making traditional baked potatoes from scratch, giving you that same loaded flavor profile in a fraction of the time and with far more exciting texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Making these crispy delights is a straightforward process, but a few key steps ensure maximum crunch and flavor.

1. Prep and Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork-tender. You don’t want them mushy, just soft enough to be easily pierced. Drain thoroughly and let them cool for a few minutes until you can handle them.
2. Smash and Season: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the parboiled potatoes on a large, parchment-lined baking sheet. Using the flat bottom of a glass or a sturdy mug, gently press down on each potato until it flattens and "smashes," but is still held together. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast to Crispy Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are deeply golden brown and incredibly crispy. Don’t be tempted to take them out early—this is where the magic texture happens!
4. Load Them Up: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the top of every potato. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the Loaded Smashed Potatoes from the oven. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chives and serve immediately with a dollop of cool sour cream on the side.

Pro Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, make sure they are thoroughly dried after boiling and don’t crowd them on the baking sheet. Giving them space allows the steam to escape and the edges to crisp up beautifully.

Loaded Smashed Potatoes Nutritional Information

A serving of these potatoes (about 4-5 pieces) provides a good balance of energy and flavor. They are a source of carbohydrates for energy, protein from the cheese and bacon, and healthy fats from the olive oil. The potatoes themselves offer potassium and Vitamin C. For specific dietary tracking, one serving is approximately 280 calories, with 15g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein.

Equipment Needed for Loaded Smashed Potatoes

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, which is part of its charm. Here’s the short list:

• Large pot for boiling
• Colander
• Large rimmed baking sheet
• Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
• Glass or measuring cup for smashing

This simple setup is perfect for a sheet pan dinner approach, making your cleanup an absolute breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe

This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my rotation for so many reasons.

• The Ultimate Texture: You get the perfect contrast of a shatteringly crisp exterior with a soft, fluffy interior.
• Totally Customizable: This is a fantastic base recipe. Get creative with your favorite loaded potato toppings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Power: They are always the first thing to disappear at parties and family dinners.
• Surprisingly Simple: The process is straightforward and hard to mess up, making it a great recipe for cooks of all levels.
• Versatile for Any Meal: They work as a side for steak, a hearty appetizer, or even a main course with a simple side salad.

Healthier Alternatives for Loaded Smashed Potatoes

If you’re looking to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor, you have plenty of options.

• Lighter Dairy: Swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese blend.
• Boost the Veggies: Add finely chopped broccoli florets or a sprinkle of green onions on top before the final bake.
• Leaner Protein: Use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative instead of traditional bacon. You could even use seasoned black beans for a vegetarian protein boost.
• Oil Swap: A light avocado oil spray can be used in place of drizzling olive oil for a lighter coating.

Serving Suggestions for Loaded Smashed Potatoes

These potatoes are the star of the show, but they play well with others. They are the perfect side for a classic garlic parmesan chicken or a juicy grilled steak. For a full "loaded" themed meal, serve them alongside a warm, comforting bowl of cheddar garlic herb potato soup. For a casual gathering, pile them onto a platter as an appetizer alongside other finger foods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Loaded Smashed Potatoes

A few small missteps can be the difference between good and great smashed potatoes.

• Over-boiling the Potatoes: If the potatoes are too soft before you smash them, they can turn into a mashed potato puddle. You want them tender, but still holding their shape.
• Skipping the Oil: The oil is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy crust. Don’t be shy with it.
• Crowding the Pan: If the potatoes are too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast. Give them some personal space for the best crunch.
• Underseasoning: Season at every stage! Salt the boiling water, season before roasting, and finish with fresh herbs.

Storing Tips for Loaded Smashed Potatoes

These are truly best served fresh and hot from the oven. However, if you have leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, avoid the microwave, as it will make them soft. Instead, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. They can also be reheated in an air fryer for about 5 minutes for a quick and effective crisp-up.

The Final Word on Loaded Smashed Potatoes

At the end of the day, these Loaded Smashed Potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a experience. They bring people together over a shared love for crispy, cheesy, savory food. They’re deceptively simple to make but deliver a restaurant-quality result that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you stick to the classic bacon and cheddar combo or venture into your own creative topping territory, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

I’d love to hear how your Loaded Smashed Potatoes turn out! Did you add a special twist? Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to snap a picture and tag @Stacksipsnack on Pinterest so I can see your delicious creation. If you’re looking for more hearty, potato-centric comfort food, my cheesy ranch potatoes or cozy sausage potato soup are sure to hit the spot. Happy cooking

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