Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe

If you love the irresistible combination of crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and smoky bacon, these Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes will absolutely steal the show at your next dinner or gathering. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy potato insides, crunchy edges, gooey cheese, and savory bacon—all topped with your favorite garnishes. Not only does this recipe deliver on flavor in a very big way, but it’s also delightfully simple and easy to customize to your liking. Whether served as a side, shared at a party, or enjoyed solo (we won’t judge!), Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes will have everyone reaching for seconds.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of essential ingredients, you’ll coax maximum flavor and a beautiful mix of textures out of this classic comfort dish. Each ingredient plays a key role, so be sure to use the best you can get your hands on for unforgettable Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes.

• Baby potatoes: Small Yukon Gold or red potatoes are perfect because their skins crisp up beautifully while the insides remain soft and fluffy.
• Bacon: Good-quality thick-cut bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch throughout the dish.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: For that classic, melty cheese pull—feel free to blend in Monterey Jack or mozzarella!
• Olive oil: Helps those potato skins get golden and crunchy in the oven.
• Salt & pepper: Simple seasoning brings out the natural flavors without overwhelming the dish.
• Garlic powder (optional): Adds a mellow depth and extra savory kick.
• Fresh chives or green onions: The finishing pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens every bite.
• Sour cream (for serving): Cool, creamy, and tangy—a classic loaded potato topping.

How to Make Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by placing the baby potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring them to a boil, then continue cooking for about 15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender but not falling apart. This step ensures the potatoes are perfectly tender inside, with just enough structure to survive smashing without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Prep the Bacon

While the potatoes are cooking, lay out your bacon on a baking sheet or skillet and cook until crispy. Chop or crumble the bacon into chunky pieces. The crispiness brings contrast to the gooey cheese and soft potatoes, making each forkful extra satisfying.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Drain the cooked potatoes and let them steam dry for a minute. Arrange them on a greased baking sheet and gently press each one with the bottom of a glass or potato masher. You want to flatten them to about half an inch thick—they should be rustic, not neatly flattened pancakes, so don’t stress perfection!

Step 4: Season and Crisp

Brush the smashed potatoes generously with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you like. Roast them at a high temperature until the edges are crackling and golden brown. This is the secret step that transforms regular potatoes into the crispy base for our Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes.

Step 5: Pile on the Cheese and Bacon

Once your potatoes are deliciously crispy, sprinkle each with a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon. Slide them back into the oven just long enough for the cheese to bubble and melt into every nook and cranny. The aroma at this stage is positively mouthwatering!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

As soon as you pull them out, shower the potatoes with freshly chopped chives or green onions for bright color and zing. Serve immediately, ideally with a dollop of sour cream on each for that classic loaded potato effect. These Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes are best eaten hot and fresh, when the cheese is at its meltiest and the bacon at its crispiest.

How to Serve Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Generous sprinkles of chopped chives or green onions add a refreshing bite and a brilliant green accent. Don’t hold back on the sour cream—a swirl in the center of each potato rounds out every mouthful perfectly. For a flavor boost, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a few pickled jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous with your Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes.

Side Dishes

These potatoes are a knockout with so many main courses. Try them alongside a perfectly grilled steak, barbecued chicken, or even as a hearty side for a holiday roast. Their richness also plays well with fresh, crisp salads or a simple plate of leafy greens tossed in a light vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes family-style straight from the tray for a casual, communal vibe. For parties, turn them into mini two-bite appetizers by using even smaller potatoes—perfect for picking up with fingers. If you really want to impress, serve them on a wooden platter with divided toppings, so guests can customize each portion to their taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extra Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes, let them cool to room temperature before gently transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, knowing they’ll reheat beautifully for a quick snack or side.

Freezing

You can freeze smashed potatoes before or after topping them. If freezing post-cooking, arrange them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture closer to freshly baked.

Reheating

To recapture that oven-fresh crispiness, lay leftover potatoes on a baking sheet and reheat at 400°F until hot and bubbly. Microwaving works in a pinch but won’t crisp the edges—the oven or toaster oven is definitely recommended for best results with Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, but you’ll want to cut larger potatoes into golf ball-sized pieces before boiling so they cook evenly and are easy to smash. Baby potatoes are ideal for presentation and texture, but don’t let that stop you from using what you have on hand.

What type of cheese melts best for Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes?

Sharp cheddar gives the most classic flavor, but feel free to experiment with blends like mozzarella for extra stretch or pepper jack for a spicy twist. Freshly-shredded cheese always melts better than pre-shredded varieties.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the bacon or replace it with crispy fried mushrooms or a handful of smoked nuts. You’ll still get all that irresistible beauty and flavor in your Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes.

How do I get the crispiest smashed potatoes?

Allow the potatoes to steam dry before smashing, use plenty of olive oil, and roast at a high temperature. Don’t overcrowd the pan—it’s all about giving each potato room to crisp up rather than steam.

Can I add extra toppings?

Of course! Load up your Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes with diced tomatoes, sliced olives, pickled jalapeños, or even an extra drizzle of ranch. The more creative you get, the more fun this dish becomes.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about how every bite of Cheesy Bacon Loaded Smashed Potatoes blends crunch, cheese, and smoky goodness. Grab your ingredients, give this recipe a try, and prepare to fall for your new favorite comfort food—your friends and family will thank you!

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