Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a delicious and indulgent side dish that takes the humble potato to new heights. The crispy smashed potatoes are cooked on a Blackstone griddle, giving them a perfect golden crunch on the outside while staying tender on the inside. These potatoes are then loaded with gooey melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and topped with optional sour cream and fresh herbs for the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re grilling outside or preparing a meal for the family, these loaded smashed potatoes will be the star of the show!

The best part? They’re versatile and easy to make. You can customize them by adding extra toppings or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. Plus, they’re quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making them the perfect accompaniment to any main dish. Once you try these loaded smashed potatoes, they’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for a satisfying side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside

The Blackstone griddle gives these smashed potatoes the perfect crispiness while keeping the inside soft and fluffy, offering a delightful texture contrast in every bite.

2. Loaded with Flavor

The combination of melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and garlic seasoning creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that pairs perfectly with any main dish.

3. Customizable

Feel free to add or change toppings to suit your preferences—try sour cream, chives, or even a sprinkle of jalapeños for a little heat!

4. Perfect for Grilling

Cooking on a Blackstone griddle is a great way to make these potatoes during a BBQ or while grilling other foods outdoors, freeing up space in the kitchen.

5. Quick and Easy

With only a few ingredients and a simple cooking process, these potatoes come together quickly and are perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby potatoes
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup bacon bits

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream
• Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Variations

• Add More Cheese: For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle some Parmesan or mozzarella on top along with the cheddar.
• Vegetarian: Skip the bacon bits and add more vegetables like sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie-loaded version.
• Spicy: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the potatoes for a little extra heat.
• Herb Infusion: Add a handful of fresh herbs, like rosemary, thyme, or basil, to elevate the flavor and freshness of the dish.
• Sweet Potato Version: Swap the baby potatoes with sweet potatoes for a healthier twist on this loaded side dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by boiling the baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Preheat the Blackstone Griddle

While the potatoes are cooling, preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter to the griddle and allow it to melt.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, place them on the griddle. Use the bottom of a cup or a potato masher to gently smash the potatoes to about ½-inch thick. Be careful not to break them apart completely.

Step 4: Season the Potatoes

Sprinkle the smashed potatoes with garlic powder, sea salt, and any additional seasonings you like. Let them cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Once the potatoes are crispy and golden, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits over the top. Allow the cheese to melt, which should take another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the loaded smashed potatoes from the griddle and transfer them to a serving dish. Top with optional sour cream and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: To ensure your potatoes get crispy, avoid overcrowding the griddle. If needed, cook them in batches.
• Even Sizing: Try to choose potatoes that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
• Crispier Potatoes: For even crispier potatoes, let them sit on the griddle for an extra minute or two before adding the cheese and bacon.
• Toppings Galore: The possibilities are endless! Add jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for more flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can boil the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just smash and fry them up on the griddle.

How to Serve

Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a perfect side dish to serve with grilled meats like burgers, steaks, or chicken. They also pair wonderfully with other BBQ favorites such as ribs, grilled vegetables, or corn on the cob. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back on the griddle or in a skillet with a little olive oil for 5-10 minutes until crispy.

Freezing

While freezing is not ideal for this dish, you can freeze the smashed potatoes before they are topped with cheese and bacon. To do so, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, cook them as directed, adding cheese and bacon as the final step.

Reheating

Reheat leftover loaded smashed potatoes on the griddle or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until they’re heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I make these potatoes in the oven instead?

Yes, you can bake the smashed potatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until crispy, then add the cheese and bacon.

2. Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, you can use regular potatoes. Just cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly and smash easily.

3. Can I make these potatoes without a Blackstone griddle?

Yes, you can cook them in a large skillet or on an outdoor grill. Just make sure the potatoes get crispy by pressing them down and cooking on medium heat.

4. Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

You can boil the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, just smash and cook them on the griddle.

5. How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, let the potatoes cook for an additional minute or two on each side before adding the cheese and bacon.

6. Can I make these potatoes in advance and reheat them later?

Yes, you can cook the potatoes ahead of time and reheat them on the griddle or in the oven to restore the crispiness.

7. Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor.

8. Can I make these potatoes without bacon?

Yes, you can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version or substitute it with crispy tofu or plant-based bacon for a vegan alternative.

9. How can I add more flavor to the potatoes?

Try adding more seasonings like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.

10. Can I freeze the leftovers?

While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze the potatoes before adding cheese and bacon. Reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Conclusion

Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate side dish, packed with flavor, texture, and a little bit of indulgence. The crispy smashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and bacon bits come together to create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking in your kitchen, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Serve them alongside your favorite main dishes and watch them disappear!

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