Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes

If you’re craving a comforting side dish with a crispy exterior, tender interior, and all the flavors of a classic loaded potato, these Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes are just what you need. Made with baby potatoes that are smashed to perfection and cooked on a Blackstone griddle, this dish delivers crispy, golden edges and a soft, creamy center. Topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream, these potatoes are as satisfying as they come.

This recipe is perfect for grilling season, but you can also make it year-round for any occasion. The Blackstone griddle provides a great cooking surface for getting those crispy edges while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Whether you’re preparing them for a backyard BBQ, a weeknight dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing side at a family gathering, Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes will steal the show. Best of all, this dish is easy to make, and the clean-up is minimal—especially if you’re cooking on the griddle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy and Creamy

The combination of crispy smashed potatoes with a creamy, fluffy interior creates the perfect texture in every bite.

2. Loaded with Flavor

Topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and optional sour cream, these potatoes are packed with savory flavors that everyone will love.

3. Perfect for Grilling

The Blackstone griddle cooks the potatoes to perfection, giving them that crispy golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist.

4. Customizable Toppings

You can easily adjust the toppings to suit your preferences. Add green onions, jalapeños, or even ranch dressing for a personalized twist on this loaded potato dish.

5. Easy to Make

These potatoes come together quickly and require minimal ingredients, making them a simple yet impressive dish for any meal.

Ingredients

• Baby potatoes
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Sea salt
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Bacon bits

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Variations

• Add Veggies: You can include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to make your smashed potatoes even more flavorful and hearty.
• Spicy Kick: Top with sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Herbed Butter: Swap regular butter for herbed butter (like garlic or rosemary-infused butter) to enhance the flavor.
• Cheese Varieties: Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a spicy pepper jack for a unique twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by placing the baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Smash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, gently smash them using a potato masher or the back of a spoon. You want to smash them just enough to create a flat, rustic texture, but not too much that they fall apart.

Step 3: Heat the Griddle

Preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter to the griddle, allowing the butter to melt completely.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

Place the smashed potatoes on the griddle. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip the potatoes carefully to avoid breaking them.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon

Once the potatoes are crispy on both sides, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits over the top. Cover with a lid or a piece of foil for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Remove the potatoes from the griddle and top with sour cream and fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Uniform Sizing: Try to use potatoes that are similar in size to ensure they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes while boiling them, as they may fall apart when smashed. Just cook until they’re tender but firm enough to hold their shape.
• Get Extra Crispy: For even crispier edges, use a spatula to gently press down on the potatoes after flipping them to ensure even browning.
• Add More Flavor: For extra flavor, sprinkle the potatoes with garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika before adding the cheese.

How to Serve

These Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a fantastic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, including:

• Grilled Chicken or Steak: The rich and cheesy potatoes complement the smoky flavors of grilled meats perfectly.
• BBQ Ribs: These crispy potatoes are a great side dish for BBQ, offering a delicious contrast to tangy sauces.
• Roast Pork: The richness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of roast pork.
• Vegetarian Dishes: They’re also perfect for serving alongside vegetarian main courses like grilled vegetables or veggie burgers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a hot skillet or on the griddle to get the crispy texture back.

Freezing

Freezing these potatoes is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing and reheating. However, you can freeze the cooked potatoes before adding the cheese and toppings and then finish them off on the griddle when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat leftover smashed potatoes on a hot griddle or in a skillet with a little butter or oil. You can also microwave them, but for the crispiest results, reheating on the griddle is best.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can bake the smashed potatoes in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy. Add the cheese and bacon bits during the last few minutes of baking.

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

Yes, you can use regular potatoes, but baby potatoes work best because they hold their shape when smashed.

3. Can I make these potatoes without bacon?

Absolutely! You can skip the bacon or replace it with crumbled sausage or even a vegetarian bacon alternative for added flavor.

4. Can I add more toppings?

Yes, feel free to add extra toppings like green onions, sour cream, ranch dressing, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

5. How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, make sure to smash the potatoes lightly, don’t overcrowd them on the griddle, and press them gently while they cook.

6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter if you prefer a non-dairy option.

7. How can I make these potatoes spicier?

Add some chili flakes, hot sauce, or spicy jalapeños to give your smashed potatoes a spicy kick.

8. Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just crisp them up on the griddle and add the toppings.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

10. How do I keep the potatoes crispy after cooking?

To keep the potatoes crispy, serve them immediately after cooking, or place them in a warm oven until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

These Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a crowd-pleasing side dish that combines crispy, creamy, and cheesy goodness with a touch of smoky bacon flavor. Easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and fully customizable, they’re the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Whether you’re cooking up some steaks on the grill, enjoying a BBQ, or just want a delicious potato dish to serve on a weeknight, these loaded smashed potatoes are sure to be a hit. Try them out, and watch them disappear from the table!

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