Easy Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe – Comfort Food at Its Best

There’s nothing quite like the comforting, crispy, and cheesy goodness of loaded smashed potatoes. This simple yet indulgent side dish has quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, and game day gatherings. Imagine tender, fluffy potatoes smashed to perfection, topped with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, green onions, and a dollop of creamy sour cream – every bite is pure comfort.

The best part? This recipe is easy and approachable, even if you’ve never made smashed potatoes before. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can create a side dish that looks impressive, tastes amazing, and satisfies everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these crispy, cheesy, loaded smashed potatoes are guaranteed to become a go-to comfort food recipe.

Why Smashed Potatoes Are the Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s a reason smashed potatoes have become a go-to comfort food. They combine two of the most loved textures in one dish: the creaminess of the potato inside and the crispiness of the roasted exterior. Add in your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a meal that satisfies both the eyes and the taste buds.

Crispy loaded smashed potatoes topped with melted cheese, bacon, and green onions

Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside – What Makes Them Special

The magic of smashed potatoes comes from proper cooking and smashing technique. Boiling the potatoes just until tender ensures a fluffy center, while gently smashing them before roasting or baking allows the edges to crisp up beautifully. This texture contrast is what makes each bite so addictive.

Perfect for Dinner, Parties, or Game Day

Loaded smashed potatoes aren’t just a side dish—they’re a crowd-pleaser. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers, or bring them to a potluck or game day gathering. Their cheesy, savory toppings make them versatile and appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making loaded smashed potatoes is simple, but using the right ingredients and tools ensures perfect results every time. Below is a list of everything you’ll need to create this crispy, cheesy, and indulgent comfort food.

Potatoes

1.5 pounds (about 6–8 medium) Yukon Gold or baby potatoes – These are ideal because they hold their shape when boiled and crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Cheese & Toppings

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Adds melty, gooey cheesiness.
4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled – For a smoky, savory flavor.
2–3 green onions, sliced – Adds freshness and color.
½ cup sour cream – Optional, for serving or drizzling on top.

Seasonings & Flavor Enhancers

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Helps crisp the potatoes and adds richness.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Ensures a golden, crunchy exterior.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances flavor.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.

Essential Tools & Utensils

Large pot – For boiling the potatoes.
Baking sheet – For roasting and crisping the smashed potatoes.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Potato masher or fork – To smash the potatoes gently without breaking them apart.
Mixing bowl – To toss potatoes with oil, butter, and seasonings.
Cheese grater – If you’re shredding your own cheddar.
Spatula or tongs – For serving and handling the hot potatoes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Creating loaded smashed potatoes is easier than it looks. By following these steps, you’ll get perfectly crispy edges, tender centers, and melty, cheesy toppings every time.

1. Boil the Potatoes

Place 1.5 pounds of Yukon Gold or baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
Add 1 teaspoon salt to season the water.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart.
Drain and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Drizzle the sheet lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. Smash the Potatoes

Place the boiled potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
Use a potato masher or the bottom of a small cup to gently press down on each potato until it’s about ½ inch thick.
Be careful not to break them apart completely – we want crispy edges and a soft interior.

4. Season and Add Oil/Butter

Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons melted butter over the smashed potatoes.
Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Toss gently to coat each potato evenly with the seasonings and oil.

5. Bake Until Crispy

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
Flip the potatoes halfway through baking to ensure even crisping.

6. Add Cheese and Bacon

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 4 slices crumbled cooked bacon over the potatoes.
Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and top with sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Serve immediately while hot for maximum crunch and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Results:

Use small to medium potatoes for even cooking and smashing.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give each potato room to crisp.
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chives before serving.

Tips, Tricks, and Variations

Making loaded smashed potatoes isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about adding your personal touch and getting the perfect texture, flavor, and presentation every time. Here are some tips, tricks, and creative variations to elevate this classic comfort food.

Tips for Extra Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Use the right potatoes: Yukon Gold or baby potatoes hold their shape well and crisp nicely.
Don’t skip the oil and butter: A combination of olive oil and melted butter ensures golden, crunchy edges.
Give them space: Spread the smashed potatoes out on the baking sheet; overcrowding causes steaming instead of crisping.
High heat baking: Baking at 425°F (220°C) creates the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers.
Flip halfway through: For uniform crispiness, flip the potatoes halfway through baking.

Flavor Variations to Try

Garlic Lover’s: Toss potatoes with minced garlic or roasted garlic before baking for an intense flavor punch.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle smoked paprika, chili powder, or red pepper flakes on top for a bit of heat.
Herb Infused: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley elevate both aroma and taste.
Loaded Deluxe: Add caramelized onions, jalapeños, or sautéed mushrooms along with cheese and bacon for a gourmet twist.

Diet-Friendly or Substitutions

Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese, olive oil instead of butter, and skip sour cream or replace with plant-based alternatives.
Low-Sodium: Reduce salt or use smoked paprika and herbs to boost flavor without extra sodium.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Naturally, potatoes and toppings are gluten-free, but always double-check processed cheese or pre-packaged toppings.

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Schedules

Parboil and refrigerate: Boil and cool potatoes a day ahead, then smash and bake before serving.
Prep toppings in advance: Cook bacon, shred cheese, and slice green onions ahead of time for faster assembly.
Reheat without losing crispiness: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes instead of microwaving.