Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8
Sometimes the best recipes come from happy accidents, and that’s exactly how I discovered the magic of smashed potatoes. During a particularly busy dinner party, I accidentally over-boiled my potatoes and thought the evening was ruined. However, instead of starting over, I decided to flatten them on a baking sheet and broil them until crispy. The result was absolutely phenomenal – crispy edges with fluffy centers that became the star of the meal.
These Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes have since become my secret weapon for impressing guests and satisfying my family’s comfort food cravings. The combination of crispy, golden exteriors with creamy, cheesy centers creates an irresistible texture contrast, while the cool avocado crema adds a fresh, tangy element that balances the richness perfectly.
Why These Smashed Potatoes Are Absolutely Irresistible
Perfect Texture Combination
The technique of smashing creates the ultimate potato experience – crispy, golden edges that shatter when you bite into them, revealing fluffy, tender centers. This contrast is what makes these potatoes absolutely addictive.
Flavor Explosion
Each bite delivers layers of taste: the earthy potatoes, savory bacon, melted cheese, and fresh chives all topped with cool, creamy avocado crema. It’s like having a loaded baked potato in a completely new format.
Impressive Yet Simple
While these look like they require professional cooking skills, they’re surprisingly straightforward to make. The most challenging part is waiting for them to finish cooking because they smell incredible.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal
Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or party appetizer, these potatoes disappear quickly. They appeal to both kids and adults, making them perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Smashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Carisma potatoes
- Olive oil spray
- Kosher salt and cracked pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic or onion powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon, diced
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
For the Avocado Crema
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and mashed
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt to season
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to broil on high heat. This initial step ensures your oven is ready when you need it later in the process.
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with salted water. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady boil. Cook covered for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork-tender – they should yield to a fork but still hold their shape.
Creating the Perfect Smash
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly and allow them to cool slightly for easier handling. Lightly grease a large baking sheet with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Using a potato masher, gently flatten each potato in one piece. The key here is restraint – you want to create cracks and flatten them without completely mashing them to pieces.
Seasoning and Crisping
Spray the smashed potatoes lightly with olive oil spray, ensuring even coverage. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic or onion powder, using about 1/4 teaspoon of each seasoning per potato.
Broil the potatoes for approximately 15 minutes, or until they develop beautiful golden, crispy edges. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Adding the Toppings
While the potatoes are broiling, cook the diced bacon in a skillet until it begins to crisp. Drain the excess fat on paper towels and set aside.
Remove the potatoes from the oven and immediately top each one with mozzarella cheese and the crispy bacon. Return to the oven just until the cheese melts completely, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Final Assembly
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with finely chopped chives. Add a final pinch of salt if desired, then serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Making the Avocado Crema
Simple Preparation
In a medium bowl, combine the mashed avocado with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Add the minced garlic and season with salt to taste.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be thick enough to dollop but smooth enough to spread easily.
Serving Tips
Serve the crema alongside the hot potatoes, allowing guests to add as much or as little as they prefer. The cool, creamy texture provides a perfect contrast to the hot, crispy potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
As a Side Dish
These smashed potatoes pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or barbecue. They’re substantial enough to complement hearty main dishes without overwhelming the plate.
Party Appetizer
Cut into smaller portions and serve with small spoons for the avocado crema. They make excellent finger food for casual gatherings or game day parties.
Brunch Addition
Serve alongside eggs and toast for a hearty weekend brunch. The combination works especially well with scrambled eggs or a breakfast casserole.
Creative Recipe Variations
Mexican-Inspired Version
Add diced jalapeños to the bacon and top with Mexican cheese blend. Serve with the avocado crema enhanced with lime juice and cilantro for a south-of-the-border twist.
Loaded Baked Potato Style
Include diced green onions and extra sour cream. Top with additional bacon bits and serve with butter on the side for the ultimate indulgence.
Vegetarian Option
Omit the bacon and add caramelized onions or roasted mushrooms instead. The umami flavors will provide depth while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.
Herb-Crusted Variation
Mix fresh rosemary and thyme with the seasonings before broiling. This creates an aromatic, herb-forward version that’s perfect with roasted meats.
Make-Ahead Tips
Advance Preparation
You can boil the potatoes up to one day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. This actually helps them hold their shape better when smashing.
Partial Assembly
The potatoes can be smashed and seasoned several hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then broil just before serving for the best texture.
Avocado Crema Storage
Make the crema just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning. However, adding a squeeze of lemon juice can help it stay fresh for a few hours.
Professional Tips and Notes
Potato Selection
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they have the perfect balance of starch and moisture. They hold their shape well while developing crispy edges.
Smashing Technique
The key to perfect smashed potatoes is gentle pressure. You want to create cracks and flatten them without completely breaking them apart. Think of it as creating more surface area for crisping.
Oil Distribution
Even oil distribution is crucial for uniform browning. Don’t skip the spray – it’s what creates those irresistible crispy edges.
Timing Matters
Serve these immediately after topping with cheese for the best experience. The contrast between hot, crispy potatoes and cool crema is part of what makes this dish special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While Yukon Gold works best, red potatoes or small fingerling potatoes can also work. Avoid russets as they tend to fall apart more easily during the smashing process.
What if I don’t have a broiler?
You can roast these in a 425°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until crispy. The broiler just speeds up the process and creates better browning.
How do I prevent the potatoes from falling apart?
Don’t overcook the initial boiling step – they should be just fork-tender. Also, use gentle pressure when smashing and let them cool slightly before handling.
Can I make these without bacon?
Absolutely! Try crispy pancetta, diced ham, or even vegetarian bacon alternatives. For a vegetarian version, roasted mushrooms or caramelized onions work wonderfully.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy.
Can I freeze these potatoes?
While possible, freezing affects the texture significantly. These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze them for up to one month if needed.
How do I prevent the avocado crema from browning?
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the crema, and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before refrigerating. Make it as close to serving time as possible.
What other toppings work well?
Shredded cheddar, crumbled goat cheese, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing all make excellent additions or substitutions.
Nutrition Information: 201 calories per serving | 25g carbohydrates | 9g protein | 8g fat | 4g fiber