If you’re a potato lover, get ready to fall head over heels for this loaded smashed potatoes recipe. These are not your average potatoes—they’re boiled, smashed, seasoned, roasted until perfectly crispy, and then loaded with all your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon, and green onions.
Whether you’re looking for a fun party snack, a hearty side dish, or a new way to serve potatoes on weeknights, these crispy smashed potatoes hit the spot. They combine the crispy edges of roasted potatoes with the loaded goodness of a baked potato—all in one delicious bite.
What Are Loaded Smashed Potatoes?
Smashed potatoes are small potatoes (usually baby or new potatoes) that are boiled until tender, then smashed flat and roasted until golden and crispy. When you “load” them, you top them with melted cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and chives or green onions—just like a loaded baked potato.
This recipe is the perfect mix of textures: fluffy inside, crispy outside, and melty on top. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve them as an easy potato side dish, a party appetizer, or even a main course for a casual meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these oven roasted loaded smashed potatoes, gather the following ingredients:
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1.5 lbs baby potatoes (red or yellow work best)
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2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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2 green onions or chives, finely chopped
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Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Loaded Smashed Potatoes
This cheesy potato recipe is simple and satisfying. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Boil the Potatoes
Start by placing the baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook for about 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
2. Smash the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Place the potatoes on the sheet and gently “smash” them with the bottom of a glass or potato masher. You want them to flatten slightly but still hold together. The more surface area exposed, the crispier they’ll get!
3. Season and Roast
Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
4. Add the Toppings
Once the potatoes are roasted, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted.
5. Serve Loaded
Top with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives. Garnish with parsley if you like, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This loaded smashed potatoes recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Here’s why it’s so popular:
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Crispy and cheesy: The combo of crunchy edges and melted cheese is irresistible.
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Customizable: Add your favorite toppings—jalapeños, ranch, shredded chicken, or even chili!
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Simple ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge.
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Perfect for any occasion: Great as a game-day snack, holiday side, or everyday comfort food.
Tips for Perfect Smashed Potatoes
Want to make your smashed potatoes even better? Try these tips:
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Use small potatoes: Baby potatoes or new potatoes work best for smashing. They cook quickly and crisp up beautifully.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the potatoes space on the baking sheet to allow them to crisp instead of steam.
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Use parchment or foil: This prevents sticking and helps with easier cleanup.
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Get creative with cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
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Make ahead: Boil the potatoes ahead of time, then smash and roast them right before serving.
Variations to Try
This easy potato side dish can be customized based on your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations:
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Spicy Smashed Potatoes: Add crushed red pepper or sliced jalapeños before roasting.
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Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes: Swap cheddar for parmesan and drizzle with garlic butter.
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Vegetarian Version: Leave off the bacon or use plant-based bacon bits.
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Loaded Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, corn, salsa, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
The possibilities are endless, which makes this recipe a favorite for both home cooks and food bloggers.
What to Serve With Loaded Smashed Potatoes
These cheesy oven roasted potatoes are hearty enough to stand alone but also pair well with a wide variety of main dishes:
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Grilled chicken or steak
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Pulled pork or BBQ ribs
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Burgers or sliders
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Eggs and avocado for a brunch twist
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Roasted vegetables or green salad for a lighter pairing
Whether served as a side or a star, these potatoes elevate any meal.
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep your crispy smashed potatoes tasting fresh:
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Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: To restore crispiness, reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or in an air fryer for 5–6 minutes.
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Freeze: Not recommended, as the texture becomes mushy after thawing.
If you’re meal-prepping, you can boil and smash the potatoes in advance and roast them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
