If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying side dish, look no further than Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes. This dish delivers a flavorful punch and exciting texture, making it perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or even casual gatherings with friends. With crispy edges and a soft, buttery center, these smashed potatoes are topped with melted cheese and savory bacon bits, creating a delightful combination that’s hard to resist. Plus, the best part? They are incredibly easy to make right on your Blackstone griddle!
What Makes This Recipe So Good
This recipe is a triple win: it’s simple, quick, and budget-friendly. It requires just a few ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, making it an accessible option for any home cook. The active cooking time is relatively short, meaning you won’t spend all day in the kitchen. With the beautiful Blackstone griddle, you can achieve that perfect crispy texture while still honoring the comfort of traditional potatoes. Serve it with your favorite protein, or enjoy them alone as a scrumptious snack. You’ll find that they quickly become a go-to recipe!
Overview of Cooking Process
Making these loaded smashed potatoes is a straightforward process that anyone can master. First, you’ll begin by boiling baby potatoes until they are fork-tender. Then, you’ll let them cool slightly before tossing them with olive oil and seasonings. The fun part comes next when you smash them down and cook them on the griddle. After getting them crispy, you’ll top them with cheese and bacon before serving them warm with sour cream and fresh herbs. In no time at all, you’ll have a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
- 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
- Sour cream
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Baby potatoes are excellent for this recipe as they are naturally creamy and flavorful. You can easily find them in your local store, making them a convenient choice for a side dish. The combination of butter and olive oil enhances the richness, while garlic powder and sea salt provide essential seasoning. Don’t forget to top these potatoes with your favorite garnishes to bring it all together!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps, and you will have perfect Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes:
- Begin by boiling the baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 15 to 20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly. Make sure not to overcook them as they can become too soft to smash.
- Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. It’s important that the griddle is evenly heated for the best crispiness.
- Toss the cooled potatoes in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, and sea salt. Ensure that all potatoes are evenly coated with the mixture for flavor.
- Melt the butter on the griddle, then place the seasoned potatoes and smash each one to create a flatter surface. A flat surface helps achieve that crunchy exterior.
- Cook the smashed potatoes for 5 to 7 minutes until crispy on the bottom, then flip them and top with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are golden. A good indicator that they are done is a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sour cream and herbs as desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture!
Serving Suggestions
These loaded smashed potatoes make an excellent side dish or snack. Pair them with grilled meats, such as steak or chicken, for a complete meal. They also work wonderfully at parties, served as finger food. Consider serving them alongside a fresh garden salad or coleslaw for a delightful contrast in textures. If you want to elevate the experience, whip up a batch of your favorite dips like ranch or buffalo sauce to complement these tasty potatoes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, no worries—they store well! Simply place the cooled smashed potatoes in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
To reheat, use your Blackstone griddle on low heat or an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Reheating them on the griddle allows them to regain their crispy edges. You may need to add a little drizzle of olive oil to keep them from sticking and help revitalize that glorious crunch.
Expert Cooking Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Choose potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t skip the cooling step before smashing the potatoes; it helps them hold their shape.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or toppings, like jalapeños or green onions, to create your unique version!
- Ensure the griddle is adequately preheated for crispiness.
Avoid the common mistake of overcrowding the griddle; this can prevent the potatoes from getting those beautiful crispy edges. If needed, work in batches.
Flavor Variations to Try
Get creative in the kitchen with these fun variations:
- Add some heat by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Swap out cheddar for different cheese, such as pepper jack for a little spice or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Mix in sautéed onions or peppers for added flavor and texture.
- Try using herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fresh aromatic twist.
Feel free to customize based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of potatoes? Yes, but note that cooking times may vary. Yukon gold or red potatoes work well too.
- How do I know when the potatoes are perfectly cooked? Potatoes are done when a fork can easily pierce through them. They should be tender but not mushy.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While best eaten fresh, you can prepare the potatoes ahead by boiling them and storing them in the fridge, then grilling them later.
- What dips pair well with this dish? Sour cream is a classic, but ranch, blue cheese, or guacamole are also excellent choices.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon bits or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
