Loaded Bacon Cheddar Smashed Potatoes

These bacon cheddar loaded smashed potatoes start with crispy and buttery smashed potatoes topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions. These loaded smashed potatoes are the perfect side dish.

I am always looking for creative and delicious ways to use vegetables as side dishes. These loaded smashed potatoes with crispy bacon dipped in a sour cream cheddar dip may just reign supreme.

We served these alongside a tri-tip steak while watching college football and to say they were a huge hit is a complete understatement. Everyone loves these bacon loaded smashed potatoes!

My classic smashed potatoes recipe has been so popular on Modern Honey for years. This is just the elevated version with the addition of savory bacon and rich cheddar cheese.

• These crispy loaded smashed potatoes have creamy centers and crispy edges which is the perfect type of potato, in my opinion.
• Bacon and potatoes just go together like p,b, and j.
• The sour cream cheddar dipping sauce just puts it all over the top.

Ingredients:

These loaded smashed potatoes are made with 7 simple ingredients.

• Petite Yukon Gold or Fingerling Potatoes — I love to use small petite yukon gold potatoes because of their creamy texture.
• Salted Butter
•  Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper
• Bacon — I suggest using thick-cut bacon but you can use your favorite brand of bacon.
• Cheddar Cheese — for easy melting, I suggest freshly grating the cheddar cheese.
• Green Onions

Garlic Cheddar Sour Cream Dip Ingredients:

•  Sour Cream — use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest dip but you can use low-fat sour cream as well.
• Cheddar Cheese (grated) — may also use Colby jack cheese instead.
• Garlic — use fresh garlic or garlic powder.
• Salt and Pepper — gives extra flavor to the sour cream dip.

Loaded Smashed Potatoes Instructions:

• Start by using petite gold or fingerling potatoes. You want to use small potatoes to make it easy to smash them with the bottom of a glass. If they are too large, they will just fall apart. I prefer yukon gold potatoes because of their creamy texture and thin skins.
• Place the potatoes in a large pot and fill with water. Place on high heat until boiling. Boil for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and fork-tender. You want them to be soft enough to smash! The larger the potatoes, the longer the cooking time.
• While the potatoes are cooking, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with two pieces of aluminum foil. Spread out the bacon on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-24 minutes, depending on desired crispiness. Remove from the oven and place on paper towel to drain. Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees.

• Once the potatoes are fork tender, drain the water and place the potatoes in a colander to allow the steam to release for about 5 minutes. Get a large baking sheet ready. Place the potatoes on the baking sheet and press on each one with the bottom of a glass to “smash” them.

• Drizzle the potatoes with melted salted butter and extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. 
• Bake in a 425-degree oven for about 35-45 minutes, depending on the level of desired crispiness, turning halfway through baking time.

• With 5 minutes of baking time remaining, remove from the oven and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Place the baking sheet back in the oven and allow the cheese to melt for about 5 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with crumbled bacon and green onions.

Garlic Cheddar Sour Cream Dip:

• In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic, and pepper. Top the potatoes with the dip or dip the potatoes into the dip.

Substitutions and Variations:

Instead of sour cream, you may substitute Greek yogurt.

Instead of classic bacon, you can subsitute turkey bacon.

If you don’t like green onions, you may omit them.

Storage and Make Ahead:

These loaded smashed potatoes best eaten warm but can’t be reheated in the oven.

You may store in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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What to serve with Loaded Smashed Potatoes:

If you are looking for what main dish to pair with these bacon cheddar loaded smashed potatoes, check out these popular main dish recipes…

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