These Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with melted cheddar cheese, crunchy bacon, and fresh green onions. They make the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish and pair amazingly with ranch for dipping. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is a must-try for any potato lover!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 14 mini red potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup bacon, crumbled
• Avocado oil spray
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Dash of paprika

Directions

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
   • Add the mini red potatoes and cook for 12-15 minutes, until fork-tender.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
3. Cook the Bacon:
   • While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon according to package instructions.
   • Once cooked, chop into small pieces and set aside.
4. Smash the Potatoes:
   • Drain the potatoes and spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Using a glass or mason jar, gently smash each potato to flatten.
5. Season & Bake:
   • Spray the smashed potatoes with avocado oil spray.
   • Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of paprika.
   • Bake for 15 minutes, until crispy.
6. Add the Toppings & Melt the Cheese:
   • Remove from the oven and top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
   • Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
7. Garnish & Serve:
   • Sprinkle with chopped green onions.
   • Serve warm with ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes

These crispy, cheesy potatoes are a crowd-pleaser and so easy to make. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:

• Perfectly Crispy & Cheesy – The potatoes are smashed and roasted to crispy perfection, then topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon.
• Easy & Quick – This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Great for Any Occasion – Serve as a side dish, snack, or appetizer for a family dinner, BBQ, holiday meal, or game-day party.
• Customizable – Easily swap out different cheeses, toppings, or seasonings to make them your own.
• Pairs Well with Any Main Dish – These potatoes go great with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even served as a fun party snack.

The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes

The key to getting the perfect crispiness on your smashed potatoes comes down to three simple steps:

1. Boiling the Potatoes Until Just Fork-Tender – You want them soft enough to smash but not falling apart. This ensures they hold their shape when roasted.
2. Smashing Them Thin Enough – The thinner they are, the crispier they will get! A mason jar or the bottom of a glass works perfectly for smashing.
3. Baking at a High Temperature – Roasting at 450°F (230°C) ensures that the edges get golden brown and crispy.

By following these steps, you’ll get smashed potatoes that are crispy on the outside, yet soft and creamy inside—the perfect texture contrast!

Why Red Potatoes Work Best for This Recipe

For smashed potatoes, it’s best to use small red potatoes (or Yukon Golds) because they have:

• A Creamy Texture – The inside stays fluffy and smooth while the outside gets crispy.
• Thin Skin – No need to peel them! The skin crisps up beautifully, adding texture and flavor.
• Perfect Size – Small potatoes are ideal for smashing and roasting evenly.

If you can’t find mini red potatoes, you can use baby Yukon Golds or fingerling potatoes instead. Just make sure they are small and uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

The Ultimate Flavor Boost – Bacon & Cheese Toppings

What takes these smashed potatoes to the next level is the irresistible combination of bacon and cheese.

• Crispy Bacon – Adds a smoky, salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully over the crispy potatoes, giving them a gooey, cheesy topping.
• Fresh Green Onions – A pop of freshness and a slight oniony kick balances the richness of the bacon and cheese.

You can also mix things up by using different cheeses, such as:

• Mozzarella – For a milder, gooey melt.
• Parmesan – Adds a nutty, salty bite.
• Pepper Jack – For an extra spicy kick!

Seasoning for Maximum Flavor

These smashed potatoes are not just about the toppings—the seasoning plays a huge role in making them extra delicious. Here’s why each ingredient matters:

• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the potatoes.
• Paprika – A touch of smoky sweetness to enhance the overall taste.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes.
• Avocado Oil Spray – Helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully without excess grease.

How to Serve Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes

These crispy, cheesy smashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways:

• As a Side Dish – Pair with grilled steak, roasted chicken, BBQ ribs, or seafood.
• As an Appetizer – Serve on a platter with toothpicks and dipping sauces for a fun party snack.
• With Dipping Sauces – These taste amazing with ranch, sour cream, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli.
• Topped with Extras – Add a drizzle of hot sauce, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

If you want to prepare these ahead of time, here’s how to do it:

• Make-Ahead Option – Boil the potatoes and smash them a few hours in advance. Store them on a baking sheet in the fridge, then season and bake when ready to serve.
• Refrigerating Leftovers – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing Instructions – You can freeze the boiled and smashed potatoes before baking. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 425°F (218°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating Tips – Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy. Use an oven or air fryer to bring back their crispiness.

Healthier Alternatives & Customizations

If you want to lighten up this recipe or customize it to fit different diets, try these swaps:

• Use Turkey Bacon – A leaner, lower-fat option that still provides a crispy bite.
• Swap Cheese for Nutritional Yeast – If you want a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor.
• Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños for extra heat.
• Try Sweet Potatoes – For a lower-carb, nutrient-rich version, use small sweet potatoes instead.

Nutritional Benefits of This Dish

While these potatoes feel indulgent, they also provide some great nutritional benefits:

• Good Source of Fiber – The skin-on potatoes provide fiber for digestion and gut health.
• Rich in Potassium – Potatoes are naturally high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.
• Protein Boost – The cheese and bacon add extra protein, making this a more filling side dish.
• Contains Healthy Fats – Using avocado oil instead of butter keeps it lighter while still providing great flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making them an irresistible side dish, appetizer, or snack. With only 30 minutes of prep time, they are an easy, go-to recipe that works for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, and game-day parties.