Welcome to the world of Loaded smashed potatoes! These aren’t just any potatoes; they are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with all the best toppings.

Imagine a bite of perfectly smashed potato, oozing with melted cheese, sprinkled with crispy bacon bits, adorned with fresh scallions, and topped with a dollop of creamy sour cream.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.

Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

1.5 pounds baby potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
1/2 cup sour cream

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Boil Potatoes (20 minutes): Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Boil the baby potatoes in salted water until they are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain.
Smash and Season Potatoes (5 minutes): Place the boiled potatoes on a baking sheet. Gently smash each potato with a fork or potato masher. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake Potatoes (15 minutes): Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are crispy and golden, about 15 minutes.
Add Cheese and Bake (5 minutes): Remove the potatoes from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each potato. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
Garnish and Serve (2 minutes): Top each potato with bacon bits, chopped scallions, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

Your loaded smashed potatoes are now ready to be devoured! These potatoes are the perfect balance of crunchy and creamy textures.

Remember, the key to perfect smashed potatoes is to boil them just right – tender enough to smash easily but not too mushy. Feel free to get creative with the toppings; you can add different types of cheese, herbs, or even a sprinkle of paprika for a spicy kick.

Pair these with a main course of your choice, or enjoy them on their own. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Pair this with...

Cauliflower Tots

Start by steaming cauliflower florets until they're tender. Once cooled, pulse them in a food processor until they're rice-like but not pureed. In a bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, breadcrumbs, grated cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan), an egg, and some salt and pepper for seasoning. Mix it all together until it forms a moldable mixture. Shape them into tots using your hands. Now, heat a skillet with a bit of oil and pan-fry the tots until they're golden brown on all sides, or you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for around 20 minutes. Once they're crispy and golden, serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Simple Tomato Soup

Start with a can of whole tomatoes; they're a trusty shortcut to rich flavor. In a pot, sauté a diced onion until it’s soft. Add in a couple cloves of minced garlic, and let those aromatic buddies mingle. Pour in your tomatoes, break 'em up a bit, and add 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. For depth, sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. Now, blend it until smooth. If you’re feeling fancy, swirl in a touch of cream for extra richness. Serve hot.

Simple Green Salad

Begin by selecting crisp lettuce leaves, giving them a thorough wash and a gentle pat dry. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them as the foundation of your salad. Next, slice ripe tomatoes, their juicy segments promising a burst of sweetness. Add these to the lettuce, their vibrant red contrasting beautifully against the green. For a refreshing crunch, slice a cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, layering them amongst the other ingredients. For dressing, a light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the salad's natural flavors without overshadowing them. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and any herbs of your choosing.