Ultimate Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes with Zesty Avocado Crema: Your New Favorite Side Dish!
Prepare to elevate your potato game with our incredible Crispy and Loaded Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes, perfectly complemented by fresh chives and a vibrant Avocado Crema. This recipe takes the beloved potato and transforms it into an irresistible culinary experience, offering the best of both worlds: fluffy interiors and wonderfully crispy, golden-brown exteriors, all generously topped with melted mozzarella and savory bacon.
Why Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes Are a Must-Try
When it comes to potato recipes, there are many contenders, but none quite capture the magic of smashed potatoes. Imagine a dish that combines the comforting creaminess of browned butter mashed potatoes with the satisfying crunch of crispy baked potato wedges. That’s exactly what you get with these Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes.
They are more than just a side dish; they are a flavorful sensation that will steal the spotlight at any meal. Each potato is boiled until tender, then expertly smashed to create maximum surface area for crisping. Once baked to golden perfection, they are loaded with gooey melted mozzarella cheese, smoky, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of fresh chives. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave everyone reaching for more.
Say Goodbye to Ordinary: The Simple “Boil, Smash, Bake!” Method
Forget complicated techniques and endless steps. The beauty of these crispy smashed potatoes lies in their simplicity. The process is straightforward, making them accessible for even novice cooks, yet yielding results that taste like they came from a gourmet kitchen. Here’s the secret:
- BOIL: Tenderize the potatoes to ensure a soft interior.
- SMASH: Create those coveted rough edges for maximum crispiness.
- BAKE: Roast until golden and crunchy, then broil with cheese and bacon for an irresistible finish.
This three-step method guarantees a perfect texture every time. You start by boiling small potatoes until they are just fork-tender. This crucial step ensures that the insides are soft and ready to be mashed. Next, each potato is gently smashed, creating a larger surface area with craggy edges that will become incredibly crispy when baked. Finally, a quick trip to the oven transforms them into golden, crunchy delights, ready to be loaded with cheese and bacon.
Secrets to Achieving Ultimate Crispy Perfection
The key to truly amazing smashed potatoes is that irresistible crispiness. We want them to be golden brown, almost shattering with each bite, while maintaining that wonderfully soft and fluffy interior. Here’s how to master it:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Carisma potatoes are ideal due to their waxy texture, which holds up well to boiling and smashing, and their creamy interior. Small to medium-sized potatoes work best for individual servings and consistent crisping.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange your smashed potatoes in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet. This ensures that hot air circulates evenly around each potato, preventing steaming and promoting maximum crispiness.
- The Power of Oil Spray: After smashing, a generous spray of olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil) is essential. This helps to coat all those glorious craggy edges, creating a barrier that crisps beautifully under high heat. Don’t be shy with the spray!
- High Heat Broiling (Grilling): The broiler (or grill function in your oven) is your best friend for achieving that ultimate crunch. The intense direct heat quickly crisps up the surface of the potatoes, giving them that golden, delicious crust. Keep a close eye on them, as broilers can work quickly.
- Season Generously: Salt, pepper, and garlic or onion powder are your flavor enhancers. Seasoning the potatoes before baking ensures the flavors penetrate, making every crispy bite delicious.
The Creamy Companion: Zesty Avocado Crema
While the Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes are undeniably fantastic on their own, the addition of a super creamy, zesty Avocado Crema takes them to an entirely new level. This cool, tangy, and rich sauce provides a wonderful contrast to the hot, savory, and crispy potatoes, balancing the flavors and adding an extra layer of indulgence.
Made with ripe avocado, creamy sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option), minced garlic, and a pinch of salt, this crema is incredibly easy to whip up. Its vibrant green hue and silky texture make it an appealing drizzle or dip. It adds a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon, creating a perfectly harmonious bite. Trust us, you won’t want to skip this step!
More Irresistible Potato Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with these Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes, you’ll be thrilled to discover more potato-centric delights that offer similar levels of flavor and satisfaction. Expand your repertoire with these fantastic recipes:
- Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes: Another take on smashed potatoes, elevated with garlic butter and savory Parmesan.
- Cheesy Mashed Sweet Potato Cakes: A unique and flavorful way to enjoy sweet potatoes, perfect as a side or appetizer.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Simple yet incredibly delicious, these roasted sweet potatoes are a healthy and satisfying option.
- Browned Butter Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: The nutty flavor of browned butter combined with Parmesan creates an unforgettable roasted potato dish.
- Hasselback Herbed Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes: Impress your guests with these beautifully sliced and flavorful sweet potatoes.
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Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Smashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes Yukon Gold or Carisma, small to medium-sized
- 1 spray olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 1 pinch Kosher salt to taste (for boiling water and seasoning)
- 1 pinch cracked pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic or onion powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses)
- 1/2 cup bacon diced and fried until crispy
- 1 tablespoon chives finely chopped, for garnish
Avocado Crema:
- 1 avocado ripe, pitted and mashed
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain, Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced (about 1-2 cloves)
- 1 pinch salt to season, adjust to taste
Instructions
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Pre-heat your oven broiler (or grill settings) to high heat. Ensure your oven rack is positioned about 6-8 inches from the heating element.
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Place the scrubbed potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold, salted water (add about 1 tablespoon of Kosher salt). Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Cook, covered, for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will be smashed. Drain the potatoes thoroughly.
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Lightly grease a large baking sheet or tray with cooking oil spray. Arrange the boiled potatoes onto the sheet, leaving some space between each. Use a potato masher, the bottom of a glass, or a sturdy fork to LIGHTLY flatten each potato into a thick disk, keeping it in one piece. Do not press too hard, or they will completely mash and lose their shape.
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Generously spray the flattened potatoes with olive oil spray. Season them evenly with a pinch of Kosher salt, cracked pepper, and garlic or onion powder (approximately 1/4 teaspoon of each per potato, adjusting to your preference).
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Place the baking sheet under the pre-heated broiler. Broil (or grill) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Watch them carefully to prevent burning, as broilers can vary in intensity.
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While the potatoes are broiling, prepare your bacon. Fry the diced bacon in a pan over medium heat until it is just beginning to crisp up. Drain off any excess fat by placing the cooked bacon on a sheet of paper towel. Set aside.
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Once the potatoes are crispy, remove them from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and the crispy bacon bits over each smashed potato. Return the baking sheet to the oven, under the broiler, for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbly and slightly golden.
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Carefully remove the Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes from the oven. Season with a little extra salt if desired and generously top with the freshly chopped chives. Serve immediately with the prepared Avocado Crema on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Avocado Crema:
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In a medium bowl, combine the mashed ripe avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the crema is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Smashed Potatoes
- What kind of potatoes work best for smashing?
- Small to medium-sized waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, Carisma, or red new potatoes are ideal. Their skin crisps up beautifully, and their interiors become wonderfully creamy without becoming watery or mealy.
- Can I make these Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes ahead of time?
- You can boil and smash the potatoes a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, arrange them on a baking sheet, spray with oil, season, and proceed with the baking and broiling steps. The bacon can also be cooked ahead and stored separately.
- Are there any substitutions for mozzarella cheese?
- Absolutely! While mozzarella offers excellent meltiness, you can experiment with other good melting cheeses like cheddar, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses. For a bolder flavor, a sprinkle of Parmesan or a spicy pepper jack can also work wonders.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can replace the savory crunch of bacon with plant-based bacon alternatives, crispy fried onions, toasted breadcrumbs, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- What if I don’t have a broiler/grill function in my oven?
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can achieve crispiness by baking the smashed potatoes at a higher temperature (around 425°F or 220°C) for a longer duration, flipping them halfway through. Once crispy, add the cheese and bacon and return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Cheesy Bacon Smashed Potatoes with Avocado Crema are incredibly versatile and suitable for a multitude of occasions. Serve them as a show-stopping side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers – easy to pick up and utterly satisfying. Their comforting yet gourmet appeal also makes them a wonderful addition to holiday spreads or weekend brunches.
No matter when or where you serve them, these loaded smashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for compliments and requests for the recipe!
