Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly cheesy—Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes are the side dish that steals the show. These smashed baby potatoes are seared to perfection on the Blackstone griddle, then layered with melty cheddar cheese and smoky bacon bits for the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re firing up the griddle for a weekend cookout or looking for a hearty dish to round out a family dinner, this recipe delivers in flavor, texture, and crowd-pleasing appeal.

These smashed potatoes come together with just a handful of simple ingredients, but don’t let that simplicity fool you. The combination of butter and olive oil creates a crispy exterior while the soft, fluffy inside soaks up all the rich flavors. A sprinkle of garlic powder and sea salt infuses each bite with savory goodness, and once the cheese melts and bacon crisps up, it’s a layered masterpiece of textures and flavors.

Perfect on their own or topped with sour cream and fresh herbs, these potatoes are an easy and delicious addition to your dinner rotation. And thanks to the versatility of the Blackstone griddle, they cook evenly and quickly, making them just as convenient as they are crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Crispy Texture – The griddle method ensures the potatoes get beautifully crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside.
2. Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients – With just a few pantry staples, this recipe packs a serious flavor punch.
3. Crowd-Pleaser – Great for BBQs, potlucks, or family dinners—everyone loves cheesy, bacon-loaded potatoes.
4. Versatile Toppings – Customize with your favorite toppings like sour cream, chives, or hot sauce.
5. Quick and Easy to Make – Minimal prep and fast griddle cooking means you can have this ready in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

• Baby potatoes
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Sea salt
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Bacon bits

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream
• Chopped fresh parsley or chives

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
• Different Cheese – Swap cheddar with pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend for a new flavor profile.
• Vegetarian – Omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions instead.
• Loaded Style – Add diced avocado, green onions, or drizzle with ranch dressing for a fully loaded experience.
• Mini Version – Use even smaller potatoes for bite-sized smashed potato appetizers.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Boil the baby potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.

Step 2

Preheat your Blackstone griddle on medium-high heat. Add butter and olive oil to the hot surface.

Step 3

Place the boiled potatoes onto the griddle. Using a spatula or a potato masher, gently smash each potato to flatten slightly without breaking them apart.

Step 4

Sprinkle garlic powder and sea salt over the smashed potatoes. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crispy.

Step 5

Flip each potato and cook the other side until equally crispy, about another 3–4 minutes.

Step 6

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits over the potatoes. Close the griddle lid or cover with a melting dome until the cheese is fully melted.

Step 7

Serve immediately with your choice of toppings like sour cream, chopped parsley, or chives.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use small, evenly sized baby potatoes for consistent cooking.
• Let the potatoes cool slightly before smashing—they’ll hold their shape better.
• Don’t overcrowd the griddle to ensure each potato gets crispy edges.
• A melting dome helps speed up the cheese-melting process.
• Pre-cook your bacon if you’re not using pre-made bacon bits for extra crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve these smashed potatoes hot off the griddle with a side of sour cream, extra shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. They’re perfect alongside grilled meats, burgers, or even as a hearty vegetarian main dish. You can also serve them as appetizers at a party by making smaller smashed potato bites and offering a toppings bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled potatoes in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze smashed potatoes before adding toppings. Flash-freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight.

Reheating

Reheat on a skillet or griddle over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, just cut them into smaller chunks so they cook and crisp evenly.

2. Do I need a Blackstone griddle?

No, you can use a flat-top grill or even a cast iron skillet on the stovetop.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, boil the potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. Smash and cook when ready to serve.

4. How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?

Make sure your griddle is hot and avoid moving the potatoes around while they crisp up.

5. What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar melts well and has great flavor, but you can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a cheese blend.

6. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, just skip the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon or veggies.

7. How do I avoid the potatoes sticking to the griddle?

Use a generous amount of oil and butter, and ensure the griddle is fully preheated before adding the potatoes.

8. Is this gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you confirm that your bacon bits and seasonings are gluten-free.

9. Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely—try green onions, hot sauce, avocado, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure not to overcrowd the griddle so each potato has room to crisp properly.

Conclusion

Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or need a quick and flavorful side, these cheesy, crispy potatoes hit all the right notes. Easy to customize, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to please, this recipe is a must-try for griddle lovers and potato fans alike.

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