Hey there, foodie friends! Laya here, ready to drop another flavor bomb on your taste buds. Get ready for the ultimate side dish that’s about to become your new obsession: Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes! These aren’t just any potatoes; we’re talking crispy edges, fluffy insides, and a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone begging for more. Seriously, get ready to make these potatoes in bulk!

If you’re like me, you love food that’s easy, fun, and totally Instagrammable. Well, buckle up because these smashed potatoes check all the boxes. We’re taking humble baby potatoes, smashing them on the Blackstone griddle, and loading them with all the good stuff: crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream, and fresh green onions. Yes just thinking about it makes my mouth water!

Why You’ll Love This Blackstone Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Okay, let’s be real. There are a million potato recipes out there. But these Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes? They’re in a league of their own. Here’s why you’re going to fall head-over-heels in love:

Unbeatable Texture: The potatoes are boiled until tender, then smashed and griddled to crispy perfection. That contrast of textures is pure magic.
Flavor Explosion: We’re talking savory, cheesy, creamy, and fresh all in one bite. The combination of cheddar cheese and bacon bits is simply irresistible.
Easy Peasy: This recipe is so simple, even a beginner can nail it. Seriously, you can’t mess this up.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want a delicious side dish for dinner, these smashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit.
Versatile: You can customize these potatoes with your favorite toppings. Think jalapenos, buffalo sauce, or even a drizzle of ranch. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes:

2 lbs small potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes): I personally love using Yukon Gold for their buttery flavor, but red potatoes work great too. The potatoes are the star of the show, so choose wisely!
4 tbsp olive oil, divided: Olive oil is key for getting that crispy, golden-brown crust on the potatoes.
Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is everything! Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper.
8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled: Because everything’s better with bacon! Turkey bacon keeps it a little lighter, but feel free to use regular bacon if that’s your jam.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a delicious cheesy flavor.
1/2 cup sour cream: For that creamy, tangy goodness that balances out the richness of the other ingredients.
1/4 cup chopped green onions: Green onions add a pop of freshness and a subtle oniony flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Okay, it’s time to get down to business! Here’s how to make these Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes:

Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. You want them to be cool enough to handle without burning your hands.
Preheat the Blackstone: Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium heat and lightly oil it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Smash the Potatoes: Place the potatoes on the griddle and use a spatula or potato masher to smash each potato to about 1/2 inch thickness. Don’t be afraid to get a little rough with them!
Season and Oil: Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the smashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper. You can even add some garlic powder for extra flavor.
Griddle to Perfection: Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. The griddle is your friend!
Cheese It Up: Top the smashed potatoes with cheddar cheese and allow it to melt. This usually takes just a minute or two.
Load ‘Em Up: Remove from the griddle and top with crumbled turkey bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
Serve Immediately: These smashed potatoes are best served hot and fresh!

Pro Tips for the Best Smashed Potatoes Ever

Want to take your smashed potato game to the next level? Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:

Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: You want them to be fork-tender, but not mushy. Overcooked potatoes will fall apart when you try to smash them.
Use a Hot Griddle: A hot griddle is key for getting that crispy, golden-brown crust. If the griddle isn’t hot enough, the potatoes will just steam instead of crisping up.
Smash with Confidence: Don’t be afraid to really smash those potatoes! The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get.
Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the griddle. Overcrowding can lower the temperature and prevent the potatoes from crisping up properly.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. The more flavor, the better!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is super easy, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

Using the Wrong Type of Potato: Starchy potatoes like Russets don’t work as well for this recipe. Stick with Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best results.
Not Drying the Potatoes Enough: After boiling the potatoes, make sure to drain them well and let them dry slightly before smashing them. Excess moisture can prevent them from crisping up.
Using Too Much Oil: While olive oil is important for getting that crispy crust, using too much can make the potatoes greasy.
Burning the Cheese: Keep a close eye on the cheese while it’s melting to prevent it from burning.

Variations and Customizations

The best part about these Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes is that they’re totally customizable! Here are a few variations to try:

Add Some Spice: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper over the potatoes for a little kick.
Go Gourmet with Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Parmesan, or even a little blue cheese.
Veggie Lovers Unite: Add some sauteed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the toppings.
Buffalo Chicken Smashed Potatoes: Top the potatoes with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Mexican Fiesta Smashed Potatoes: Top the potatoes with seasoned ground beef, salsa, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream.

You can even use butter and garlic powder for an ultra flavorful base. The possibilities are truly endless! If you want a hint of smoke flavor you can use the blackstone griddle to roast some garlic beforehand.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storage: Store the smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, but they may not be as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about these Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes:

Can I use a different type of potato? Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best.
Can I make these ahead of time? You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time, but I recommend cooking them on the griddle and adding the toppings just before serving.
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon? Absolutely! Use whatever type of bacon you prefer.
Can I add other toppings? Of course! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings.
Can I cook these in a pan if I don’t have a Blackstone? If you don’t have a Blackstone griddle, you can use a large cast-iron skillet or even a baking sheet. The baking sheet may not get as crispy, but it will still work.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Smashed Potatoes

These Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for just about anything! Here are a few serving suggestions:

Grilled Meats: Serve them alongside grilled steak, chicken, or burgers.
BBQ Favorites: They’re a great addition to any BBQ spread, along with ribs, pulled pork, and coleslaw.
Salads: Pair them with a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Appetizer Platter: Serve them as an appetizer at your next party or gathering.

You can even serve these as a potato recipes on blackstone for tailgating if you are a football fan.

And there you have it, my friends! The ultimate Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes recipe that’s guaranteed to impress. So fire up that Blackstone, gather your ingredients, and get ready to smash some potatoes! Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on social media – tag me so I can see your creations! Happy cooking!