Are you ready to elevate your potato game? If so, you absolutely must try these Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes! This recipe takes simple baby potatoes and transforms them into a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, hosting a backyard barbecue, or just craving something delicious, these potatoes are sure to impress. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and piled high with all your favorite toppings, this dish has everything you could want and more.
What Makes This Dish a Must-Try
This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced cooks. Second, it’s a quick dish, taking just about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. Third, it’s budget-friendly; the ingredients are affordable and readily available. Additionally, the versatility of this dish allows for a range of toppings and variations, ensuring it never gets boring. Trust me; once you serve these loaded smashed potatoes, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Overview of Cooking Process
Creating Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes is a straightforward process. Start by boiling your baby potatoes until they’re tender. Once they cool down a bit, you’ll toss them with oil and spices, then smash them flat, which creates more surface area for that glorious crispiness. Next, you’ll pop them onto the Blackstone griddle, letting them cook until golden brown and topped with melty cheese and crispy bacon bits. Finally, finish them off with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs, and prepare for compliments at your dinner table!
Ingredients
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup bacon bits
- Sour cream
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Each ingredient plays an important role in making these potatoes unforgettable. The baby potatoes are key for achieving a fluffy interior. Olive oil and butter add richness, while garlic powder and sea salt elevate the flavor. Topping them with cheddar cheese and bacon bits turns these smashed potatoes into a loaded delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes:
- Boil the baby potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook until they are fork-tender, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Once they are cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly before handling.
- Preheat your Blackstone griddle: While the potatoes are cooling, preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. This ensures a perfect crispy exterior when you start cooking.
- Toss the potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, and sea salt. Toss gently but thoroughly so every potato gets evenly coated.
- Prepare the griddle: Melt the butter on the hot griddle, allowing it to coat the cooking surface.
- Smashed potatoes on the griddle: Carefully place the seasoned potatoes on the griddle. Use a spatula or the bottom of a small pot to gently smash each potato down, creating a flatter, wider surface.
- Cooking for crispiness: Cook the smashed potatoes for about 5 to 7 minutes, until they develop a crispy brown bottom. Then, flip them over to crisp the other side.
- Add the toppings: Once flipped, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits generously over the potatoes. Let them cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, and the potatoes achieve a lovely golden color.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the potatoes from the griddle, and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Creative Serving Suggestions
Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes can shine as a standalone dish or be paired with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas for serving:
- Pair with proteins: These potatoes go wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or even a juicy burger. They make a great side that complements a hearty main course.
- Perfect for gatherings: Serve them as a side dish at picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. They’re easy to prepare in batches and are sure to please a crowd.
- Enjoy with drinks: Pair your loaded potatoes with a chilled beer or a glass of refreshing iced tea. They’re deliciously indulgent and contrast nicely with lighter beverages.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftover Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes can be stored easily in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container and keep them for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the cooked potatoes, but it’s best to do so without the toppings. Just let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where they’ll last for about a month.
To reheat, the best method is to use your Blackstone griddle or a frying pan over medium heat. Add a little bit of oil or butter to ensure they don’t stick, and heat until warmed through and crispy on the outside. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes for a crispy texture.
Helpful Tips for Success
Here are some pro tips to ensure your potatoes turn out perfectly:
- Make sure to boil the potatoes until fork-tender. If they’re undercooked, they won’t smash well, and if overcooked, they can become mushy.
- Don’t skip the oil! It helps achieve that crispy texture on the griddle.
- For added flavor, consider adding spices such as paprika or crushed red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture.
- When smashing the potatoes, don’t apply too much pressure; gently flattening them will help them retain their shape and texture.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the griddle; this will help them cook evenly and develop that desirable crispy exterior.
Exciting Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some variations that could elevate your smashed potatoes:
- Cheesy variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack or gouda for added flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Swap bacon bits for sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a delicious vegetarian variation.
- Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños to the potatoes before cooking for a nice spicy element.
- Herb-infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill into the olive oil mix for a fragrant twist.
- Barbecue flair: Drizzle some BBQ sauce over the potatoes before serving for a sweet and tangy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, you can! Just cut larger potatoes into smaller chunks to ensure even cooking.
Can I make these potatoes in the oven instead?
Absolutely! You can follow the same steps but roast them in the oven at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes instead of using a griddle.
What if I don’t have a Blackstone griddle?
No problem! You can use any griddle, cast-iron skillet, or even a non-stick frying pan to achieve similar results.
Can I prep these potatoes in advance?
Yes, prep the potatoes by boiling them ahead of time. You can store them in the fridge and finish cooking on the griddle when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat them is on the Blackstone griddle or in a frying pan with some oil to get them crispy again.
