Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Introduction

Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes

If you’re craving a crispy, flavorful potato dish that is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes might just become a new favorite. Cooked to perfection on a Blackstone Griddle, this recipe is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even as a holiday side dish. It’s a mix of tender smashed potatoes, gooey cheese, savory bacon, and topped with fresh ingredients to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe special and how you can prepare it today.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

What You’ll Need

To recreate this crowd-pleasing dish, gather these simple, approachable ingredients:

– Small potatoes (1 ½ pounds)
– Water for boiling the potatoes
– Olive oil (1 tablespoon) for grilling
– Garlic powder (½ teaspoon for flavor)
– Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup or to taste)
– Freshly cooked bacon (3 strips, crumbled into small pieces)
– Green onions (2, diced, for garnish)
– Sour cream (as a topping, optional)
– Salt (for seasoning, to taste)
– Black pepper (to taste, for seasoning)

Prep Time

Get Ready to Cook

Prepare your ingredients ahead of time for smooth cooking. Wash the small potatoes thoroughly under running water. Boil the potatoes in a pot until fork-tender, making them easy to smash later. Meanwhile, pre-cook the bacon and crumble it into small crispy bits. Dice your green onions and shred the cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded. Have your olive oil, garlic powder, and other ingredients ready for assembly during cooking.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

A Quick and Tasty Side Dish

– Cook Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
– Total Time: 35-40 minutes including prep and cooking
– Yield: 4-6 servings depending on portion size

On the Blackstone Griddle, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Spread the boiled potatoes onto the griddle and gently smash them flat with a spatula. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over each potato. Allow the potatoes to grill until crispy and golden on one side before flipping. Melt shredded cheddar cheese atop the sizzling potatoes, letting it ooze into every crevice. Finally, add crumbled bacon and garnish with green onions. Serve hot as-is, or dollop with sour cream for extra creaminess.

This is a simple, yet delicious recipe that doesn’t just make your mouth water—it gives you the perfect reason to fire up your Blackstone griddle! Serve them on their own or alongside your favorite grilled mains for a hearty, flavor-packed addition to any meal.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the grill or Blackstone griddle

Preheat your Blackstone griddle or grill to medium-low heat. Allow it to heat up properly for even cooking.

Step 2: Prep the potatoes

Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly under running water. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add in the potatoes. Boil the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

Step 3: Smash the potatoes

Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, gently press down each potato using the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher, flattening them to about a ½-inch thickness. Be careful not to smash them too hard and break them apart completely.

Step 4: Heat oil on the griddle

Add a light drizzle of oil to the surface of the griddle or grill. Make sure it is evenly spread out to prevent sticking and ensure the potatoes cook evenly.

Step 5: Cook the potatoes

Transfer the smashed potatoes to the preheated griddle or grill. Cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden and crispy on both sides. Add more oil if necessary to keep them from sticking.

Step 6: Add your toppings

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the potatoes while they’re still on the grill, and allow it to melt. Then, add bacon bits and any other preferred toppings.

Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish

Carefully remove the loaded smashed potatoes from the griddle once the cheese is melted and toppings are properly heated. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh herbs if desired.

Step 8: Serve and enjoy

Serve the potatoes warm as a delicious side dish or appetizer. Enjoy them immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Note 1: Potato selection

Use small baby red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes for this recipe. They work best for uniform cooking and are easy to smash.

Note 2: Pre-boiling potatoes

It’s important to pre-boil the potatoes before smashing them. This ensures they’re soft on the inside while getting crispy on the grill.

Note 3: Oil usage

Use enough oil on the griddle to prevent sticking and to help the potatoes get crispy. Olive oil or avocado oil are great choices.

Note 4: Customize your toppings

Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. Options include sour cream, ranch dressing, extra bacon, jalapeños, or even salsa.

Note 5: Serve fresh

These loaded smashed potatoes are best served immediately. If reheating, use a skillet or grill to maintain the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the potatoes soggy.

Cook Techniques

Preparing the Potatoes

For optimal results, start by boiling the baby potatoes until they are fork-tender. This softens them adequately, making it easier to smash them later for even cooking.

Smashing the Potatoes

Place the boiled baby potatoes on a flat surface, like a cutting board or directly on the griddle, and gently press down with a flat spatula to flatten them. Be careful not to smash too hard to avoid breaking the potatoes completely.

Using the Blackstone Griddle

Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking and provides the perfect sear for the potatoes, creating a crispy outer layer.

Adding Butter and Seasoning

Spread melted butter on the griddle and sprinkle seasoning over the potatoes. The butter helps achieve a golden crust while the seasoning enhances the flavor.

Topping and Melting Cheese

Once the potatoes are nearly done, add shredded cheese on top. Cover them slightly to let the cheese melt evenly over the potatoes.

Customizing with Additional Toppings

Once the potatoes are off the griddle, feel free to add toppings such as chopped bacon, sour cream, green onions, or any preferred garnish to suit your taste.

FAQ

Can I use larger potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, you can use larger potatoes, but you will need to cut them into smaller pieces before boiling to ensure they cook evenly and are easy to smash.

How do I keep the potatoes from falling apart when smashing?

Smash the potatoes gently using a flat spatula. Boiling them until fork-tender (not overly soft) will also help prevent them from breaking.

What if I don’t have a Blackstone griddle?

You can use any flat-top grill or a large skillet on your stovetop as an alternative to the Blackstone griddle.

Can I make these smashed potatoes in advance?

Yes, you can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time. Refrigerate them and cook on the griddle with butter and toppings when you’re ready to serve.

What toppings work best for loaded smashed potatoes?

Cheese, bacon, sour cream, green onions, and chives are classic options, but you can customize with any of your favorite toppings.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No, the potato skins add texture and flavor. Plus, baby potatoes have thin, edible skins that crisp up nicely on the griddle.

What temperature should the griddle be set to?

Set your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.

Conclusion

The Blackstone Loaded Smashed Potatoes offer the perfect balance of crispy textures and savory toppings, making them an irresistible side dish or even a stand-alone treat. This recipe takes classic comfort food to the next level with its combination of buttery potatoes, melted cheese, and indulgent toppings. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to impress family and friends alike. Give these loaded smashed potatoes a try for a satisfying meal addition that everyone will love.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Grilled Steak

Pair these loaded smashed potatoes with a perfectly grilled steak for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Barbecue Chicken

Add a smoky barbecue chicken to your menu for a tantalizing duo of rich and savory flavors.

Fresh Green Salad

Balance the richness of the potatoes with a fresh, crisp green salad as a side dish.

Blackstone Grilled Vegetables

Make it a complete meal by adding some healthy grilled vegetables cooked on the Blackstone griddle alongside the potatoes.

Cheesy Scrambled Eggs

Turn these smashed potatoes into a delicious breakfast combo by serving them with cheesy scrambled eggs.

Crispy Bacon

For ultimate indulgence, serve with a side of crispy bacon to enhance the smoky, savory notes of the dish.

Loaded Nachos

Take inspiration from nachos by adding jalapeños, sour cream, or even guacamole alongside these potatoes.

Pan-Seared Salmon

Complement these hearty smashed potatoes with the light and flaky texture of pan-seared salmon.