Ultimate Loaded Smashed Potatoes

The Ultimate Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe: Crispy Perfection

If you haven’t yet discovered the joy of smashed potatoes, prepare for a culinary revelation! These unassuming spuds have rapidly become a personal favorite, and for good reason. Imagine potatoes that boast an irresistible crunch on the exterior, yielding to a wonderfully fluffy and tender interior with every bite. They offer a delightful alternative to traditional fries or roasted potatoes, striking the perfect balance between texture and flavor.

What makes them truly spectacular is their incredible versatility. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying main course, a delectable side dish, or a shareable appetizer, smashed potatoes fit the bill. Their individual, bite-sized nature, especially when made with smaller potatoes, makes them an excellent finger food – ideal for casual family dinners, festive gatherings, or the big football game coming up in just a few weeks. These Loaded Smashed Potatoes are designed to be a centerpiece, easy to prepare and even easier to devour!

Our star creation, these Loaded Smashed Potatoes, are first baked to achieve that coveted crispy skin and tender heart. But we don’t stop there. Once golden and perfect, they are generously adorned with a dynamic duo of premium Sargento® cheeses: rich Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese and flavorful Sargento® Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican blend. A quick return to the oven ensures the cheese melts into a gooey, bubbling blanket of deliciousness, transforming each potato into a cheesy dream.

Because who doesn’t adore cheesy potatoes? The melted cheese is just the beginning. Upon removing them from the oven, we take these smashed beauties to the next level with a vibrant array of fresh toppings. I’ve opted for a refreshing combination of freshly diced tomatoes, cool sour cream, aromatic cilantro, and crisp green onions, adding layers of flavor and color.

Endless Possibilities: Customizing Your Smashed Potatoes

The beauty of these Loaded Smashed Potatoes lies in their adaptability. The possibilities for customization are truly endless, allowing you to tailor them to any palate or occasion. Beyond the classic toppings, consider additions like crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a dollop of creamy avocado for extra richness. For a spicier kick, a drizzle of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños would be fantastic. Want to introduce a Mediterranean twist? Feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a touch of oregano could create a whole new flavor profile.

These potatoes aren’t just for snacking; they effortlessly transform into a quick, incredibly satisfying meal. Boost the protein content by adding seasoned black beans or tender shredded chicken, and elevate the flavor with a spoonful of your favorite salsa. Regardless of how you load them, I believe the crowning glory of this dish is, without a doubt, the cheese! As a self-proclaimed cheese lover, I believe in piling it on generously.

And with Sargento® Shredded Cheeses, you never have to worry about running out of inspiration. By picking up two bags of Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Sargento® Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican, you’ll be well-equipped for not only this recipe but also a host of other delicious, cheesy ideas I’m excited to share with you!

Sargento: The Real Cheese Difference

Today’s Loaded Smashed Potatoes shine with the quality of Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Sargento® Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican. Sargento® is consistently my go-to brand for cheese. My husband, Mike, hails from Wisconsin, so our household is always keen to support his cheese-loving state!

Beyond regional loyalty, I particularly appreciate that Sargento® Shredded Cheese is always prepared from blocks of real, natural cheese. This commitment to authenticity gives me peace of mind, knowing I’m serving wholesome ingredients to my family. Sargento aims to foster a community of “Real Cheese People™” – individuals who proudly declare their preferences, express their passion, and enthusiastically share their love for genuine cheese. That’s a philosophy I can wholeheartedly endorse. After all, truly great-tasting meals often begin with the unmatched flavor of cheese fresh off the block.

More Cheesy Delights: Versatile Recipes with Sargento® Cheeses

As a true cheese enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite ways to incorporate Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Sargento® Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican into everyday meals. These recipes are not only easy to prepare for your family but also incredibly versatile, with options that work perfectly for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack.

1. Speedy Chicken Feta Cheddar Pita Pitza

First up is this delightful Chicken Feta Cheddar Pita Pitza. My kids absolutely adore this creative twist on traditional pizza, and it’s bound to be a hit with your family too! This recipe requires just four simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal: pita bread as the base, tender shredded chicken, crumbled feta cheese, and generous amounts of Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Toasted to perfection and then topped with fresh parsley, these pita pizzetas are a brilliant choice for a quick dinner or a delicious lunch, proving that gourmet flavors can be achieved with minimal effort.

2. Comforting Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

For those chilly days when you crave warmth and comfort, I love preparing this hearty Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili. This chili is brimming with wholesome beans, nutritious vegetables, and is, of course, generously loaded with Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese and your preferred chili toppings. This robust and flavorful soup is surprisingly simple to make, often ready in 30 minutes or less of active prep time. Simply gather all your ingredients, let them simmer gently in a pot or slow cooker, and you’ll have a delectable meal waiting for you. It’s perfect for tailgating events, a cozy evening at home, and any leftovers freeze beautifully for future enjoyment.

3. Easy Slow Cooker 4 Ingredient Shredded Beef Tacos

Another family favorite that makes mealtime a breeze are these incredible Slow Cooker 4 Ingredient Shredded Beef Tacos. You know my affection for the slow cooker, and these tacos truly showcase its magic, producing exceptionally tender, juicy beef that also makes fantastic leftovers. These Slow Cooker 4 Ingredient Shredded Beef Tacos are the epitome of a simple weeknight slow cooker meal. You can effortlessly set this up in the slow cooker before starting your day and return home to a delicious dinner ready to be assembled.

The recipe calls for just four straightforward ingredients to create a rich and flavorful taco filling: a chuck roast, zesty salsa verde, a humble onion, and fragrant garlic. Once the succulent beef is shredded and ready, prepare to load your tacos with an abundance of Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, fresh cilantro, and finely chopped red onion for an explosion of taste and texture.

4. Nutritious Vegetarian Egg Muffins

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5 from 1 vote

Loaded Smashed Potatoes

By

Julia Jolliff

Loaded Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and loaded with cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, green onion and cilantro.

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Prep:

15 minutes
mins

Cook:

1 hour
hr

Total:

1 hour
hr
15 minutes
mins

Servings:

4
servings

Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  lb.
  red potatoes,
  medium sized

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  Tablespoons
  olive oil

• 
  ▢
  
  
  3 1/2
  teaspoons
  kosher salt,
  divided

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/4
  teaspoon
  pepper

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  teaspoon
  garlic powder

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  cup
  Mexican cheese,
  shredded (Sargento®)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  cup
  Sharp Cheddar Cheese,
  shredded (Sargento®)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  cup
  tomatoes,
  freshly chopped

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  Tablespoons
  sour cream

• 
  ▢
  
  
  4
  green onions,
  green parts chopped

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/4
  cup
  cilantro,
  loosely packed, chopped

Instructions

• Place the potatoes in a large saucepan (ideally in a single layer) and cover with at least an inch of water. Add 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the water.
• Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender. This typically takes about 25-30 minutes.
• Remove the potatoes from the water and place them on a clean dishtowel. Use another clean towel to thoroughly dry them. Let the potatoes rest for 2 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C).
• Arrange the potatoes on a nonstick baking sheet. Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, gently mash each potato until it is almost flat.
• In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, 1 teaspoon of the remaining salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Using a pastry brush, coat both sides of each smashed potato with this aromatic olive oil mixture.
• Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are beautifully crispy and browned at the edges.
• Remove the potatoes from the oven and evenly sprinkle both types of shredded cheese over each potato. Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
• Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven. Immediately top them with fresh chopped tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro (or any of your favorite toppings). Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Feel free to use any medium-sized potato you prefer.
• I’ve always found red or yellow potatoes to work wonderfully for smashed potatoes due to their creamy texture and ability to get super crispy.
• Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings! Consider adding black beans, shredded chicken, corn, or a vibrant salsa for extra flavor and substance.

Nutrition

Calories:
270
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
21
g

,

Protein:
9
g

,

Fat:
17
g

,

Saturated Fat:
7
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
8
g

,

Cholesterol:
31
mg

,

Sodium:
2238
mg

,

Potassium:
635
mg

,

Fiber:
3
g

,

Sugar:
3
g

,

Vitamin A:
622
IU

,

Vitamin C:
15
mg

,

Calcium:
223
mg

,

Iron:
1
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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