Crispy, Cheesy & Irresistible: The Ultimate Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
I recently became a huge fan of smashed potatoes, and if you haven’t tried them yet, you’re in for a treat! These culinary delights are known for their irresistibly crispy exterior and wonderfully soft, fluffy interior. They make the perfect meal, appetizer, or snack for virtually any occasion, from a casual family dinner to an exciting game day gathering. Imagine these savory bites gracing your table during the upcoming football season – they’re sure to be a touchdown!
The beauty of Loaded Smashed Potatoes lies in their simplicity and versatility. By using smaller potatoes, we transform a humble vegetable into a delightful finger food, ideal for sharing (or not, we won’t tell!). These aren’t just any potatoes; they’re baked to golden perfection, creating that coveted crispy crust while maintaining a creamy, tender center. Once out of the oven, they are generously topped with a duo of Sargento® shredded cheeses: rich Sharp Cheddar and a flavorful 4 Cheese Mexican blend. A quick return to the oven ensures the cheese melts into a gooey, savory blanket, because who doesn’t love cheesy potatoes?
Once the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling, it’s time for the ultimate customization. While the options for toppings are truly endless, I opted for a vibrant combination of fresh diced tomatoes, cool sour cream, aromatic cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions. Each topping adds a layer of texture and flavor, creating a symphony of tastes with every bite. The fresh, tangy notes from the tomatoes and sour cream beautifully complement the rich, savory potatoes and melted cheese, making these Loaded Smashed Potatoes a truly satisfying experience.
The Endless Possibilities of Loaded Smashed Potatoes
While these Loaded Smashed Potatoes are fantastic on their own, their adaptability is what truly makes them shine. They can easily be transformed into a quick, great-tasting meal with the addition of some protein. Consider adding seasoned black beans or tender shredded chicken, perhaps with a dollop of fresh salsa for an extra boost of flavor. Other popular additions include crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of chives, diced jalapeños for a kick, or even a spoonful of your favorite chili or pulled pork. The idea is to get creative and use whatever fresh ingredients and leftovers you have on hand to make them uniquely yours.
For me, the best part of these potatoes is, without a doubt, the cheese! As a devoted cheese lover, I believe in loading it on generously. And with Sargento® Shredded Cheeses, you never have to worry about running out of delicious, cheesy ideas. Knowing that Sargento® brand cheese is always shredded from blocks of real, natural cheese makes me feel good about serving it to my family. This commitment to quality truly elevates every dish.
Why Sargento® is Our Go-To for Real Cheese
Today’s Loaded Smashed Potatoes proudly feature Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Sargento® Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican. Sargento® is consistently my favorite brand of cheese to buy. My husband, Mike, hails from Wisconsin, so we’re always keen on supporting his cheese-loving home state. Beyond regional loyalty, I genuinely appreciate that Sargento® Shredded Cheese is always shredded directly from blocks of real, natural cheese. This commitment to authenticity ensures a superior taste and texture that pre-shredded cheeses often lack, making it a wholesome choice for my family’s meals.
Sargento’s dedication to real cheese resonates deeply with their mission to cultivate a community of “Real Cheese People™.” This community is all about declaring preferences, expressing passion, and sharing a collective love for genuine cheese. It’s a philosophy I can wholeheartedly endorse! Great-tasting meals truly begin with quality ingredients, and for cheese, that means fresh off the block.
More Delicious Meals Featuring Sargento® Shredded Cheeses
Since I’m such a cheese enthusiast, I’m excited to share some of my other favorite ways to incorporate Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Sargento® Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican into easy, family-friendly meals. These recipes showcase how versatile and delicious real cheese can be, transforming simple ingredients into comforting and flavorful dishes.
Chicken Feta Cheddar Pita Pitza: A Family Favorite
First up is our Chicken Feta Cheddar Pita Pitza. My kids absolutely go crazy for this fun spin on traditional pizza. It’s a quick and easy recipe, requiring just four main ingredients: pita bread as the base, savory shredded chicken, tangy feta cheese, and of course, a generous sprinkle of Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese. These mini pitzas are toasted to perfection, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully, and then topped with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. They make an ideal dinner or lunch, especially when you need something fast and satisfying.
Hearty Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
For those chilly days, nothing beats a warm bowl of Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili. This robust chili is packed with wholesome beans and vegetables, and then, as always, generously loaded up with Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese and your favorite chili toppings. This hearty and flavorful soup is incredibly easy to make, often ready in 30 minutes or less if you’re quick with your prep. Simply gather all your ingredients, let them simmer in a pot, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal. It’s perfect for tailgating, a cool, crisp evening, and any leftovers freeze wonderfully for future enjoyment.
Effortless Slow Cooker 4 Ingredient Shredded Beef Tacos
Another fantastic meal I love making for my family is these Slow Cooker 4 Ingredient Shredded Beef Tacos. You know how much I adore my slow cooker, and these tacos truly highlight its magic. The beef becomes incredibly tender and juicy, making for excellent leftovers that can be repurposed throughout the week. This recipe is a genuine weeknight hero, allowing you to simply combine the ingredients in the slow cooker before you start your day and come home to a flavorful dinner waiting for you. It takes just four simple ingredients to create a rich, savory taco filling: chuck roast, vibrant salsa verde, onion, and garlic. Once it’s time to eat, simply shred the beef and load up your tortillas with more Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced red onion for a truly satisfying taco experience.
Nutritious Vegetarian Egg Muffins
Finally, a recipe I love making on a weekly basis, perfect for any time of day, are these Vegetarian Egg Muffins. These breakfast egg muffins are not only kid-friendly but also incredibly easy to prepare. They offer a nutritious and flavor-packed meal, whether for breakfast, lunch, or a healthy snack. Each muffin is loaded with wholesome eggs, a colorful medley of vegetables, fresh spinach, fragrant spices, and, of course, a generous portion of Sargento® Shredded Cheese to bind all the deliciousness together.
To make them, you’ll need 12 eggs, onion, bell pepper, your favorite spices, spinach, and both bags of Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar and 4 Cheese Mexican. Begin by sautéing your vegetables and spices until tender. Whisk the eggs, then combine everything together, including the spinach. Pour the mixture into muffin tins, sprinkle with more Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, and bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes until golden and set. These convenient and delicious egg muffins are a consistent family favorite in my house, making meal prep a breeze and ensuring everyone starts their day with a wholesome, cheesy boost.
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Loaded Smashed Potatoes
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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
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Put the potatoes in a large saucepan (preferably in one layer) and cover with at least an inch of water. Add 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the water.
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Bring the water to a boil over medium high heat, reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender. It took me about 25-30 minutes to cook.
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Remove the potatoes from the water and set them on a clean dishtowel and use another clean towel to dry them. Let the potatoes sit for 2 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
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On a nonstick baking sheet place the potatoes. Using a potato masher or the back of a fork mash each potato until almost flat.
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In a small mixing bowl combine the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Using a brush, brush each potato with the olive oil mixture on both sides of the potato.
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Roast the potatoes until they are crispy and browning on the edges, about 25-30 minutes.
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Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle each potato with the two cheeses. Return the pan to the oven for 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
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Remove from the oven and top with tomatoes, sour cream, green onion and cilantro {or whatever your favorite toppings are}.
Notes
- You can use whatever medium sized potato you like.
- I have always enjoyed red or the yellow potatoes when doing smashed potatoes.
- Try adding things like black beans, shredded chicken, corn and salsa. Get creative!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.