Crispy & Cheesy Gouda Smashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Easy Side Dish
There’s an undeniable magic in a perfectly crispy potato. That golden-brown exterior, giving way to a tender, fluffy interior – it’s a texture sensation that elevates any meal. From classic french fries to rustic roasted cubes, when it comes to potatoes, crispy always takes the crown. And today, we’re bringing you the epitome of crispy potato perfection: Gouda Smashed Potatoes. These aren’t just any potatoes; they’re a delightful symphony of flavor and texture, drizzled with fragrant olive oil and garlic, baked to golden crispiness, and then crowned with a blanket of melted Gouda cheese.
In our bustling lives, especially with a busy household, finding time to prepare delicious, homemade meals can be a challenge. We’re constantly on the hunt for quick, easy, and healthy food that doesn’t compromise on taste. If you appreciate clever shortcuts in the kitchen that save precious minutes without sacrificing quality, then you’re in for a treat with this recipe, especially when incorporating ingredients like Side Delights Steamables.
The Irresistible Allure of Crispy Potatoes
What is it about crispy potatoes that makes them so universally loved? It’s more than just a preference; it’s an experience. The satisfying crunch with every bite, followed by the soft, comforting potato flesh, creates a dynamic contrast that’s simply addictive. This unique textural interplay ensures that crispy potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser, whether served as a humble side or elevated to a gourmet dish. Smashed potatoes, in particular, maximize this appeal. By smashing the potatoes, you create more surface area, which translates to more opportunities for that coveted crispiness to develop, soaking up all the savory flavors from the olive oil and garlic.
A Busy Cook’s Secret Weapon: Quick & Easy Meal Solutions
Life can get hectic, and for many of us, getting a wholesome dinner on the table is a daily feat. That’s why recipes that combine speed, simplicity, and nutrition are invaluable. These Gouda Smashed Potatoes fit that bill perfectly. They’re designed to be straightforward, minimizing hands-on time so you can focus on other aspects of your meal, or simply enjoy a few extra moments of calm before dinner. The key to their efficiency lies in smart ingredient choices and a streamlined cooking process.
Introducing Side Delights Steamables: Your Smart Kitchen Shortcut
Side Delights Steamables are a game-changer when it comes to speed and convenience. They offer eight diverse varieties of potatoes, with their Golden Potatoes and Red Potatoes being particularly ideal for creating smashed potatoes. The real magic? You can perfectly steam them right in their bag in under 8 minutes! This ingenious feature saves you from the hassle of boiling, draining, and cleaning a pot, making these Gouda Smashed Potatoes an incredibly fast option for both weeknight dinners and more elaborate holiday gatherings. They are pre-washed and designed for microwave steaming, ensuring minimal cleanup and maximum efficiency. Imagine: while your main course cooks, these delicious potatoes are practically making themselves!
What Exactly Are Smashed Potatoes?
If you’re new to the world of smashed potatoes, prepare to be delighted. The concept is simple yet brilliant: you start with small, tender potatoes, like the ones found in Side Delights Steamables. Once cooked (or steamed to perfection in their convenient bag), these potatoes are gently pressed flat onto a baking sheet. This “smashing” technique breaks open the potato’s skin and flesh, creating irregular edges and a larger surface area. This increased surface area is crucial for achieving that ultimate crispiness when baked or broiled, allowing the seasoned olive oil to penetrate deeply and create a flavorful crust. The result is a potato that’s wonderfully crisp on the outside and wonderfully soft and creamy on the inside.
Crafting Perfect Gouda Smashed Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these mouthwatering Gouda Smashed Potatoes is incredibly simple. Here’s how you achieve this culinary delight:
- Prep Your Potatoes: Begin by steaming your Side Delights Golden or Red Potatoes according to their package directions. This typically takes less than 8 minutes in the microwave, making it incredibly fast.
- Flavor Infusion: While the potatoes are steaming, prepare your flavorful olive oil mixture. Combine high-quality olive oil with minced garlic, a touch of salt, and freshly ground pepper. This aromatic blend will coat every potato, ensuring a burst of flavor.
- Smash for Success: Once steamed, place the tender potatoes on a lightly greased baking sheet. Using a potato masher, a large fork, or even the bottom of a glass, gently but firmly press each potato until it’s flattened, creating a rustic, craggy disc. Don’t worry about perfection; the imperfections are what give these potatoes their charm and extra crispy edges!
- Drizzle and Broil: Generously drizzle your garlic-infused olive oil mixture over the smashed potatoes. Ensure each potato is well-coated. Then, broil them for about 8-10 minutes, or until they achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible crispiness. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
- The Gouda Grand Finale: Remove the crispy potatoes from the oven. Now for the star of the show: liberally sprinkle freshly shredded Gouda cheese over each potato. Return them to the oven for just 1-2 minutes, long enough for the Gouda to melt into a warm, gooey, golden pool.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish your Gouda Smashed Potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Why Gouda is the Star of These Smashed Potatoes
While many cheeses pair well with potatoes, Gouda holds a special place in this recipe. Its mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor profile perfectly complements the earthiness of the potatoes and the pungency of the garlic. More importantly, Gouda melts beautifully, creating a creamy, luxurious topping that adds richness without overwhelming the delicate flavors. When warmed, it forms a gorgeous, golden crust that enhances the overall appeal and taste, ensuring a truly decadent experience with every bite. If you’re a fan of rich, comforting cheese, this pairing is an absolute must-try.
A Versatile Side Dish for Any Occasion
These Gouda Smashed Potatoes are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of meals and occasions. They were a huge hit with my family, from the kids to the adults, proving their universal appeal. They pair wonderfully with a simple roasted chicken or a pan-seared steak for an elevated weeknight dinner. For holiday gatherings, they make an impressive and delicious alternative to traditional mashed or roasted potatoes, adding a gourmet touch that your guests will adore. You can even serve them as a unique and flavorful appetizer at a party, alongside a dipping sauce or simply on their own.
Tips for the Crispiest Smashed Potatoes
To ensure your Gouda Smashed Potatoes achieve their maximum crispiness, consider these pro tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each potato enough space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam them instead of crisping them, resulting in soggy potatoes. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Hot Oven/Broiler: Ensure your oven or broiler is fully preheated. A high, consistent heat is essential for developing that desirable crispy crust.
- Even Smashing: Try to smash the potatoes to a relatively even thickness. This ensures they cook and crisp up uniformly.
- Generous Oil: Don’t be shy with the olive oil. It’s key to achieving that golden, crunchy exterior. The garlic-infused oil also adds immense flavor.
- Monitor Broiling Closely: Broilers can be intense and quickly burn food. Stay near the oven and check frequently, especially during the last few minutes, to prevent over-browning.
Customizing Your Smashed Potatoes: Endless Possibilities
While the Gouda version is fantastic, these smashed potatoes are highly adaptable to your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for customization:
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with other cheeses! Sharp cheddar offers a tangy bite, mozzarella provides a milder, stretchier melt, or a sprinkle of Parmesan can add a salty, umami kick. A blend of cheeses can also be delightful.
- Herb Power: Beyond parsley, fresh rosemary or thyme finely chopped and mixed with the olive oil will infuse an earthy, aromatic flavor. Chives or dill added at the end can bring a fresh, oniony note.
- Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture. Smoked paprika can give a subtle smoky depth and a beautiful color.
- Different Potato Types: While Side Delights Golden and Red potatoes are perfect, other small potato varieties like Yukon Gold or baby potatoes also work well. Each offers a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
- Loaded Smashed Potatoes: After adding the cheese, consider toppings like crumbled bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a “loaded” experience.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Potato Game
These Gouda Smashed Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re an experience. Combining the beloved crispiness of roasted potatoes with the creamy, nutty richness of melted Gouda, they offer a gourmet touch that’s surprisingly simple to achieve. Thanks to convenient options like Side Delights Steamables, you can whip up this impressive dish in no time, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Impress your family and guests with this flavorful, textural masterpiece, and make Gouda Smashed Potatoes your new go-to recipe.
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Gouda Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
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1 ½ pound Potatoes, bag Side Delights® Steamables™ Golden, steamed to package directions
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3 Tablespoons olive oil
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon pepper
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup gouda cheese, shredded
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Fresh parsley
Instructions
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Turn your oven to broil.
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Steam the potatoes according to the package directions.
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Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
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In a small mixing bowl combine the olive oil, salt, pepper and the minced garlic.
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Once the potatoes are done steaming place them on the baking sheet. Using a potato masher or the back or a spoon gently press the potatoes until flat.
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Using a spoon drizzle the olive oil mixture of the potatoes. Broil for 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy.
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Remove from the oven and sprinkle the gouda cheese on the potatoes. Return to the oven for 2 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any cheese you like for these potatoes – try sharp cheddar or mozzarella.
- The red potatoes would also work great.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 31 g,
Protein: 7 g,
Fat: 15 g,
Saturated Fat: 4 g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 9 g,
Cholesterol: 17 mg,
Sodium: 277 mg,
Potassium: 748 mg,
Fiber: 4 g,
Sugar: 2 g,
Vitamin A: 88 IU,
Vitamin C: 34 mg,
Calcium: 130 mg,
Iron: 1 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This post is sponsored by Side Delights® Steamables™ potatoes. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that allow me to create new recipes!