Whether you want a new side dish, an appetizer, or something to put on sharing platters, this cheesy smashed potatoes recipe ticks all the boxes. It is simple to prepare, a crowd-pleaser, and it comes together in only 45 minutes!
I love potatoes, and I love even more enjoying them with cheese! That's why I have a recipe for so many versions: cottage cheese mashed potatoes (although mashed potatoes are good in any case!), potato bake, baked potatoes with cheddar cheese, potato croquettes with cheesy filling, and so many more.
These smashed potatoes with cheese need very little hands-on time, and the toppings work so well together they turn this side dish into the perfect accompaniment for all your favorite main courses, from grilled meats to burgers and bakes.
But don't think of this only as a side. Fill some bowls with your favorite dipping sauce, like sour cream or marinara, and you have a delicious sharing platter for game night. You're welcome!
💎 Why This Recipe Works
- Baby potatoes, cheddar cheese, chives, and garlic complement each other perfectly. Add olive oil to make the smashed potatoes crispy, and you have the perfect combination of ingredients!
- It takes well under an hour to complete, and most of it is hands-off. While you are at it, why don't you prepare a tray of ranch potatoes, too?
- If you love air fryer recipes, then try this Hasselback sweet potatoes recipe too!
🛒 Ingredients
- Potatoes: Opt for baby potatoes if you can! Small, firm, and uniform in size will make the cooking process easier and uniform. Waxy varieties, like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, offer the best results for smashed potatoes, as they maintain their shape well. Russet potatoes are starchier and may fall apart when smashed, so they are not the best choice for this recipe.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a massive difference in this recipe, and I wouldn't suggest using garlic powder instead. If you can, use a couple of fresh cloves!
Be sure to check out the recipe card for all the ingredients and instructions you'll need to make this dish. Don't miss out on any of the details!
♻️ Substitutions and Variations
- Cheese: Mature cheddar cheese is a great choice; its strong flavor works wonders with the creamy interior of the potatoes. However, most melting cheese will work. Mild cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda work well. Try smoked gouda for an even deeper flavor! If your favorite cheese is Parmesan cheese, then try our garlic Parmesan smashed potatoes instead.
- Fresh Herbs: Depending on the main course you are serving, you may want to use other herbs instead of chives. Fresh rosemary and thyme are great alternatives!
- Additional Toppings: When adding the cheese, you can add some chopped bacon or ham, although this will work best with milder cheese. Sauteed mushrooms are a great vegetarian option.
👩🏻🍳 How to Make Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
- Grate the garlic cloves and mix with oil, salt, and pepper. [Picture 1]
- Brush the smashed potatoes with the oil mix, and bake. [Picture 2]
- Add the cheese and chives mix, and bake till melted. [Picture 3]
- Enjoy the cheesy smashed potatoes with chives while still hot. [Picture 4]
🙋♀️ People Also Ask [FAQs]
You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time, but for best results, bake or air fry these cheesy smashed potatoes just before serving to maintain crispiness.
These crispy smashed potatoes with cheese are best served immediately. To store them, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, place them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until they're hot and crispy again. Freezing isn't ideal, and reheating in a microwave won't maintain their crispiness.
💡 Pro Tips
- Even Cooking: Ensure the potatoes are of a similar size for even cooking and smashing. If you can hand-pick them at the grocery store or greengrocer, it will certainly make it easier!
- Extra Crispy: For extra crispy edges, increase the oven time by a few minutes before adding the cheese. Don't overbake, as the inside may dry out.
🍴 More Delicious Recipes to Try
Tried this recipe? Drop a ⭐ review and tag @TaterTales on Pinterest—we’d love to see your creation!
🍽️ Recipe
Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 500 g Baby Potatoes
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 75 g Cheddar Cheese shredded or grated
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives Finely Chopped
Instructions
- If using the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the baby potatoes. In a large pot, cook them in salted water until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes from when the water starts to boil. Always add the potatoes to cold water, so they cook evenly.
- While the potatoes cook, grate the garlic cloves.
- Mix the grated garlic in a bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper.
In the oven
- Cover the baking sheet with some parchment paper or use a tray that is non-stick. You may need to drizzle some olive oil to prevent the potatoes to stick to the bottom.
- Drain the potatoes and place them on the baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or jar, a fork, or a potato masher and gently smash each potato to about ½-inch thickness (1 to 1.3cm).
- Brush the tops of the smashed potatoes with the garlic oil.
- Bake the smashed potatoes in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden.
- Mix the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese mixture over the potatoes and return to the oven for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the cheesy smashed potatoes while still hot. Enjoy!
In the air fryer
- Place the boiled potatoes on a baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or jar, a fork, or a potato masher and gently smash each potato to about ½-inch thickness (1 to 1.3cm).
- Brush the tops of the smashed potatoes with the olive oil mixture.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 minutes or until crispy at 400°F (200°C).
- Mix the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives.
- Sprinkle the smashed potatoes with the cheese mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve the smashed potatoes with cheese while still hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storing and Reheating: These crispy smashed potatoes with cheese are best served immediately. To store them, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, place them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until they're hot and crispy again. Freezing isn't ideal, and reheating in a microwave won't maintain their crispiness.
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