Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring crispy, cheesy smashed potatoes topped with bacon and chives, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (gold or red)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 3 stalks green onions or chives, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup water (for microwaving)
Instructions
- Wash baby potatoes thoroughly and poke each one a few times with a fork to prevent exploding.
- Place potatoes in a large microwave-safe bowl with ¼ cup water. Cover loosely and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Flip potatoes and microwave for another 2-3 minutes until tender all the way through.
- Drain water and let potatoes cool slightly. Smash each potato with a fork to about ½ inch thick, creating cracks.
- Brush smashed potatoes generously with melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange smashed potatoes in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Scatter crumbled bacon over the top.
- Pile shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the potatoes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with green onions or chives, and dollop with sour cream if desired.
- Let sit for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not skip the microwave step as it softens the potatoes for easy smashing. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. If broiling, stay in the kitchen as cheese burns quickly. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if bacon and cheese are verified.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: smashed potatoes, potato casserole, weeknight dinner, easy recipes, comfort food, bacon, cheese, microwave potatoes