These Easy Crispy Blackstone Smashed Potatoes are a delicious treat! They turn out golden and crunchy on the outside, while staying fluffy inside. Yum!
I love making these when I have friends over; they always disappear fast! Pair them with your favorite dip, and you’re all set for a fun snack. 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: I love using baby Yukon gold or red potatoes for their creamy texture and great flavor. If you can’t find these, feel free to use larger potatoes; just cut them into chunks for boiling.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice flavor, but any cooking oil works, like vegetable or avocado oil. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using olive oil spray.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These spices boost flavor easily. If you have fresh garlic or onions, you can use them; just adjust the amounts since they are more potent. Fresh garlic is a real treat!
Bacon Bits: I like crispy bacon for its crunch! If you want a vegetarian option, use chopped mushrooms or smoky tempeh for a different flavor profile.
Cheese Blend: Cheddar and mozzarella are favorites in my house. If you’re dairy-free, try using plant-based cheese or skip it entirely for a different twist!
How Do I Get My Potatoes Extra Crispy?
To achieve that crispy texture, follow these steps closely:
- Start by boiling the potatoes until they’re just tender. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll be mushy and hard to smash!
- Grease the griddle well. The oil not only helps crisp the potatoes but also prevents sticking.
- When smashing, press firmly but gently to keep them intact. A thicker smash means more crunch on the edges!
- Make sure your griddle is hot before adding potatoes. This helps achieve that golden brown color quickly.
- Flip only once to maintain that crispy exterior. Let them sit for a few minutes on each side for optimal crispiness.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy smashed potatoes every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Crispy Blackstone Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (such as red or Yukon gold)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil or cooking oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup cooked crispy bacon bits
- 1 cup shredded cheese blend (cheddar and mozzarella recommended)
- Optional garnishes: chopped green onions or fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30-40 minutes in total. You’ll need around 15 minutes to boil the potatoes, and then about 20 minutes to cook and assemble everything on the griddle. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Griddle:
First, heat your griddle or large skillet (a Blackstone griddle works great!) over medium-high heat. This preheating gets your cooking surface ready for some crispy goodness!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Give the baby potatoes a good wash. Then, put them in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Let them cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. You want them soft but not falling apart.
3. Drain and Cool:
Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool slightly so you can handle them without burning your fingers!
4. Grease the Griddle:
While the potatoes are cooling, grease your preheated griddle with about 2 tablespoons of oil. This helps create that crispy exterior.
5. Smash the Potatoes:
Place the cooled potatoes on the hot griddle with some space between them. Using a sturdy spatula or the bottom of a glass, gently press down each potato to smash it flat but keep it in one whole piece.
6. Season the Potatoes:
Drizzle or brush the smashed potatoes with the remaining oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning gets them extra tasty!
7. Cook Until Golden:
Let those beauties cook until the bottoms are golden and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Flip each potato and cook for another 5 minutes until crispy on the other side. The sound of sizzling will be music to your ears!
8. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the crispy bacon bits evenly over the potatoes, then add the shredded cheese on top. Cheese makes everything better, right?
9. Melt the Cheese:
Cover with a lid or some foil to help the cheese melt, about 2-3 minutes. You want it nice and gooey!
10. Finish and Garnish:
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, take them off the heat. If you want, sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these crispy smashed potatoes hot as a delicious side dish or snack. Watch them disappear at your next gathering!
Enjoy the irresistible crunchy outside and creamy potato inside with melty cheese and smoky bacon on top! Perfect for game day or casual gatherings! 🥔🧀🥓
FAQ for Easy Crispy Blackstone Smashed Potatoes
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby Yukon gold or red potatoes work great, you can use larger potatoes like russets. Just make sure to cut them into smaller chunks for boiling, so they cook evenly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again!
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Of course! Simply skip the bacon bits or substitute with sautéed mushrooms or sunflower seeds for a tasty crunch. You can also add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Serve These Potatoes?
These smashed potatoes are delicious on their own but also pair well with dips like ranch or sour cream. Serve them alongside grilled meats or as a fun appetizer at parties!
