Imagine a loaded baked potato, smashed and baked into crispy bite-sized goodness, particularly made for game day or any get-together, potluck, picnic or snack time.
Boil, smash and bake.
It starts with a quick parboil of the potatoes in cold salted water, cooking just until they're softened.
To smash these bad boys, you can use a potato masher, the heel of your hand, or the bottom of a heavy glass, trying your best to keep the potatoes as intact as possible.
Bake the potatoes until they're oh-so-crispy on the outside, topping with a dollop of sour cream, bacon and chives.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby yellow potatoes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Cast Iron Skillet
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
- Place potatoes in a Dutch oven and cover with cold salted water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and simmer until just tender, about 15 minutes; drain well and let cool slightly.
- Place potatoes onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a flat dry measuring cup or glass, carefully smash the potatoes until flattened but still in one piece. Brush with olive oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Place into oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Sprinkle the tops of each potato with cheese; place into oven and bake until cheese has melted, an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat; transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Top each potato with sour cream, bacon and chives.
- Serve immediately.