If you thought potatoes couldn’t get any better, wait until you try smashed potatoes with cheese. Crispy, golden edges with a creamy center, these potatoes are a breeze to make on the griddle.
Why this recipe works
Firing up the griddle makes this recipe worth its weight in gold. Here’s why:
- Convenient: Need to feed a crowd? No worries, the griddle has space to make a big batch of smashed potatoes with cheese without overcrowding.
- Less mess: The griddle makes it easy to clean up, wipes down easily, and no pan to clean or soak.
- Perfect crispiness to fluffy ratio: The griddle’s even heat distribution gives you the perfect crispy crust but the inside is still buttery and fluffy.
- Simple and fast: Make the seasoning as simple or complicated as you want to flavor the potatoes. In the end, remember 💥 Smash 💥 Crisp 💥Melt 💥.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: Baby Dutch Yellow Potatoes for their buttery texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor so every bite is delicious.
- Garlic powder: The secret ingredient when added to potatoes. It boosts the flavor with its sweetness.
- Ground pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth to the potatoes.
- Shredded cheese: Take the time to shred your choice of cheese. It will melt better and give you more flavor. I love how it gives the perfectly ooey-gooey texture.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Variations
Have fun with this recipe. The combinations of flavors are endless.
- Customizable for everyone to love: Add a hint of Chili powder for a spicy kick, or lemon pepper for a tangy flavor.
- Be cheesy: I added Colby Jack cheese, but mozzarella or cheddar can be perfect if served along with smoked chicken drumsticks or smoked meatballs. Smoked Gouda smashed potatoes are the perfect match with smoked meatloaf.
- Perfect for any occasion: Let these smashed potatoes with cheese be the best wingmen to your next BBQ or smoked masterpiece. Smashed potatoes are fun to serve alongside grilled chicken thighs or top round steak.
How to make smashed potatoes with cheese
Don’t overthink it. The magic of this recipe lies in the simplicity of smashing.
Boil & season the potatoes.
Smash the potatoes.
Flip & add cheese.
Serve and Enjoy!
Scroll down to the recipe card for exact quantities and instructions.
Tips for making smashed potatoes with cheese
- Don’t skip the salt when boiling the Baby Dutch Yellow potatoes. It not only enhances their flavors but also helps with the texture.
- Depending on the potato you are using, cooking time may vary.
- Preheat the griddle before adding the potatoes. This will ensure even cooking and perfectly crispy smashed potatoes with cheese.
- If you like this recipe, you may want to check out our new favorite air fryer French onion baked potatoes.
More potato recipe ideas
Can’t get enough potatoes? Here are some of our favorite recipes.
What to serve cheesy smashed potatoes with?
- Spicy chicken nuggets
- Grilled or smoked bratwurst
- Chuck Roast burnt ends
Equipment
- Griddle
- Large spatula or press
Storage / Reheat
- Storage: Once they are completely cool, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 – 3 days.
- Reheat: On the griddle at medium heat until warmed or the air fryer at 350°F for 2 – 3 minutes for a quick snack.
More griddle recipe ideas
Now that the griddle is warmed up? What would be your next griddle cook?
FAQ
We love using Dutch Baby Yellow for its buttery texture.
Yes. This is a critical step to get the potatoes cooked. Smashing on the griddle is the final step to get a crispy and ooey-gooey texture for each potato.
Absolutely, but keep in mind some of the pre-shredded cheese may contain an anti-caking agent which can impact how the cheese will melt. If you are looking for an ooey-gooey texture, freshly shredded cheese is the way to go.
Make sure the griddle is hot and perfectly oiled. Press the potatoes down and don’t touch them (undisturbed) for 3 minutes.
Yes, loaded smashed potatoes are a fun option. Once the potatoes are cheesy and crispy to your liking, serve them with sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped onions.
What do you think of smashed potatoes with cheese? Please leave us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the review below and tag me @thekitchenbucketlist on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Smashed potatoes with cheese
Equipment
- Griddle
- Spatula or press
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds Baby Dutch Yellow potatoes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (Or your favorite cheese for melting.)
Instructions
- Clean the Baby Dutch Yellow potatoes.
- Boil the potatoes in a saucepan until they are tender with a fork. Approximately 15 minutes. The potatoes will be at 185-190℉.
- Drain and place the potatoes in a large bowl.
- Preheat and oil the griddle to medium heat, approximately 375℉.
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, garlic powder, and ground pepper to make the seasoning. Set aside.
- Pour the olive oil and gently mix to coat the potatoes.
- Sprinkle half of the seasoning over the potatoes. Gently mix them so all the seasoning coats the potatoes. Set aside until the griddle is at temperature.
- Place the potatoes on the griddle and smash them gently with a press or spatula.
- Sprinkle a few pinches of the seasoning on each potato.
- Griddle for 3 minutes.
- Flip the smashed potatoes, add the shredded cheese and cook for an additional 3 – 4 minutes until desired crispiness and melted cheesiness.
- *OPTIONAL* For an extra crispy cheesy crust 😋, place some cheese on the griddle where you flip the smashed potatoes. Then add the cheese on top too.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- Potato size: It is important that the Baby Dutch Yellow potatoes are similar size for even crisping on the griddle.
- Smashing: Use a little fineness here, press hard enough to smash the potato but keep in mind it is not a smash burger. If you go too hard, the potato will crumble. Not to worry, push it back together and when you flip it add more cheese😉.
- Cheese on the griddle before flipping: You got to do this at least once. It makes for a crispy cheese crust for the cheese lovers.
- Cheese not melting fast enough: It happens for many reasons. Don’t worry, grab a dome shaped lid to cover the smashed potatoes to speed up melting.
Food Safety
All of us are responsible for the safe preparation, cooking, and serving of food. The Kitchen Bucket List shares with you our personal experiences in cooking and food safety. We are not a food safety site. As a convenience, we provide informative information we find from food safety sites. If you have questions about your food safety, check your local guidelines and/or head over to the USDA. The “Storage / Reheat” section of the post is our personal estimate.
Here are some key things to remember:
- Choosing the appropriate oil for frying, sautéing, or to use out on the griddle is not just a taste choice. Knowing the smoking point will prevent exposure to harmful compounds.
- When you head out to use the BBQ, smoker, or outdoor griddle, think about the safe placement of each. Pay close attention to the griddle, it is a large hot open surface that can splatter oil.
These smashed potatoes with cheese look so good, can’t wait to try them!
Love smashed potatoes and these and delish! Perfect side dish!
These were so fun to make and easy. Thanks. Great with the sliders.
Cas,
I am so glad you liked them. Perfect side dish for sliders isn’t?
What an amazing recipe! I love potatoes and can’t wait to try this version!
Abi,
These smashed potatoes are so much fun to make and delicious! Let us know how they turn out!