Cheesy Smashed Potatoes are the answer when you’re craving a crispy, golden, cheesy side dish that’s effortless yet irresistible. Tired of boring plain potatoes that never impress at the table? This recipe transforms humble baby potatoes into a crunchy, cheesy delight that steals the show every time.

Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen at Cooks Foody! As a recipe developer and food enthusiast, I’ve spent years perfecting comfort food classics. This one’s close to my heart because it’s simple, budget-friendly, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. In this article, you’ll discover why these Cheesy Smashed Potatoes work so well, step-by-step instructions, flavor variations, serving suggestions, and answers to your most common questions.

Why This Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe Works

Uses affordable, easy-to-find potatoes
Ready in under an hour with minimal prep
Crispy edges, fluffy centers, and melty cheese
Perfect for weeknights or holiday spreads

Choosing the Right Potatoes for Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Best Varieties for This Recipe

Baby Yukon Golds creamy inside, hold shape well
Red Potatoes thin skin and mild flavor
Fingerlings slightly sweet, great texture

Buying Tips

Look for firm, smooth-skinned potatoes with no green spots
Small, even-sized potatoes cook more evenly

Substitutions

Swap cheddar for Parmesan or mozzarella
Use sweet potatoes for a different flavor twist

Ingredients & Prep for Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Potato Prep Essentials

Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender
Drain well to prevent sogginess
Smash gently with a glass for rustic edges

Flavor Beams (Seasonings)

Olive oil
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt & black pepper
Fresh parsley for garnish

Cheese Choices

Sharp cheddar (classic choice)
Gruyère for nutty depth
Pepper Jack for a spicy kick

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Pre-Cooking Prep for Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Boil potatoes 15–20 minutes until tender.

Cooking Method for Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Place potatoes on the sheet, smash with a glass.
Drizzle with olive oil and season generously.
Roast 20–25 minutes until crispy.

Doneness Check for Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Edges should be deep golden and crunchy
Cheese fully melted and bubbling

Resting for Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Let cool 5 minutes before serving so cheese sets slightly

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Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Avoiding Dry or Soggy Potatoes

Drain thoroughly after boiling
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet

Tool Recommendations for Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Heavy baking sheet for crispiness
Potato masher or flat-bottom glass for smashing
Parchment paper for easy cleanup

Storage & Reheating Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Refrigerate up to 3 days
Reheat in oven at 375°F to crisp them up again

Flavor Variations for Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Variation	How to Make It
Spicy Twist	Add cayenne, chili flakes, or jalapeños
Herb Lovers	Mix in rosemary, thyme, or chives
Cheese Swap	Try blue cheese, gouda, or feta
Loaded Style	Top with sour cream and scallions

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables
Serve as a holiday side with turkey or lamb
Great with dipping sauces: garlic aioli or ranch

FAQs About Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Can I use larger potatoes?
Yes, just cut them in halves or quarters before boiling.

Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes, boil and smash them, then refrigerate. Roast when ready to serve.

Are Cheesy Smashed Potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your cheese and seasonings are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Ready to impress your family and friends? Fire up your oven and make these Cheesy Smashed Potatoes tonight! They’re crunchy, gooey, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Join thousands of home cooks who’ve tried this recipe from Cooks Foody and loved it.

Cheesy Smashed Potatoes 7 Irresistible Crispy & Gooey Secrets

Author: Jack
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and topped with gooey melted cheese. The ultimate comfort food side dish!

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet.

2. Boil potatoes until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.

3. Drain and arrange potatoes on the baking sheet.

4. Smash each potato with a glass until flattened.

5. Drizzle with olive oil, season with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.

6. Roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.

7. Sprinkle cheese on top, bake another 5 minutes until melted.

8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use Yukon Golds or red potatoes for best results.

For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or jalapeños.

Reheat leftovers in the oven for crispiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Cheesy Smashed Potatoes, crispy potatoes, cheesy side dish