Description
Golden potatoes smashed to perfection, crispy and buttery on the outside, fluffy on the inside, topped with gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of creamy ranch—perfect for parties or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (red, gold, or a mix)
- 6–8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2–3 stalks chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
- In a large pot, add the baby potatoes and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Place the boiled potatoes on the prepared sheet pan. Use a potato masher or flat-bottomed glass to gently press each potato down, flattening it to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Brush each smashed potato generously with the butter mixture. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tops. Add the crumbled bacon and return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Once out of the oven, drizzle the potatoes with ranch dressing. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the potatoes are hot.
Notes
[‘Don’t over-boil the potatoes to ensure they hold their shape when smashed.’, ‘For extra crispiness, drizzle a tiny bit more olive oil around the edges before baking.’, ‘Customize the flavor by adding spices like paprika or cayenne to the butter mixture.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 8
Keywords: smashed potatoes, bacon ranch potatoes, party appetizer, comfort food, crispy potatoes