There is something truly magical about Blackstone Smashed Potatoes that turns simple baby potatoes into a crispy, cheesy, flavorful masterpiece. This dish combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes with a perfectly crisped exterior, enhanced by garlic, butter, and olive oil, and topped with sharp cheddar and smoky bacon. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, Blackstone Smashed Potatoes elevate comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness that you’ll crave again and again.

Blackstone Smashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Blackstone Smashed Potatoes starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients, each adding its own special touch. These essentials come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color you’ll love with every bite.

2 pounds baby potatoes: These little gems are perfectly sized for smashing and give you that tender interior and crisp edge you want.
2 Tablespoons butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create that golden-brown crust when melted on the griddle.
3 Tablespoons olive oil: Helps coat the potatoes evenly and crisps them up beautifully while keeping them moist inside.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle, savory kick without overpowering the potatoes.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural potato sweetness and balancing flavors.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness with a sharp, tangy punch that everyone loves.
½ cup bacon bits: Brings a smoky, salty crunch that perfectly complements the creamy cheese and potatoes.
Sour cream: Optional but highly recommended for adding a cool, creamy contrast when serving.
Chopped fresh parsley or chives: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a bright, herbaceous finish to the dish.

How to Make Blackstone Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by boiling the baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender. This step is crucial because you want the potatoes to be cooked through and soft but not falling apart. Once tender, drain the potatoes and set them aside. This initial cooking gives you a creamy center that contrasts with the crispy exterior you’ll build later on the griddle.

Step 2: Preheat the Blackstone Griddle

While the potatoes are boiling, get your Blackstone griddle heating up to medium-high heat. The high, even heat of the griddle is what makes these smashed potatoes stand out, providing that irresistible crunch without burning. Preheating it properly ensures your potatoes will cook evenly and quickly when smashed down.

Step 3: Toss the Potatoes in Seasoning and Oil

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, and sea salt. Toss the cooked potatoes in this mixture until they’re evenly coated. This step is where the garlic and salt start infusing the potatoes, adding layers of flavor even before they hit the griddle.

Step 4: Melt Butter on the Griddle

Add butter to the preheated griddle and spread it out to create a luscious, buttery cooking surface. Butter not only enhances the flavor but helps achieve that golden, crispy crust on the potatoes’ edges, making each bite addictive.

Step 5: Smash and Cook the Potatoes

Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the griddle. Using a griddle spatula or burger press, gently smash each potato to flatten it about half an inch thick. Let them cook for 5 minutes undisturbed, allowing that crispy exterior to develop beautifully.

Step 6: Flip and Add Cheese and Bacon

Flip the smashed potatoes carefully and then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits on top. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, letting the cheese melt into gooey perfection and the bacon heat through. This step adds the final flavor punches and transforms these potatoes into an indulgent treat.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Once the cheese is melted and the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, transfer them off the griddle and serve right away. The contrast of textures and flavors is most delightful when enjoyed fresh and hot.

How to Serve Blackstone Smashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Adding a fresh herb garnish like chopped parsley or chives on top of your Blackstone Smashed Potatoes brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that complements the richness below. A dollop of sour cream offers a cool and creamy accent that cuts through the crispy, cheesy goodness perfectly.

Side Dishes

These potatoes make an excellent side for grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork. They also pair beautifully with fresh salads or roasted vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that dazzles the whole family. The crispy, cheesy texture contrasts well with smoother or lighter sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Blackstone Smashed Potatoes as part of a loaded potato platter with additional toppings like jalapeños, green onions, or even a drizzle of spicy aioli. For parties, serve them on a large wooden board with a variety of dips to make a fun, shareable appetizer that guests won’t stop talking about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They maintain their flavor for up to 3 days. Be aware that the crispy texture will soften over time, but the flavors remain delicious when reheated.

Freezing

Freezing Blackstone Smashed Potatoes is possible, though it’s best done before adding cheese and bacon. Arrange the smashed, cooked potatoes on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month and reheated straight from frozen for a quick side dish.

Reheating

To bring back some of the original crispiness when reheating, place the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm them under a broiler or in a hot oven until heated through and crisped again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, you can use regular potatoes cut into smaller chunks, but baby potatoes have the perfect size and texture for smashing and holding together, which helps achieve that crisp crust without falling apart.

Do I need a Blackstone griddle for this recipe?

While a Blackstone griddle is ideal for evenly crisping and cooking, you can replicate this recipe on a large heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, although results might vary slightly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon bits and consider adding extra cheese or other toppings like sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for added flavor.

Is garlic powder necessary, or can I use fresh garlic?

Garlic powder provides a subtle, even garlic flavor throughout, but fresh minced garlic can be used if you prefer a stronger, fresher taste—just be careful not to burn it on the griddle.

How crispy do the potatoes get cooking on the Blackstone griddle?

The Blackstone griddle’s high, even heat helps the potatoes develop a beautifully crisp, golden-brown crust on the outside while keeping the inside soft and tender—a signature trait of the Blackstone Smashed Potatoes.

Final Thoughts

Blackstone Smashed Potatoes are an absolute crowd-pleaser that elevates simple ingredients into a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful sensation you’ll want again and again. Whether you’re new to cooking on a griddle or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite. Give them a try and watch how they transform any meal into a celebration!

Blackstone Smashed Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Blackstone Smashed Potatoes are a flavorful twist on classic smashed potatoes. Coated with olive oil and garlic, then cooked to golden perfection on a griddle, they’re topped with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon bits, and garnished with fresh herbs for a delicious appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

2 pounds baby potatoes

Seasonings and Oil

2 Tablespoons butter
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sea salt

Toppings

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup bacon bits
Sour cream (for serving)
Chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

Instructions

Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the baby potatoes until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the water from the pot.
Preheat the Griddle: Set your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the potatoes.
Coat the Potatoes: In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, and sea salt. Add the drained potatoes to the bowl and toss thoroughly until all potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoned oil.
Melt Butter on Griddle: Place the butter on the griddle and let it melt completely, then spread it out evenly across the cooking surface.
Smash the Potatoes: Arrange the potatoes on the griddle in a single layer. Use a spatula or burger press to firmly smash each potato until flattened but still holding together.
Cook and Add Toppings: Let the smashed potatoes cook uncovered for 5 minutes to develop a crispy bottom. Flip each potato over, then generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits over the top. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the potatoes are crispy on both sides.
Serve: Remove the potatoes from the griddle and serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or chives and accompanied by sour cream if desired.

Notes

Use baby potatoes or small Yukon Golds for best results, as they hold shape well when smashed.
Be gentle when smashing to avoid breaking the potatoes apart completely.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon bits or substitute with crispy fried mushrooms or smoked paprika seasoning.
Serve hot for maximum crispiness; leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer.
Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your bacon bits and cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling and Griddling
Cuisine: American