Description
These Jalapeno Popper Smashed Potatoes are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and spicy. Loaded with creamy cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, they’re topped off with a cool ranch dip for the ultimate indulgent bite. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish or a fun appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
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12–15 baby red potatoes (or Yukon Gold potatoes, skins on)
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2–3 jalapeno peppers, diced (seeds for extra heat)
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6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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2 tbsp butter, melted
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Sour cream (for dipping)
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Green onions (for garnish)
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Jalapeno powder (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
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Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, boil the baby potatoes (skins on) for 15-20 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
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Smash the Potatoes: Once boiled, place the potatoes on a lined baking sheet. Use a potato masher, fork, or even the bottom of a glass to gently smash them. Don’t over-mash; you want them to hold their shape.
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Season and Bake: Brush the smashed potatoes with melted butter and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy.
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Add Toppings: While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it. Once the potatoes are out of the oven, sprinkle them with the diced jalapenos, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Prepare the Dip: In a small bowl, combine sour cream with ranch seasoning and a dash of jalapeno powder if you want more spice.
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Serve: Garnish the potatoes with green onions and serve with the sour cream dip on the side for dipping.
Notes
Jalapeno Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapenos. For a spicier kick, keep the seeds in.
Make-Ahead: Prepare and bake the smashed potatoes ahead of time. Let them cool, then store in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven to crisp them up and melt the cheese.
Customizable: Feel free to use other types of cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg