These smoked cheesy potatoes are a tasty side dish you’ll love! With layers of cheesy goodness and a hint of smoky flavor, they’re perfect for any BBQ or family meal.
Who can resist creamy, cheesy potatoes? I often find myself going back for seconds (or thirds). Perfect with grilled meats, they’re super easy to whip up and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I find that Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are great choices. They mash and hold their shape well. If you need a low-carb option, try cauliflower – just remember to cook it well so it mixes nicely!
Cheeses: Cheddar and Monterey Jack work beautifully together, with the sharpness of cheddar and the creaminess of Jack. For a different flavor, substitute gouda or pepper jack for a hint of spice.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds creaminess and tang. You could replace it with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, or cottage cheese for extra protein – just blend it first for a smoother texture.
Bacon: If you’re vegetarian or just don’t have bacon, try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to give that smoky flavor. You could also use crispy fried onions for crunch.
Cornflake Crumbs: Cornflake crumbs give a nice crunch on top. If you don’t have them, Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work too – they will also bring a delightful crunch!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Potatoes?
Cooking the potatoes just right is essential for a great texture. Avoid undercooking them; they should be fork-tender. To ensure they cook evenly:
- Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces before boiling.
- Boil in salted water, which helps flavor the potatoes.
- Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark, but be cautious; overcooked potatoes can be mushy.
Once drained, let them cool slightly before mixing to avoid a soupy texture. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheesy Potato Mixture:
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups cornflake crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and either 1 to 1.5 hours to smoke or 30-40 minutes to bake. It’s a delicious way to enjoy potatoes with a cheesy twist, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Cooking Method:
Start by either preparing your smoker or preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important to make sure your potatoes cook evenly, whether you choose to smoke or bake them.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your diced potatoes and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they become fork-tender. Once they are done, drain the water and set the potatoes aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Cheesy Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, diced onion, and bacon (if you’re using it). With a spatula or spoon, stir everything together well. Add your garlic powder, onion powder, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, mixing until everything is nicely blended.
4. Fold in the Potatoes:
Gently add the cooked potatoes to the cheese mixture. Carefully fold the potatoes into the mixture with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly coated without breaking them too much.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Take a greased 9×13 inch baking dish (or an aluminum tray if using a smoker) and transfer the potato mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
6. Prepare the Topping:
In another bowl, mix the cornflake crumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over the top of the potato mixture.
7. Cook the Potatoes:
If you are using a smoker, set it to 225°F (107°C) and smoke the potatoes for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the top is golden and crispy. If you prefer to bake, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once your Smoked Cheesy Potatoes are done, take them out of the heat and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious and cheesy potato dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are great for their fluffiness, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that red potatoes will have a firmer texture, which can still work well in this dish!
What Can I Substitute for the Bacon?
If you’re looking to keep the dish vegetarian, you can use sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika as a flavorful alternative. For added crunch, consider using toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just add the cornflake topping right before cooking, and it may take a little longer to cook if it’s coming straight from the fridge!
