Smoked Cheesy Potatoes are a warm and hearty side dish that brings comfort to every meal. They’re loaded with creamy cheese and smoky flavors, making them super tasty!
Who can resist the combo of cheesy goodness and a hint of smoke? I love serving these at family barbecues. Pair them with grilled meats, and you’ve got a winning meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for mashing and holding up in this dish. If you don’t have russets, you can use Yukon Golds; they’ll add a buttery flavor.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but you can swap it with half-and-half for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream will work nicely, just keep in mind it may add a different flavor.
Sour Cream: This gives a tangy taste. Greek yogurt is a great substitute while adding extra protein. You could also use mayonnaise, but it’s a bit richer.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic here! However, you can mix it up with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little spice. Just remember it’s good to have some melted cheese for that ooey-gooey effect.
Diced Ham or Bacon: This is optional, but it adds great flavor. For a vegetarian version, you could use sautéed mushrooms or skip it altogether for a lighter dish.
Why is Cooking the Potatoes First Important?
Pre-cooking the potatoes is essential to ensure they’re perfectly tender when combined with the creamy mixture. If you skip this step, the potatoes might not cook thoroughly during the smoking process.
- Boil the diced potatoes for about 10-15 minutes until a fork goes in easily.
- Drain well and set aside so they maintain their texture.
How to Get the Perfect Crisp on the Topping?
The crushed cornflakes or potato chips on top are meant to add that delightful crunch! Ensure your butter is melted and evenly mixed with the crumbs for the best coating. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the crushed cornflakes or chips with melted butter until every piece is coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the potato dish before adding the remaining cheese for an extra crispy finish.
Letting the dish rest before serving is also key; it helps everything set, making it easier to scoop out!
How to Make Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup diced cooked ham or bacon (optional)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 3 cups crushed cornflakes or potato chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation time and approximately 1 to 1.5 hours of cooking time in the smoker. So, overall, you should plan for about 2 hours to make these delicious Smoked Cheesy Potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Smoker and Potatoes:
Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F (107°C). While it heats up, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the diced russet potatoes. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool a bit.
2. Mix the Creamy Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, sour cream, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, diced ham or bacon (if you’re using it), chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed and creamy.
3. Combine and Transfer:
Now gently fold the cooked and cooled potatoes into the creamy mixture until they are all coated evenly. Once mixed, pour the entire potato mixture into a disposable aluminum pan to prepare it for the smoker.
4. Prepare the Topping:
In a separate bowl, take your crushed cornflakes or potato chips and mix them with the melted butter. Stir well so that all the crumbs are coated with the butter.
5. Assemble and Smoke:
Sprinkle the buttered crumbs evenly over the top of the potato mixture. Finish by adding the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Carefully place the aluminum pan in the smoker and cook it for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You’re looking for a golden-brown, bubbly top!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the potatoes are done cooking, remove the pan from the smoker and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely touch. Serve warm as a delightful side dish and enjoy your cheesy creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese gives a great flavor, you can experiment with other types like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a blend of your favorites. Just keep in mind that the melting properties can vary, so choose cheeses that melt well!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make these smoked cheesy potatoes vegetarian, simply omit the ham or bacon. You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for additional flavor and texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of cream or milk if they seem dry.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the potato mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just mix the crushed cornflakes or potato chips with melted butter right before smoking to keep them crispy!
