The crispy, cheesy, bacony genius of loaded smashed potatoes.

Learn how to make loaded mashed potatoes.

They will fly off the platter no matter how they’re served.

Southern Living Loaded Smashed Potatoes on the pan ready to serve

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Ingredients

1(1 1/2-lb.)pkg.

Drain well in a colander.

Cook bacon:

While potatoes cook, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium.

Southern Living Loaded Smashed Potatoes cooking until tender

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Add bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 8 minutes.

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, discarding drippings in skillet.

Smash cooked potatoes:

Drizzle a large rimmed baking sheet with oil.

Southern Living Loaded Smashed Potatoes cooking the bacon

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Transfer cooked potatoes to prepared baking sheet, and carefully roll around to coat in oil.

Arrange in even layer, about 1/2-inch apart.

Bake in preheated oven until browned, about 18 minutes.

Southern Living Loaded Smashed Potatoes smashing the potatoes

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Garnish with flaky sea salt.

Boil and smash the potatoes as directed.

Bring to room temperature and top with butter and garlic before baking and garnishing as directed.

Southern Living Loaded Smashed Potatoes after baking with the garlic butter

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Store leftover smashed potatoes separately from sour cream and other toppings, if possible.

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days.

Let sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven to 375F.

Southern Living Loaded Smashed Potatoes after adding the cheese

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Bake until crisp and hot throughout, then top again as desired before serving.

you might also reheat the potatoes on the stovetop or in an air fryer to revive that crispy texture.

Pair with hearty mains likemeatloaf, grilled meats or fish, roasted chicken, orburgers.

Southern Living Loaded Smashed Potatoes on a platter to serve

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Complete the meal with your favorite veggie-based sides.

Southern Living Loaded Smashed Potatoes ingredients

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Loaded Smashed Potatoes on a green pan

Credit:Hannah Hufham; Food Stylist: Costen King; Prop Stylist: Tucker Vines