Smoked Cheesy Potatoes are a mouthwatering treat! These tender potatoes are mixed with creamy cheese and infused with a delightful smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.
Honestly, what’s better than cheese and potatoes together? I love serving these at barbecues. Everyone always comes back for seconds—who can blame them? 🧀🥔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great for achieving a fluffy texture. If you prefer a creamier potato, consider using Yukon Gold potatoes instead.
Sour Cream: This adds tanginess and creaminess. Greek yogurt works as a perfect substitute, plus it packs more protein!
Cheddar and Mozzarella: Cheddar gives a sharp taste, while mozzarella adds stretchiness. You can swap those for other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: If you’re avoiding chicken, a creamy mushroom or vegetable soup can work well here.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. For a vegetarian option, consider using crispy fried onions or just omitting it altogether.
Corn Flakes: These give a crunchy topping. Crushed potato chips or crushed crackers can also be great if corn flakes aren’t available.
How Do I Bring Out the Best in My Smoked Potatoes?
The smoking process is crucial, and it can be a bit tricky. Keeping the smoker at a steady 225°F (107°C) allows you to infuse the potatoes with a lovely smoky flavor. Here’s how:
- Make sure wood chips are soaked before use to produce more smoke.
- Place the aluminum pan directly on the smoker rack. This helps the dish cook evenly.
Also, let the potatoes rest for a few minutes after removing them. This helps set the texture for serving. You won’t want to skip that crispy top; it’s the best part!
How to Make Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups corn flakes, crushed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1.5 hours to smoke. So, set aside about 2 hours total for a delicious side dish that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This low temperature will help give the potatoes a nice smoky flavor.
2. Boil the Potatoes:
Grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring it to a boil, then add the diced potatoes. Boil them for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re tender. Once done, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, and crumbled bacon (if you’re using it). Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s nice and combined.
4. Combine Potatoes and Mixture:
Add your cooked potatoes to the bowl with the cheese mixture. Gently stir them all together so that every potato is coated evenly. This is where the magic begins!
5. Prepare for Smoking:
Transfer the potato mixture into a large aluminum foil pan or a baking dish. This will make it easy to handle in the smoker.
6. Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed corn flakes with the melted butter. This topping will add a delicious crunch! Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of your potato dish.
7. Smoke the Potatoes:
Carefully place the foil pan in the smoker. Lock the lid down and let it smoke for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. This step will enhance everything with that delicious smoky flavor.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once the potatoes are done, take them out of the smoker and let them cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for that lovely finishing touch.
9. Enjoy!
Serve these Smoked Cheesy Potatoes warm as a tasty side dish! They’re sure to be a hit at your meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are great for a fluffy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for tenderness during boiling.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
To prepare in advance, you can assemble the potato mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before smoking. Just cover it well with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then add the corn flakes topping and smoke as instructed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through, and consider adding a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra melty goodness!
Can I Substitute the Cream of Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer a fresh, from-scratch version. If you want a dairy-free option, look for non-dairy cream soups available in stores!
