These smoked cheesy potatoes are a warm and comforting dish that everyone loves! They combine soft potatoes, gooey cheese, and a smoky flavor that makes each bite special.
Whenever I make these, I can’t resist sneaking a few bites before serving! They’re perfect for BBQs or cozy family dinners. Trust me, you’ll want to save some for later, but good luck with that! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I love using russet or Yukon gold potatoes. They’re creamy and perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try sweet potatoes or even cauliflower for a lighter twist!
Sour Cream & Cream Cheese: These give creaminess to the potatoes. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy flavor, and cream cheese can be replaced with cottage cheese for lower fat content, though it’ll change the texture slightly.
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella melts wonderfully. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Cornflakes: They add a lovely crunch on top! If you’re gluten-free, use crushed gluten-free cereal or panko bread crumbs instead. It’s a fun way to mix up the textures!
How Do You Ensure Those Potatoes Are Super Creamy and Flavorful?
To achieve creamy, flavorful potatoes, start by boiling them just until they’re tender but not mushy, which is about 10-15 minutes. Drain them well to keep excess moisture out of the mix.
- When mixing your cheeses and creamy ingredients, ensure they’re at room temperature. This will help everything blend together smoothly.
- Season your potato mixture generously with salt and pepper. Taste it before baking so you can adjust according to your preference.
- Fold the potatoes into the cheese mixture gently; you want them coated without breaking them apart too much.
Delicious Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 4 lbs potatoes (such as russet or Yukon gold), peeled and diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes for prep and 1 to 1.5 hours for smoking, making it a total of around 1 hour 45 minutes. You’ll boil the potatoes, mix everything together, and then let the smoker do its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Smoker:
First things first, preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This temperature is perfect for getting that smoky flavor into your cheesy potatoes.
2. Boil the Potatoes:
Next, grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring the water to a boil, and then carefully add your diced potatoes. Cook them until they are tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Once done, drain them and set them aside to cool.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth, creating a cheesy delight.
4. Combine Potatoes and Cheese:
Add the drained potatoes to your cheesy mixture. Gently fold the potatoes in until they are well coated—be careful not to break them too much!
5. Prepare for Smoking:
Pour the potato and cheese mixture into a foil baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure it cooks well. Now, for the fun part!
6. Add the Crunchy Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter until they’re nicely coated. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture evenly over the top of your potato mixture—this will give it an amazing crunch!
7. Smoke the Potatoes:
Carefully place your baking dish in the smoker and let it smoke for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You want the top to be golden brown and the cheese to be all melted and bubbly. It’ll smell incredible!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take it out of the smoker and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for that pop of color. Enjoy your delicious smoked cheesy potatoes with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet and Yukon gold potatoes work great, you can also use red potatoes or fingerlings for a little variation in flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may have slightly different cooking times and textures when smoked.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute! It adds a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. You can also use crème fraîche or even a dairy-free option like cashew cream for a lighter alternative.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover smoked cheesy potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. You can add a splash of milk if it seems too thick!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture a day in advance! Just assemble everything up to Step 5, cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just sprinkle with cornflakes, pour on the melted butter, and smoke as directed. This saves time on the day of serving!
