These smoked cheesy potatoes are a tasty treat! With crispy edges and gooey cheese, they’re perfect as a side dish or snack. The smoky flavor adds a fun twist!
I can’t resist how cheesy and delicious these potatoes are. They always disappear fast at the BBQ! Just toss them on the grill, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best here due to their creamy texture when cooked. If you prefer a waxy potato, red potatoes can also be substituted, keeping in mind they won’t be quite as fluffy.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These add creaminess and tang. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and low-fat mayo or a vegan mayo can replace regular mayo if needed.
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: I love the combo of sharp cheddar and stretchy mozzarella. You could swap the cheddar for Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or use any cheese that melts well, like Gouda or Monterey Jack.
Corn Flakes: They add a nice crunch on top. If you don’t have corn flakes, crushed Ritz crackers or panko bread crumbs can work as alternatives. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free corn flakes or breadcrumbs.
Green Onions: They give a fresh flavor. Chives can be a great substitute if you prefer something milder, or you could skip them altogether if you’re not a fan.
How Do I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the potatoes just right is key to this recipe’s success. You’ll want them tender but not mushy, so here’s how:
- After peeling and cubing the potatoes, place them in the pot and cover with salted water.
- Bring the pot to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes. Check them at 15—poke with a fork to see if they’re tender.
- Once done, drain the potatoes well and let them cool slightly. This prevents them from breaking apart when you mix them with the cheese mixture.
Take your time with this step—it’ll help your smoked cheesy potatoes turn out creamy and delicious!
How to Make Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potatoes:
- 5 pounds of potatoes (russet or Yukon gold), peeled and cubed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (or scallions)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Topping:
- 2 cups corn flakes (for topping)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires approximately 20 minutes for preparation and about 2 to 2.5 hours for smoking. So, overall, you’ll be spending around 2 hours and 40 minutes to make these cheesy potatoes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This low and slow cooking will give your potatoes that delicious smoky flavor. While it’s heating up, you can prepare the potatoes.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
In a large pot, fill it with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, carefully add the cubed potatoes. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. After cooking, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
3. Mix the Cheesy Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s mixed well and creamy.
4. Combine with Potatoes:
Gently add the cooked potatoes to the cheese mixture. Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix everything together, making sure the potatoes are well coated with the cheesy goodness.
5. Prepare for Smoking:
Transfer the potato and cheese mixture to a large disposable aluminum foil pan. Make sure it’s spread evenly for the best cooking results!
6. Make the Corn Flake Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the corn flakes with the melted butter. Stir until the corn flakes are evenly coated and nicely buttery.
7. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the buttered corn flakes evenly over the top of the potato mixture. This will create a nice crunchy topping once cooked!
8. Smoke the Potatoes:
Place the pan in your preheated smoker. Let it cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen is filled with that amazing smoky aroma!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the pan from the smoker and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely finishing touch before serving up the smoky, cheesy potatoes! Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to mix things up, you can use any cheese that melts well, like gouda, pepper jack, or even cream cheese for extra creaminess. Just keep the total amount of cheese around 2 cups to maintain the right consistency.
What If I Don’t Have a Smoker?
No problem! You can bake these cheesy potatoes in your oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika in the cheese mixture or adding a few drops of liquid smoke.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the potato mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to cook, add the buttered corn flakes on top and place it in the smoker or oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick snack!
