These smoked cheesy potatoes are the ultimate comfort food! They are creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky flavor that makes every bite special. Who can resist cheesy goodness?
Making these potatoes is like giving your taste buds a warm hug. I often serve them at family gatherings, and they disappear fast! They pair perfectly with grilled meats too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are excellent for dishes like this due to their fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try cauliflower instead, but keep in mind it will change the flavor and texture quite a bit.
Sour Cream: This ingredient adds creaminess and tang. If you’re lactose intolerant, use a dairy-free sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar effect.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella are my favorites for their meltiness. You can swap mozzarella with provolone or Monterey Jack. If you’re vegan, there’s great dairy-free cheese available in stores now.
Cornflakes: They give a nice crunch. If you want a healthier option, crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs work well. For gluten-free needs, look for gluten-free cornflakes.
How Do I Get the Potatoes Perfectly Cooked?
The key to great smoked cheesy potatoes is cooking the potatoes just right. Boiling them until they are tender is important, but don’t overcook them so they become mushy.
- Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- In a large pot of salted water, boil the potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they can be pierced with a fork easily.
- Drain them well and let them cool slightly since you don’t want steam to make them soggy.
How to Make Smoked Cheesy Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Smoked Cheesy Potatoes recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour to smoke. So, you can have a tasty side dish ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Smoker:
First, get your smoker ready by preheating it to 225°F (107°C). This temperature will give your potatoes a nice smoky flavor while they cook.
2. Boil the Potatoes:
In a large pot, fill it with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook them until they are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain the water and let the potatoes cool for a few moments.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
While the potatoes are cooling, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, milk, diced onion, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy.
4. Combine Potatoes and Cheese Mixture:
Now, gently fold the cooled potatoes into the cheese mixture. Make sure all the potatoes are well coated with the cheesy goodness!
5. Prepare for Smoking:
Transfer your potato and cheese mix into a disposable aluminum pan (or any suitable baking dish you can use in the smoker). This will make it easy to handle and clean up later.
6. Add the Crunchy Topping:
Spread the crushed cornflakes evenly over the top of your potato mixture. This will create a deliciously crunchy topping as it cooks in the smoker.
7. Smoke the Potatoes:
Carefully place your pan in the preheated smoker. Let it smoke for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done smoking, take the pan out of the smoker (be careful, it will be hot!). If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve your Smoked Cheesy Potatoes warm and watch them disappear!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are great for their creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or even Red potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if the potatoes are smaller or larger in size.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the potato and cheese mixture ahead of time. Mix everything together, place it in your pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before smoking. Just add a few extra minutes to the smoking time since it will be cold coming out of the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer to a baking dish and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Alternatively, cream cheese thinned with a little milk works well if you want a richer taste!
