These Smoked Cheesy Potatoes are a dreamy combination of creamy cheese and perfectly cooked potatoes, all kissed by the smoky flavor from the grill. Who can resist that?
They’re like a cozy hug for your taste buds! I love serving them at BBQs—everyone keeps coming back for more. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you can enjoy more time with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Choose russet potatoes for their fluffy texture. You can also substitute with Yukon golds for a creamier finish. Both are easy to find and work great in this dish.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative, adding creaminess while offering a bit of tang. It’s a healthier choice too! If you need a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based sour cream.
Cheddar Cheese: While I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses. They melt beautifully and add different flavor notes to the dish.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you’re looking for a lighter option, make your own by sautéing mushrooms and blending them with vegetable broth. You can use cream of chicken soup as a substitute, too, for non-vegetarians.
Cornflakes: For a gluten-free topping, swap cornflakes with crushed gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs. They’ll give you that desired crunch without the gluten!
How Do I Make Sure My Potatoes are Cooked Perfectly?
Boiling the potatoes correctly is key to achieving the best texture in your Smoked Cheesy Potatoes. Make sure to cut your potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with cold water in your pot and add a good sprinkle of salt before boiling.
- Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Check them by pricking with a fork. If it goes in easily, they’re ready!
- Don’t overcook them, as they can become mushy—nobody wants that in a cheesy potato dish!
How to Make Smoked Cheesy Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 3 pounds of potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and cooking the potatoes, and then about 1 to 1.5 hours in the smoker. With a little bit of waiting time afterwards, you’ll be enjoying your smoked cheesy potatoes in about 2 hours. A tasty side that’s well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This temperature will help your potatoes cook evenly and absorb that wonderful smoky flavor.
2. Boil the Potatoes:
In a large pot, add diced potatoes and cover them with water. Sprinkle in some salt, then bring the water to a boil. Let the potatoes cook until they’re fork-tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain the water and let the potatoes cool a little.
3. Mix the Cheesy Sauce:
While the potatoes are cooling, grab a big mixing bowl and combine the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until it’s nice and smooth and everything is blended in well.
4. Combine Potatoes and Sauce:
Gently fold the cooked potatoes into the cheese mixture until the potatoes are fully coated with that creamy goodness. Take your time to ensure every potato piece gets some love!
5. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Next, transfer the potato and cheese mixture into a greased aluminum foil pan. This will make it super easy to handle when it’s time to smoke them.
6. Make the Crunchy Topping:
In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Stir until all the cornflakes are coated, then sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over the potato mixture in the pan.
7. Smoke the Potatoes:
Place the pan in your preheated smoker and let it cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You’re looking for the cheese to be bubbly and the topping to get that lovely golden brown color. The smell will be amazing!
8. Let It Rest:
Once done, take the pan out of the smoker and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps everything settle and makes it a bit easier to serve.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Just before serving, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Now, dig in and enjoy your cheesy, smoky potato masterpiece!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese gives a classic flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites. Just keep in mind that each type will slightly change the flavor and texture of the dish.
What If I Don’t Have a Smoker?
No worries! You can make these cheesy potatoes in the oven instead. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the potato mixture covered with foil for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the potato mixture and assemble it in the pan, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the smoker or oven for best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either microwave portions or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk before reheating!
