These Easy Smashed Potatoes are an easy side dish recipe similar to mashed potatoes. The potatoes are cooked in the microwave and then smashed to break them down. and covered with bacon and cheese. We love these more than mashed potatoes!

A bowl of loaded mashed potatoes topped with crispy bacon bits and garnished with fresh parsley. The dish is set against a striped blue and white cloth on a gray surface.

What are Smashed Potatoes?

This smashed potatoes recipe is a really easy potato side dish. You don’t have to slice the potatoes or boil them. Instead, they are cooked whole in the microwave then smashed, not totally mashed. My husband made this for me when we were just dating and they became a favorite – we make them often now!

I use regular Yukon gold potatoes, microwave them, and then smash them, so they are broken up but not creamed or pureed. You can mix in different ingredients to dress them up. Once you know how to microwave potatoes, you will love how fast it is. It can take an hour to bake potatoes – the microwave makes it so much easier.

Overhead view of ingredients for Cheese and Bacon Smashed Potatoes, featuring three potatoes, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, bacon bits, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. A white cloth with blue stripes is placed nearby.

Ingredient Notes

Potatoes: I recommend using Yukon Gold Potatoes – they’re a little softer and sweeter. Using another kind might take longer. We like the smaller potatoes if you can find them.
Bacon: Cook and drain the fat, then chop.
Cheese: Shred your own cheddar cheese so it melts better.
Sour Cream: Adds a perfect smooth texture to these potatoes.

Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

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Recipe Variations

Add finely chopped red onion or green onions.
Mix in some roasted garlic.
Parmesan cheese is fantastic on these.
Swap the sour cream for some softened cream cheese.
Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley, rosemary, chives, or cilantro.
Add additional spices: onion powder and paprika are two I add often.

A glass bowl of mashed potatoes on a white countertop, surrounded by small bowls containing shredded cheese, bacon bits, and black pepper. A folded white and blue dish towel lies beside the bowl.

A glass bowl filled with mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream. Surrounding the bowl are small dishes containing more bacon, shredded cheese, and peppercorns, all on a white surface with a striped cloth.

How to Make Easy Smashed Potatoes

Be sure to poke holes in your potatoes before microwaving them or they’ll explode.
Once they’re soft to the touch (fork tender like a baked potato) you’ll add them to a large bowl and smash them. They’ll be chunky.
Add the shredded cheese, salt and ground black pepper, bacon and sour cream and mix then serve hot.

A glass bowl filled with mashed potatoes, bacon bits, and spices sits on a white countertop. Shredded cheese, a bowl of black pepper, and a small dish of bacon bits are nearby. A blue and white checkered cloth is placed beside the bowl.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave.

Expert Tips

Don’t forget to punch a few holes in the potatoes before microwaving them. This allows steam to escape.
I like to use Yukon golds, but you can use any kind of potato for this recipe. If the skins are thicker, you may want to peel them first.
You can cook the bacon ahead of time for this recipe or use store-bought bacon bits to make it easy.