These Smoked Cheesy Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy delight with a smoky twist! Simple to make, you’ll have tender potatoes covered in gooey cheese and a hint of smoke in no time.
Honestly, once I tried these, regular baked potatoes just didn’t cut it anymore. They’re the perfect side dish for any meal, or just a cheesy snack to enjoy anytime! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I love using russet potatoes for their fluffy texture. However, Yukon Golds work well too, giving a creamier finish. If you need a low-carb option, you can try cauliflower instead, though the texture will be different.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are a great combo for creamy and melty goodness. If you’re looking for alternatives, try Pepper Jack for a bit of spice or mozzarella for extra stretchiness. You can even use a dairy-free cheese substitute if you’re dairy-free!
Sour Cream: This adds tanginess and creaminess. Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you want something healthier. Just opt for plain to avoid any weird flavors!
Cornflakes: They give a nice crunch! If you want a healthier option, crushed nuts or breadcrumbs can also do the trick, though they’ll change the flavor profile slightly.
Ranch Seasoning: This adds zest to the dish. If you’re out of ranch seasoning, mix equal parts of dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. It works well as a substitute!
How Do I Get Cheesy Potatoes to be Creamy Yet Not Watery?
The key to keeping your potatoes creamy without being watery is to properly cook and drain them. Boil the diced potatoes until they’re fork-tender (10-15 mins), but be careful not to overcook them; mushy potatoes can make the dish watery. After boiling, drain them thoroughly to avoid any extra liquid.
- Boil in salted water for flavor, but drain well.
- Mix potatoes gently with cheese and other ingredients to prevent breaking them.
- If you like, let the mixture sit for a minute before adding to the smoker—this helps it firm up!
How to Make Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheesy Mixture:
- 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1 cup cornflakes, crushed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This smoked cheesy potatoes recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 1 hour to cook. So, you’ll spend a little over an hour getting these delicious cheesy potatoes ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to a cozy 225°F (107°C). This will ensure that your potatoes get that lovely smoky flavor as they cook.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
In a large pot, boil the diced potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Once they are tender, drain the potatoes well and set them aside to cool a bit.
3. Mix the Cheesy Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, milk, melted butter, and ranch seasoning. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! Mix everything together until you have a smooth, delicious cheese mixture.
4. Combine Potatoes and Cheese:
Gently fold the cooked potatoes into the cheese mixture. Make sure every piece of potato is nicely coated with that cheesy goodness.
5. Prepare for Smoking:
Transfer the cheesy potato mixture into a lightly greased aluminum foil pan. Spread it out evenly, so it cooks nicely.
6. Add the Crunchy Topping:
Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes on top of the potato mixture. This will give your dish a delightful crunchy texture when it’s done.
7. Smoke the Potatoes:
Now, place the pan in your smoker and let it cook for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your smoked cheesy potatoes are done, take them out of the smoker and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious creation warm and savor every cheesy, smoky bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! You can mix and match your favorite cheeses. Just keep in mind that using cheeses with different melting properties may affect the texture. For instance, a cheese like gouda will give a rich flavor, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prep this dish a day ahead! Assemble everything up to the point of placing it in the smoker, cover the pan with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, take it out of the fridge while you preheat the smoker. It may need an extra 10-15 minutes in the smoker to heat through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, either microwave or place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk can help revive the creaminess!
What If I Don’t Have a Smoker?
No worries! You can bake these cheesy potatoes in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the cheese mixture to replicate the smoky flavor if you’d like!
