These smoked loaded cheesy potatoes make a fantastic side for any smoked meat. I’m definitely a meat-and-potatoes guy, and when bacon is involved it’s even better. This casserole was a hit with both adults and kids.
Loaded potatoes are one of my favorites. While I often make loaded mashed potatoes, this smoked casserole is an ideal side dish. I like to smoke low and slow, so smoking a side like this alongside prime rib or steaks is perfect. I smoked this batch on a Pitboss Pro 1100.
Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes Ingredients
Butter
Bacon
Minced garlic
Green onions
Gold potatoes – you can use other varieties, but gold potatoes work great in casseroles.
Salt
Pepper
Mexican-style shredded cheese
Cream cheese
Milk (about 1/2 cup, adjust as needed)
Sour cream
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How To Make Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes:
1. Prep and boil potatoes: While you peel the potatoes, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cut potatoes into chunks so they cook evenly, and boil until fork-tender and ready to mash.
2. Prepare smoker: Start your smoker and bring it to your target temperature if you aren’t already smoking other food. 225°F is a good guideline for smoking this casserole.
3. Drain potatoes: Strain the potatoes and let them drain well so they aren’t watery when you mash them.
4. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl combine butter, cream cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Mash and adjust: Add the drained potatoes to the bowl and mix at low speed. Add milk as needed for creaminess, then fold in some shredded cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Prepare the casserole: Spray a casserole dish with nonstick spray. A 4.8-quart Pyrex works well; if you use glass expect possible staining from smoke.
7. Assemble: Spread the mashed potatoes into the prepared dish. Top with additional shredded cheese, reserved bacon pieces, and sliced green onions.
8. Smoke: Place the casserole in the smoker and smoke for about one hour at 225°F. If you smoke at a lower temperature, plan for more time; higher temperatures will shorten it. The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and the top is warmed through.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Alternate Ingredients For Smoked Potato Casserole
- Jalapeños for heat
- Bacon crumbles or bits
- Different shredded cheeses
- Kielbasa or smoked sausage
- Diced leftover smoked ham
What to serve with Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
These potatoes pair well with many mains. They’re great alongside smoked red meats like prime rib, brisket, or steak, and they also work with smoked chicken, pork chops, or ham. You can even enjoy them on their own — they’re hearty enough to be a satisfying dish by themselves.
Smoked mains that pair well: prime rib, smoked brisket, smoked turkey, smoked ham, smoked pork chops, smoked chicken.
Smoked sides to complement: smoked baked potatoes, smoked green bean casserole, smoked sweet potato casserole, smoked deviled eggs, smoked baked beans, smoked macaroni and cheese.
How To Store Leftover Loaded Cheesy Potatoes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If your casserole dish has a lid, that works well for storage. Freezing is possible but can affect texture; I prefer to refrigerate and reheat.
Best Way To Reheat Smoked Cheese Potatoes
Microwave reheats quickly, but the oven gives the best, most even results. Bring portions to room temperature, cover with foil or an oven-safe lid, and reheat at 325–350°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
Pellet Smoker Recipes To Check Out
If you like smoker recipes, explore other smoked mains and sides to build a complete meal around these potatoes.
Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes
Equipment
- Pellet grill or smoker
- Large stock pot
- Over-the-sink strainer
- 4.8-quart casserole dish (Pyrex)
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter
- 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Minced garlic, to taste
- Green onions, sliced
- 5 lbs gold potatoes, peeled and chunked
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (adjust as needed)
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- While peeling potatoes, bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Cut potatoes into chunks and boil until tender.
- Preheat smoker to about 225°F.
- Drain potatoes and let them dry briefly.
- In a mixing bowl combine butter, cream cheese, bacon, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add potatoes and mix at low speed. Add milk if needed and fold in cheese and sour cream.
- Spray a casserole dish with nonstick spray, spread the mashed potatoes in the dish, and top with extra cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Smoke about one hour at 225°F, or until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through.
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Sodium: 514 mg
Let us know how it turned out in the comments.