Jalapeño Popper Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Jalapeño Popper Smashed Potatoes are a delicious twist on classic smashed potatoes, combining creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and crispy edges. This appetizer is perfect for parties or a flavorful side dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds small potatoes
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Boil the potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Step 2: Place potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press down on each potato with the bottom of a glass or a potato masher until they flatten but remain intact.
- Step 3: Mix the cream cheese and chopped jalapeños in a bowl. Spread a spoonful of this mixture onto each smashed potato.
- Step 4: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before chopping.
- Add cooked bacon bits for an extra savory touch.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier kick.
- Try garnishing with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for added freshness.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, small Yukon gold or red potatoes work best because they hold their shape well when boiled and smashed.
How spicy are the jalapeños in this dish?
The heat level depends on how many seeds you include. Removing seeds reduces the spiciness, while keeping them adds a moderate kick.
PrintJalapeño Popper Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Jalapeño Popper Smashed Potatoes combine crispy smashed potatoes with a creamy, spicy filling of cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeños. Baked until golden and bubbly, this appetizer is perfect for game day or any casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the smashed potatoes.
- Smash potatoes: Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently press down each potato until it flattens but stays in one piece.
- Prepare jalapeño filling: In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, and green onions (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top potatoes: Spoon or spread a generous amount of the jalapeño popper filling evenly over each smashed potato.
- Bake until crispy: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy on the edges and the cheese filling is melted and golden.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving as a flavorful appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
- For extra crispiness, drizzle the potatoes with a bit of olive oil before baking.
- These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the cheddar cheese used is vegetarian-friendly (without animal rennet).
Keywords: Jalapeño popper, smashed potatoes, creamy potatoes, spicy appetizer, baked potatoes, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, jalapeño recipe
