These Smoked Cheesy Potatoes are a treat for your taste buds! Imagine fluffy potatoes smothered in gooey cheese and a hint of smoky flavor. They’re perfect for gatherings!
The best part? They’re super easy to make. Just mix, smoke, and enjoy. I can’t resist stealing a few before dinner. Who could blame me with all that cheesy goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are the best choices for a creamy texture. If you need a low-carb option, consider using cauliflower florets instead. They’ll work in a similar way and bring a lighter feel to the dish.
Cheeses: The blend of cheddar and mozzarella creates a nice balance of flavor and creaminess. If you’re looking to change it up, try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for some extra zest!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess, but you can swap it for Greek yogurt if you want a healthier version. It still gives great flavor and a similar texture.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds moisture and flavor. If you want a vegetarian version, look for a cream of mushroom soup or make your own with a flour-based roux and vegetable broth.
Ranch Seasoning: If you don’t have a ranch packet handy, you can make your own using herbs like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s a nice way to customize the flavor!
How Do You Get the Perfectly Crispy Topping?
The topping is key for that crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use fresh corn flakes or crushed potato chips as your topping. Choose something that will crisp up nicely when cooked.
- Mix the crushed topping with melted butter before adding it to the potatoes. This helps it brown and crisp up in the smoker.
- Spread it evenly over the potato mixture to ensure every bite has that crispy goodness.
- Keep an eye on the dish during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. If it browns too quickly, you can cover it with foil.
How to Make Smoked Cheesy Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 3 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and sliced thin
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
For the Topping:
- 2 cups corn flakes or crushed potato chips (for topping)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will need around 2 to 3 hours in the smoker. Just about enough time to relax and enjoy the smoky aroma filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This low and slow cooking method will give your potatoes a fantastic smoky flavor.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, ranch seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together well until smooth and combined.
3. Coat the Potatoes:
Now, gently fold the thinly sliced potatoes into the creamy mixture in the bowl, ensuring each potato slice is nicely coated. You want them well-covered to soak up all the flavors!
4. Add Cheese and Green Onions:
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix carefully until everything is evenly combined and every bite will be cheesy and delicious.
5. Transfer to a Pan:
Pour the potato mixture into a large aluminum foil pan or a suitable oven-safe dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks just right.
6. Prepare the Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes or potato chips with the melted butter. This crispy topping will add a great crunch! Once mixed, spread it evenly over the potato mixture.
7. Smoke the Potatoes:
Place the pan in the smoker and let it cook for about 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the pan from the smoker and let it cool slightly before serving. If you like, garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor. Now, dig in and enjoy your scrumptious Smoked Cheesy Potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are great choices, you can also use red potatoes or sweet potatoes for a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for tenderness as you approach the 2-hour mark.
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the smoked cheesy potatoes for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of smoking it. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to cook, pop it into the smoker directly from the fridge—just add an extra 15-30 minutes to your cooking time to ensure it heats through properly.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you need a substitute for cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or homemade white sauce for a similar creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut milk combined with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up.
