Smoked cheesy potatoes are a cozy mix of creamy cheese and tender potatoes, all with a lovely smoky flavor that makes them unforgettable. Perfect as a side dish or even a main treat!
These potatoes are so cheesy that you’ll want to take a spoonful every time you walk by! 🌟 I love serving them at gatherings—they’re always a hit and so easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Browns: Frozen diced hash browns save time, but you can use fresh potatoes. Just dice and parboil them first for a similar texture.
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: These add creaminess and flavor. If you want a twist, try pepper jack for some spice or go for a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan version.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: It adds richness. If you’re avoiding cream soup, blend silken tofu with some vegetable broth as a creamy substitute.
Sour Cream: For tanginess, sour cream is great, but Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative. It’s just as creamy and has more protein!
Cornflakes: The cornflakes add crunch. You can swap them for crushed Ritz crackers or panko if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Topping?
A crispy topping takes your dish to the next level! Here’s how to achieve it:
- Combine crushed cornflakes with melted butter to coat them well – this helps them crisp up during smoking.
- Spread the cornflake mixture evenly on top of the potato mix in your pan to ensure even crispness.
- Smoker temperature is key! Keep it stable at 225°F to get the perfect golden brown without burning.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes after smoking before serving; this lets the topping firm up a bit, enhancing the crunch.
How to Make Smoked Cheesy Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 4 cups frozen diced hash browns (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 1.5 to 2 hours to cook in the smoker. Make sure to account for some resting time before serving, so plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish!
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 that wonderful smoky flavor!
2. Mix the Potato Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen diced hash browns, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s nicely mixed. Don’t be shy—mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated!
3. Prepare the Potato Mixture for Smoking:
Transfer your cheesy potato mixture into a large aluminum foil pan. Spread it out evenly so that it cooks evenly in the smoker. This will be the base of your delicious dish.
4. Make the Cornflake Topping:
In another bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter until every piece is coated with the buttery goodness. This will create a crispy topping that adds texture to your potatoes!
5. Top the Potato Mixture:
Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the potato mixture in the foil pan. Make sure to cover all the cheesy goodness so that every bite has a crunchy topping!
6. Smoking the Potatoes:
Place the pan in the smoker and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep an eye on it until the potatoes are heated through and the topping is golden brown and crispy. The smell will be amazing!
7. Serving Your Dish:
Once it’s done, carefully remove the pan from the smoker. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool down before serving. If you want, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a bit of freshness. Enjoy your delicious Smoked Cheesy Potatoes!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Just peel and dice them into small cubes, then parboil them in salted water for about 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and cool before combining with the rest of the ingredients. This will ensure everything cooks evenly in the smoker.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you want to substitute the cream of mushroom soup, you can use homemade cream sauce or a can of cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor. For a healthy option, mix equal parts sour cream and milk with some added seasonings to achieve a similar creamy texture.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian-Friendly?
This recipe is mostly vegetarian, but to make it completely vegetarian, ensure you’re using vegetable broth with your cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken broth, and check the cheese brands for vegetarian-friendly options.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can add a splash of milk if it seems dry!
