Craving the perfect comfort food? These smoky, cheese-loaded potatoes are about to become your new obsession! Picture tender potatoes infused with rich smoke flavor, then smothered in melted cheese that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
This recipe delivers everything you want in comfort food: creamy potatoes, gooey cheese, and that irresistible smoky taste that only comes from the grill or smoker. It is also simple to make—perfect for weekend cookouts, family dinners, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing side dish.
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Easy Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
This isn’t just any cheesy potato dish – it’s become my go-to recipe that combines tender potatoes with a rich blend of melted cheeses, all infused with that distinctive barbecue flavor. Whether you’re using a pellet smoker, charcoal grill, or gas smoker, I’ve found this recipe adapts beautifully to any setup.
What I love most is its versatility and simplicity. It pairs perfectly with whatever else you’re smoking and multiplies easily for crowds. Cleanup is practically effortless since everything cooks in one dish from start to finish.
It’s comfort food that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss – precisely what you want when managing other dishes on the smoker.
What You’ll Need for Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
- Potatoes
- Butter
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Medium Cheddar Cheese
- Salt
- Ground Black Pepper
- Green Onions – Optional
- Bacon – Optional
How to Make Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Below are my four simple steps for making smoked cheesy potatoes at home.
Step 1 – Cook the Potatoes
Preheat your smoker to 275°F. Cook the potatoes in boiling water and then remove them from the heat. Allow them to cool. If you’re using bacon, cook it and set it aside to cool, dice it, and add it to the bowl with the potatoes.
Shred all the cheese and add 1/2 of it to the mixing bowl with the potatoes and bacon. Add the butter to the potato mix and stir to combine. Transfer to a greased cast-iron pan and top with 1/4 of the cheese.
Step 2 – Smoke the Potatoes
Place the cast iron pan onto the preheated grill, ensuring it’s over indirect heat, and cook for 60 minutes.
Step 3 – Add the Cheese and Allow it to Brown
Add the rest of the cheese and return the potatoes to the smoker. Turn up the heat so the cheese on top of the potatoes browns. Top green onions and serve
What Wood Chips Should You Use?
I recommend going for sweet, subtle flavors for the potato, such as cherry or apple wood. If you prefer a stronger, more robust smoke flavor, aim for something like hickory.
Can I Prepare Cheesy Potatoes Ahead of Time?
This dish is perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can eliminate your prep time and put it all together up to three days beforehand. Store covered in the refrigerator. Tasty and convenient! When you are ready to smoke it, remove it from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes.
The cook time may be a little longer, as you cook it from cold rather than room temperature. Other than that, cook as usual
What Are the Best Potatoes to Use?
The three perfect potatoes for this recipe are russet, red, or Yukon gold.
When cooked, all three potato varieties have lovely, fluffy flesh. They all hold their texture, and this fluffy flesh blends well with cheese and cream.
You can use whatever your favorite potato is for this recipe. But if you are in a hurry or want to mix it up a little, use a pre-prepared frozen hash brown base.
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What to Serve These Delicious Spuds With
These gooey, oozy potatoes are the perfect side. Serve them with
Baby Back Ribs
Smoked Steak
Grilled New York Strip
Smoked Chicken Wings
T-Bone Steak Smoked and Reverse Seared
Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 Pellet grill or smoker
Ingredients
- 5 lb Red Potatoes
- 1 lb Bacon
- 32 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 8 oz Medium Cheddar Cheese
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 275°FCook the potatoes in boiling water and then remove from the heat allow to cool. Cook bacon, set aside cool, then dice and add to the bowl with the potatoes.
- Shred all the cheese , and add 3/4 of it to the mixing bowl with the potatoes and bacon. Add the butter to potato mix and stir to combine Transfer to greased cast iron pan.
- Place the cast iron pan onto the preheated grill, making sure it’s over indirect heat, and cook for 60 minutes
- Add the rest of the cheese and return the potatoes to the smoker turn up the heat so the cheese on top of the potatoes browns. Top green onions and serve
They are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Try this recipe today and you’ll soon have a new favorite staple side dish!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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