If there was ever a dish that deserves a place on the podium, it’s got to be this one.
Cheese! Potatoes! That oh-so-good smoky deliciousness! Win, win, win!
Potatoes are the ultimate versatile comfort food.
And this recipe couldn’t be easier!
What Is Smoked Cheesy Potatoes?
Cheesy potatoes are exactly as the name implies – a potato dish mixed with a blend of cheeses.
And regardless of the type of smoker you have, this classic cheesy potato dish works well.
It takes on a whole new level of smoky tastiness when cooked on a pellet grill.
It’s the ultimate side dish. Serve it up with anything else you have going on in the smoker.
Cheesy potatoes are a great dish to take along to a potluck or holiday meal.
The creamy potatoes and gooey cheese are to die for.
You’ll have a standing invitation to every gathering in the neighborhood!
If you have a large crowd to feed, simply double or triple the recipe and you’ll have more than enough to go around.
And because you are using the same dish from start to finish, cleanup is an absolute breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As the name suggests, this dish is based on two main ingredients – cheese and potatoes.
For an extra creamy texture add in some sour cream or fresh cream.
This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover meats like ham, or even chicken and turkey.
As it uses a few simple base ingredients, it’s also the perfect gluten-free side dish.
Add some chopped green onions, chilies, or herbs for a fresh flavor twist.
And for an extra bit of crunch, top with some crushed corn flakes – yum!
What Are the Best Potatoes to Use?
The main three potatoes that are perfect for this recipe are russet potatoes, red potatoes, or Yukon gold potatoes.
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.
All three potato varieties have lovely fluffy flesh when cooked. All hold their texture when cooked.
The fluffy flesh blends well with cheese and creams.
The thinner skin also means you don’t need to peel beforehand. Just mash them all together for extra taste and texture.
Only Have Sweet Potatoes?
If you only have sweet potatoes you can still make this recipe. Follow my steps for smoking sweet potatoes here.
Can I Prepare Cheesy Potatoes Ahead of Time?
This dish is perfect for preparing ahead of time.
You can get your prep time out of the way, and put it all together up to 3 days beforehand.
Store covered in the refrigerator. Tasty and convenient!
When you are ready to smoke it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes.
The cook time may a little longer, as you are cooking it from cold rather than room temperature. Other than that, cook as normal.
What Wood Chips Should I Use?
You can use any type of wood chip you prefer.
The sweet subtle flavors of fruits work well with the sharpness of the cheeses. Something like apple, cherry, oak, or pecan works beautifully.
If you prefer a stronger, more robust smoke flavor aim for something like hickory.
What You Need For Cheesy Smoked Potatoes
5 lb Red Potatoes
1 lb Bacon
32 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese
8 oz Medium Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Creamy Mayo
1 cup Sour Cream
Fresh Ground Garlic Salt
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
Non-stick Cooking Spray
Step 1 – Prebroil the Potatoes
Set your smoker to 120 degrees and preheat.
Half cook the potatoes in hot water and then Sprinkle the potatoes with garlic salt.
Step 2 – Smoke the Potatoes
Smoke for 2 hours or till ready and cut into 4 pieces without cutting through all the way.
Put your meat mix or bacon together the cheese filling and Sprinkle with the additional salt and pepper.
Step 3 – Add the Cheese
Return the potatoes to the smoker turn up the heat so the cheese on top of the potatoes browns.
Smoke for 20 minutes at 150°F or till ready.
We chose to cook them on a disposable aluminum tray for easier cleanup.
Cheesy Potatoes As a Side
These gooey oozy potatoes are the perfect side.
Serve them with
T-Bone Steak Smoked and Reverse Seared
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!
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 cup Creamy Mayo
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- Fresh Ground Garlic Salt
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper
- Non-stick Cooking Spray
Instructions
Step 1 – Prebroil the Potatoes
- Set your smoker to 120 degrees and preheat.
- Half cook the potatoes in hot water and then Sprinkle the potatoes with garlic salt.
Step 2 – Smoke the Potatoes
- Smoke for 2 hours or till ready and cut into 4 pieces without cutting through all the way.
- Put your meat mix or bacon together the cheese filling and Sprinkle with the additional salt and pepper.
Step 3 – Add the Cheese
- Return the potatoes to the smoker turn up the heat so the cheese on top of the potatoes browns.
- Smoke for 20 min at 150 degrees or till ready.
- We chose to cook them on a disposable aluminum tray for easier cleanup.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I am head taste tester at Simply Meat Smoking! I love it grilling, smoking, and getting out in the yard with the kids! The family also love to test all my recipes (especially my EXTRA CRISPY pulled pork, smoky pork loin, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill)
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 adventures with you!
You can read more on our About Us page.
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