Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a side dish that combines creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors all in one bite, I absolutely have to share my favorite Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe with you. This recipe is a total game-changer—golden Yukon potatoes smashed to perfection, bathed in buttermilk and butter, then mixed with crispy bacon and bold blue cheese. Once you try it, I promise you’ll keep coming back for more. Let’s dive into why this one’s a keeper!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here starts with Yukon gold potatoes—they hold their shape well and get beautifully creamy when smashed. Combining them with buttermilk keeps things tangy and light, while the blue cheese and bacon bring that indulgent twist. And remember, fresh green onions add the perfect pop of color and sharpness.

• Yukon gold potatoes: Their natural creamy texture is perfect for smashing and they hold flavors beautifully.
• Buttermilk: Adds a mild tang and lightness that keeps this dish from feeling too heavy.
• Unsalted butter: Use good quality butter for richness without adding extra salt.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skimp here.
• Black pepper: Provides subtle heat to balance the richness.
• Cooked bacon slices: Crispy bacon adds smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with blue cheese.
• Blue cheese: Crumbled blue cheese melts into creamy pockets of tangy goodness.
• Green onions: Fresh, sliced green onions brighten the dish and add texture contrast.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your mood or what you’ve got in the fridge. Feel free to experiment!

• Go green: Swap green onions for chives or scallions if you want a softer onion flavor—my family really enjoyed this subtle twist.
• Dairy swap: For a lighter version, try half Greek yogurt mixed with buttermilk—you’ll still get creaminess with a fresh edge.
• Cheese love: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, sharp white cheddar or tangy feta make tasty alternatives without losing that punch.
• Bacon alternatives: Try pancetta or smoked turkey bacon for a different kind of smoky flavor my friends loved testing.

How to Make Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes

Start by washing your Yukon gold potatoes thoroughly. You want to keep as much skin on as possible because it adds great texture and nutrients. If you spot any dark or damaged spots, just cut those off. Then cube your potatoes into fairly even pieces—this helps them cook at the same speed so nothing gets mushy or stays hard. Pop them into a large stockpot and cover with cold water.

Step 2: Boil Until Tender

Bring the pot to a boil, then let the potatoes simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily poke a fork through them without resistance. This might seem basic, but don’t rush it—undercooked potatoes won’t mash well, and overcooked ones can turn gummy.

Step 3: Mash with Buttermilk, Butter, & Seasoning

Drain your potatoes well, then return them to the pot on low heat. This warms off any extra moisture. Add the unsalted butter and buttermilk, and get ready to mash with your favorite potato masher. Don’t overdo it; I like leaving some chunks for texture, but it’s totally up to you. Next, stir in salt and pepper to taste—season gradually, you can always add more later.

Step 4: Fold in Blue Cheese & Bacon

Time for the showstoppers! Crumble in the blue cheese and cooked bacon pieces, saving a little bacon if you want to sprinkle on top just before serving. Mix gently so the cheese melts into creamy pockets without totally disappearing, giving you bursts of flavor. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve with Green Onions

Scatter freshly sliced green onions over the top for that punch of color and a little sharp bite. Serve immediately while everything’s warm and melty. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing and your guests will be impressed.

How to Serve Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with fresh green onions because they add just the right brightness, but sometimes I add a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots for extra crunch or a drizzle of a mild chili oil if I’m feeling adventurous. Don’t underestimate a little fresh parsley or thyme, either—they freshen up the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These smashed potatoes are rich and flavorful, so I love pairing them with simply roasted chicken or grilled steak. They also contrast nicely with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies like asparagus or green beans to keep the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served these in small ramekins topped with extra blue cheese crumbles and bacon for individual servings. Another fun idea is layering them in a baking dish with breadcrumbs on top, broiling until golden to add a crispy crust—your guests will think you spent hours!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they last well for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen a little overnight, but the texture does get a bit firmer.

Freezing

While you can freeze these potatoes, I recommend freezing before adding the bacon and blue cheese because their texture changes with freezing. Freeze the basic smashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then add bacon and blue cheese fresh when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of buttermilk or milk to restore creaminess. Microwaving works in a pinch but watch closely to avoid drying out the potatoes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull together. I’ve watched it become a favorite at dinners and holidays because it brings such a nice mix of creamy comfort and bold flavor. I hope you give it a try and soon find yourself making it again and again at home—it’s that good. When you do, let me know how you customize it; I love swapping tips with fellow kitchen adventurers!

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