If you’re anything like me and love a side dish that’s packed with flavor and comfort, you’ll flip for this Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe. Trust me, it’s not your average smashed potato — the tangy buttermilk, crispy bacon, and sharp blue cheese all come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend spread, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up and hard to put down.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combo of tangy buttermilk, smoky bacon, and creamy blue cheese creates a party in your mouth.
- Simple Prep: No fancy techniques here — just boil, mash, mix, and enjoy.
- Versatile Side: Perfect with anything from grilled steak to roasted chicken or even a vegetarian main.
- Comfort Food Upgrade: This isn’t your basic mashed potato — it’s smashed, crunchy at the edges, and downright addicting.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The beauty of this Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe is that each ingredient plays a key role — from creamy buttermilk softening those golden potatoes to crunchy bacon adding irresistible richness, and blue cheese delivering that punch of tangy depth. Here’s why I pick these exactly:
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy texture and natural buttery flavor make these perfect for smashing without turning mushy.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, keeping the potatoes lovely and light instead of heavy creaminess.
- Unsalted Butter: Enhances richness without overpowering the other flavors; plus, you control the salt better this way.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; the salt brings out the potatoes’ natural flavors and the pepper gives a mild spicy kick.
- Bacon: Crispy, smoky, and salty — it’s like a flavor bomb that elevates everything.
- Blue Cheese: That tangy, creamy funk is what makes this dish unforgettable; it melts beautifully into the warm potatoes.
- Green Onions: Fresh and vibrant, they add crunch and a pop of color as a finishing touch.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Make It Your Way
I love this recipe because it’s so flexible. You can tweak the amounts of bacon or blue cheese to suit your taste, or even swap the blue cheese for a milder cheese if you’re not a fan. Honestly, it’s your smashed potatoes adventure — play around and find your favorite version!
- Variation: I’ve made this a few times with goat cheese instead of blue cheese for a creamier texture with less pungency — still delicious!
- Additional Veggies: Sometimes, I toss in some roasted garlic or caramelized onions for extra depth.
- Dietary Modifications: Use turkey bacon or omit bacon altogether for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika if you like a little heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Boil Your Potatoes
Start by washing your Yukon Gold potatoes well. I usually leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients but peel off any dark spots or blemishes. Cut them into bite-sized cubes so they cook evenly. Place the potatoes in a large stockpot and cover with cold water — cold water helps them cook through evenly instead of the outside getting mushy before the inside is done. Bring to a boil and let them simmer until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. You want them soft enough to smash but not falling apart.
Step 2: Mash with Love and Layer Flavors
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot on low heat for a minute or two to help evaporate any excess moisture — this step keeps your smashed potatoes from being watery. Then, toss in the butter and buttermilk. Here’s where the magic happens: grab your potato masher and go to town until you reach your favorite smashed potato texture — I like mine chunky with some creamy pockets. Mix in the salt and pepper, then stir in the blue cheese and most of the crumbled bacon (save a little for topping!). Give it a good taste at this point and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve Hot
Transfer your smashed potatoes to a serving dish, sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon and sliced green onions over the top for an inviting pop of color and crunch. Serve immediately while it’s warm and melty — trust me, eating these fresh makes all the difference!
Pro Tips for Making Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Don’t Overboil: Keep an eye on the potatoes while boiling—overcooked potatoes can turn mushy and won’t hold texture when smashed.
- Use Cold Water to Start: This ensures even cooking from the inside out.
- Mash on Low Heat: Return potatoes to the warm pot to evaporate moisture before mashing so your final dish isn’t watery.
- Add Cheese Gradually: Adding blue cheese little by little helps it melt evenly throughout instead of clumping.
How to Serve Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I always top these smashed potatoes with green onions because they lend a fresh, peppery bite and a bright color contrast. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of olive oil is lovely. For a bit of herbiness, chopped fresh parsley or chives work wonders too.
Side Dishes
This Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or even grilled salmon. It’s also a fantastic match for vegetarian mains like roasted portobello mushrooms or grilled asparagus. And if you’re prepping for a holiday feast, these potatoes hold their own alongside turkey or ham.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, I sometimes spoon the smashed potatoes into little cast iron skillets or ramekins for a rustic yet polished look. You can also arrange them on a large platter, sprinkled with bacon and blue cheese crumbles, and top with edible flowers or microgreens to wow your guests visually—and flavor-wise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Just remember, the bacon topping is best added fresh after reheating to keep it crispy.
Freezing
I’ve tried freezing these smashed potatoes and found they freeze fine but the texture changes slightly — the potatoes may become a bit drier after thawing. If you plan to freeze, leave out the bacon and blue cheese topping, then add fresh bits after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave, but I prefer the oven to retain the creamy texture. Add fresh crumbled bacon or green onions just before serving to bring it back to life.
FAQs
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Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
You can substitute regular milk, but it will change the flavor profile slightly. Buttermilk adds a tang and tenderness that regular milk doesn’t. If you don’t have buttermilk, mixing a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes can mimic the acidity.
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Is blue cheese necessary for this recipe?
While blue cheese gives a signature tangy punch, you can swap it out for other cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or even sharp cheddar if blue cheese isn’t your thing. Just keep in mind the unique flavor of blue cheese is a big part of what makes this dish special.
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How do I get the smashed potatoes crispy?
After mashing, if you want to add some crispiness, spread the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until the edges turn golden and crunchy. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning!
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the smashed potatoes a few hours in advance and refrigerate them. Bring them back to room temperature and reheat gently in the oven before serving. Adding bacon and green onions fresh before serving keeps everything tasting its best.
Final Thoughts
This Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to side dishes because it’s so deceptively simple yet packed with bold flavors. I love how it feels fancy but takes minimal effort — perfect for those days when you want your meal to shine without spending hours in the kitchen. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for that perfect blend of tang, creaminess, and smoky bacon goodness. Go ahead, give it a shot — you’ll be so glad you did!
PrintButtermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes Recipe
These Buttermilk Bacon Blue Smashed Potatoes combine creamy yukon gold potatoes mashed with tangy buttermilk, rich blue cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions for a flavorful and comforting side dish perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2.5 pounds yukon gold potatoes
Dairy & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 4 ounces blue cheese
Other
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly and peel or cut off any dark spots or imperfections, leaving as much skin on as possible for texture and nutrition.
- Cook potatoes: Cut the potatoes into cubes and place them in a large stock pot. Cover with cold water, bring to a boil, and cook until tender, approximately 20 minutes.
- Drain and mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot placed over low heat. Add the butter and buttermilk to warm the potatoes and then mash using a potato masher until the desired chunky or smooth texture is reached.
- Season and mix: Stir in salt, pepper, crumbled blue cheese, and most of the cooked bacon, reserving some bacon for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Top the mashed potatoes with the reserved bacon and sliced green onions before serving warm.
Notes
- Leave the potato skins on for added texture and nutrients.
- Use full-fat buttermilk and butter for the creamiest texture.
- Substitute blue cheese with gorgonzola or feta if preferred.
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and add extra blue cheese or sautéed mushrooms.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives can enhance flavor.
