Zesty Smashed Jalapeño Potatoes Recipe: Fiery Comfort Food

Crispy, golden edges and a spicy kick make these smashed jalapeño potatoes a game-changing side dish that’ll spark conversation at any meal.

Boiled potatoes get a bold twist when crushed and seasoned with zesty jalapeños for maximum flavor impact.

Each potato emerges from the oven with a perfectly crunchy exterior and tender, creamy center.

The combination of herbs, spices, and fresh jalapeño peppers creates an irresistible texture that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Roasted to perfection, these potatoes offer a delightful blend of heat and comfort that transforms an ordinary side into something extraordinary.

You won’t be able to resist the temptation of these crispy, spicy potatoes that bring serious excitement to your plate.

Prepare to fall in love with a side dish that’s both simple to make and impossible to stop eating.

Jalapeno Popper Potato Perks

• Transform ordinary potatoes into a gourmet experience with multi-layered tastes of spicy jalapenos, sharp cheddar, and zesty ranch dip that elevate this dish beyond standard side dishes.
• Easily control spiciness by adjusting jalapeno quantities, making this recipe perfect for different heat tolerances while maintaining delicious flavor profiles for everyone at the table.
• Master this restaurant-style appetizer with minimal cooking skills, using basic kitchen tools and straightforward techniques that guarantee crispy, cheesy results every single time.
• Serve as a stunning party snack, game day treat, or casual side dish that appeals to both adults and kids, creating instant excitement around the dinner table with its irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

Jalapeno Popper Potato Ingredients

• Baby Red Potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes that provide a creamy interior and crispy exterior when smashed and baked.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A tangy cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor to the potatoes.
• Jalapenos: Fresh peppers that bring a spicy kick and vibrant heat to the dish.

• Kosher Salt, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the potatoes.
• Dry Ranch Seasoning, Jalapeno Powder: Seasonings that add extra depth and spice to the accompanying dip.

• Butter, Sour Cream: Ingredients that provide richness and creaminess to the potatoes and dip.

Tools for Jalapeno Potatoes

• Baking Sheet: Large, lined with parchment paper for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Pot: For boiling potatoes in salted water until tender.
• Potato Masher or Sturdy Glass: Essential for smashing potatoes to create crispy edges.
• Pastry Brush: Used to evenly coat potatoes with melted butter.
• Small Bowl: For mixing jalapeno ranch dip ingredients.
• Cutting Board and Knife: To finely dice jalapenos.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning and dip ingredients.

How to Make Jalapeno Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

This ensures your potatoes will cook evenly and not stick to the pan.

Step 2: Boil Potatoes

Thoroughly wash baby red potatoes and place them in a pot of salted water.

Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork.

Drain the potatoes and let them sit for about 5 minutes to dry out slightly.

Step 3: Smash Potatoes

Transfer the boiled potatoes to the prepared baking sheet.

Using a potato masher or the bottom of a sturdy glass, gently press down on each potato to flatten them to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Allow the smashed potatoes to air dry for another 5 minutes.

Step 4: Season and Initial Bake

• Kosher salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the potatoes and bake for an additional 20 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.

Step 5: Add Spicy Toppings

• Finely diced jalapenos
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Step 6: Melt Cheese

Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Whip Up Jalapeno Ranch Dip

• Sour cream
• Dry ranch seasoning
• Jalapeno powder

Mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the crispy, cheesy smashed potatoes and serve with the zesty jalapeno ranch dip.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Jalapeno Potato Tips for Crunch

• Pat potatoes completely dry after boiling to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy edges during baking.
• Select small, uniform baby red potatoes for consistent smashing and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Press gently but firmly when smashing potatoes to create uneven surfaces that crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Remove jalapeno seeds for milder heat or keep them for an extra kick, adjusting to personal spice preference.
• Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for superior melting and more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged options.

Jalapeno Potato Mix-Up Ideas

• Veggie Lover's Delight: Swap out jalapenos for roasted bell peppers and use vegan cheese for a plant-based version that keeps all the crispy, cheesy goodness.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets, following the same smashing and baking technique for a keto-friendly alternative packed with flavor.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the potatoes before adding cheese, creating a savory version that adds extra crunch and smoky flavor.
• Mediterranean Remix: Top potatoes with crumbled feta cheese, diced kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like oregano for a Greek-inspired variation that transforms the original recipe.

Serving Jalapeno Popper Potatoes

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these spicy potatoes on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls for easy sharing during game nights or casual gatherings.
• Appetizer Transformation: Cut potatoes into smaller bite-sized pieces for elegant cocktail parties, making them perfect finger food for guests to enjoy.
• Brunch Companion: Pair these crispy potatoes with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh herbs for a delightful weekend morning meal that adds excitement to breakfast.
• Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or baked fish to create a complete and satisfying meal with complementary flavors and textures.

Potato Storage for Snacking Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual potatoes tightly in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Place potatoes on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Warm potatoes in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally to restore crispiness and prevent burning.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients needed for this recipe?

Baby red potatoes, butter, kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, jalapenos, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning, and jalapeno powder are the essential ingredients.

• Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, while baby red potatoes work best for smashing, you can also use small Yukon gold or white potatoes with similar results.

• How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?

Make sure to let the boiled potatoes air dry completely before smashing, and use a hot oven temperature. The longer drying time helps create a crispier exterior when baking.

Smashed Jalapeno Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy smashed jalapeño potatoes deliver spicy comfort on a plate. Mexican-inspired side dishes combine rustic potato textures with fiery pepper zest, beckoning you to savor each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds baby red potatoes
• 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (230 g) sour cream

Spices and Seasonings:

• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon jalapeno powder
• Salt, to taste

Wet Ingredients and Garnish:

• 0.25 cup (0.5 stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely diced

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Instructions

1. Prepare workspace by setting oven to 425F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Thoroughly wash baby red potatoes and submerge in salted water. Boil for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender, then drain and allow to air dry for 5 minutes.
3. Transfer potatoes onto prepared baking sheet. Using a potato masher or sturdy glass bottom, gently flatten each potato to approximately 1/4-inch thickness, creating rustic, uneven surfaces.
4. Generously coat smashed potatoes with melted butter, then sprinkle with kosher salt, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Roast potatoes for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and continue baking for another 20 minutes until edges turn golden and crispy.
6. Remove potatoes from oven and immediately distribute finely chopped jalapenos across the surface, followed by an even layer of sharp cheddar cheese.
7. Return to oven for 3-5 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely and become slightly bubbly.
8. Meanwhile, whisk sour cream with dry ranch seasoning and jalapeno powder in a small mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
9. Transfer smashed potatoes to serving platter and accompany with prepared jalapeno ranch dip for a delightful appetizer or side dish.

Notes

• Potato Selection Matters choose baby red potatoes for the best texture and even smashing result.
• Air Drying Technique let potatoes dry completely after boiling to ensure maximum crispiness when baking.
• Smashing Pro Tip use a flat-bottomed glass or potato masher with gentle, consistent pressure to create even, crispy surfaces.
• Spice Level Control remove jalapeno seeds for milder heat or add extra for more intense spiciness.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation substitute butter with olive oil and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Make-Ahead Strategy partially prepare potatoes earlier in the day and finish baking just before serving to save time.
• Flavor Boosting experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda for unique taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 406
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 455 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 61 mg