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Hunters smashed potatoes on the white ceramic plate sprinkled with garnish

Hunters Smashed Potatoes

Crispy golden smashed baby potatoes topped with savory mushrooms, smoky bacon, caramelized onions, garlic, melted cheese, and fresh parsley for a hearty hunter-style side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Rustic
Calories: 365

Ingredients
  

Smashed Potatoes
  • 2 lb baby potatoes Yukon Gold or small yellow potatoes preferred
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.75 tsp salt plus more for boiling water
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Hunter-Style Topping
  • 6 oz bacon chopped
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 1 yellow onion medium, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • Potato masher or sturdy glass

Method
 

  1. Place baby potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, until easily pierced with a fork.
  2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  3. Drain potatoes thoroughly and allow them to steam-dry for about 5 minutes.
  4. Arrange potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and gently smash each potato to about 1/2 inch thick using a potato masher, sturdy glass, or measuring cup.
  5. Combine olive oil and melted butter. Brush over the potatoes and season evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Roast for 25–30 minutes without flipping, until the bottoms and craggy edges are deeply golden and crisp.
  7. Meanwhile, cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
  8. Add mushrooms and sliced onion to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 7–9 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and onions are tender.
  9. Add minced garlic, thyme, and black pepper and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir most of the cooked bacon back into the mushroom mixture.
  10. Remove crispy potatoes from the oven and spoon the mushroom, onion, and bacon mixture over and around them. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.
  11. Return to the oven for 4–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Broil for about 1 minute if additional browning is desired.
  12. Top with reserved crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 13gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 610mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For the crispiest potatoes, allow them to steam-dry after boiling and leave enough space between each potato on the baking sheet. Add the mushroom topping only after the potatoes have completed their initial roast so the moisture from the mushrooms does not soften the crispy surfaces.

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