Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Dont Go Bacon My Heart on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 55 min
Cost: $8.55 total, $2.14 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Baby Potatoes (small, washed; halve if larger than bite‑size)
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
- 1 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 6 slices Bacon (thick‑cut, cooked crispy and crumbled)
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise (full‑fat)
- 0.25 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat)
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard (smooth)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.25 cup Red Onion (finely diced)
- 0.25 cup Celery (finely diced)
- 2 tbsp Pickles (diced dill pickles)
- 2 tbsp Chives (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the potatoes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 425°F
Season Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
First Roast
Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a parchment‑lined baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 425°F
Cool and Smash
Remove the sheet from the oven, let the potatoes cool for 5 minutes, then gently smash each one with a fork or potato masher until flattened but still intact.
Time: PT5M
Second Roast for Crispness
Drizzle a little more olive oil over the smashed potatoes, season again, and return to the oven for another 15 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 425°F
Cook Bacon
While the potatoes finish roasting, cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to paper towels and crumble.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Dressing
In a mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Add Fresh Mix‑Ins
Dice the red onion, celery, and pickles; chop the chives and parsley. Stir them into the dressing.
Time: PT10M
Combine All Ingredients
Transfer the crispy smashed potatoes and crumbled bacon to a large serving bowl. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat, being careful not to break the potatoes further.
Time: PT5M
Chill (Optional)
Refrigerate the salad for 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld, or serve immediately while still warm for extra crunch.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 8g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 22g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains dairy, Contains eggs, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Mustard, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Baby Potatoes: small red potatoes, new potatoes
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Bacon: turkey bacon, smoked pancetta
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, vegan mayo
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, creme fraiche
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: whole grain mustard, yellow mustard
- Instead of Lemon Juice: vinegar
- Instead of Red Onion: white onion, shallots
- Instead of Celery: fennel
- Instead of Pickles: capers
- Instead of Chives: green onions
- Instead of Parsley: cilantro
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Mixing Bowl
- Fork or Potato Masher
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spoon or Spatula
- Paper Towels (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- First roasting the potatoes to develop flavor
- Smashing the potatoes while still warm
- Second roasting to achieve crisp edges
- Cooking bacon until fully crisp
- Balancing the dressing’s acidity and creaminess
Chef Tips from the Video
- Line the baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier
- Let potatoes rest 5 minutes after the first roast; this releases steam and makes smashing easier
- Crumble bacon while still warm for maximum flavor absorption
Troubleshooting
Potatoes turn out soggy instead of crisp
Make sure the potatoes are fully roasted the first time and dry before smashing; a second high‑heat roast is essential.
Dressing is too thick
Thin with a little extra lemon juice or a splash of milk/yogurt until desired consistency.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will become mushy
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Roast and smash the potatoes a day ahead; keep them in the fridge and re‑crisp under a broiler before serving
- Prepare the dressing and store separately; combine just before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of potato salad in American cuisine?
Potato salad has been a staple of American picnics and barbecues since the late 19th century, evolving from European boiled‑potato dishes. It became especially popular in the Midwest, where creamy mayo‑based versions are traditional, and today it represents comfort food at gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of potato salad in the United States?
In the South, potato salad often includes mustard and pickles for a tangy bite; the Midwest favors a sweeter, mayo‑heavy style; the Pacific Northwest adds herbs like dill and chives, while New England versions may incorporate vinegar and less mayo. This recipe blends the creamy Midwest style with crisp bacon for extra texture.
How is potato salad traditionally served in American summer barbecues?
It is typically served chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled meats, hot dogs, and corn on the cob. A garnish of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika adds visual appeal, and the salad is often placed in a large serving bowl for easy self‑service.
What occasions or celebrations is potato salad commonly associated with in American culture?
Potato salad appears at Fourth of July picnics, family reunions, backyard barbecues, potlucks, and even holiday meals like Thanksgiving as a side that balances richer dishes.
How does this crispy smashed potato salad fit into the broader American side‑dish tradition?
It modernizes the classic creamy potato salad by adding a double‑roasted, smashed potato technique that creates a crunchy texture, while the inclusion of bacon adds smoky richness—a nod to the hearty, comfort‑focused side dishes beloved in American cuisine.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic American potato salad versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, hard‑boiled eggs, celery, onion, and herbs. Acceptable substitutes are Greek yogurt for mayo, dill pickles for extra tang, and turkey bacon for a leaner protein while still keeping the flavor profile.
What other American dishes pair well with this crispy smashed potato salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled burgers, smoked ribs, fried chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or a simple grilled steak. A crisp green salad or corn on the cob rounds out the meal nicely.
What makes this crispy smashed potato salad special or unique in American cuisine?
The double‑roasting and smashing technique creates a contrast between a creamy interior and a crunchy exterior, while the bacon adds smoky depth. This texture‑focused twist sets it apart from the usual soft, fully boiled potato salads.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy smashed potato salad?
Common errors include under‑roasting the potatoes before smashing, which leads to soggy pieces; over‑mixing the dressing, causing it to separate; and adding the dressing too early, which softens the crisp potatoes. Follow the two‑stage roasting and add dressing at the end for best results.
Why does this recipe use a second high‑heat roast after smashing instead of simply frying the potatoes?
Roasting after smashing ensures an even, all‑sides crispness without the excess oil that frying can introduce. It also keeps the potatoes’ interior fluffy while creating a uniform crunchy exterior, which is harder to achieve with pan‑frying alone.
What does the YouTube channel Dont Go Bacon My Heart specialize in?
The YouTube channel Dont Go Bacon My Heart specializes in bacon‑centric comfort food recipes, showcasing creative ways to incorporate bacon into classic dishes while emphasizing easy, home‑cooked techniques and flavorful twists.
How does the YouTube channel Dont Go Bacon My Heart's approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Dont Go Bacon My Heart focuses heavily on the smoky, savory qualities of bacon, often building entire dishes around it rather than using it as a garnish. The channel also emphasizes quick, approachable methods that require minimal equipment, setting it apart from more technique‑heavy or gourmet‑focused channels.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
