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Smoked Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Smoky, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy—these smoked cheesy potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side. Tender potatoes are layered with melted cheddar, smoked gouda, and a touch of garlic, then slow-cooked on the smoker until bubbly and golden. Perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or any meal that needs a bold, cheesy kick.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 44 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course or Side Dish
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 784

Ingredients
  

  • 5 pounds red potatoes​
  • 1 pound bacon​
  • 32 ounces cheddar cheese cubed​
  • 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese cubed​
  • ½ white onion diced​
  • 1 cup mayonnaise​
  • 1 cup sour cream​
  • Fresh ground garlic salt to taste​
  • Fresh ground pepper to taste​

Equipment

  • Pellet grill or smoker​
  • Large stockpot​
  • Over-the-sink strainer
  • 4.8-quart (10×15-inch) Pyrex or casserole dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
  1. Start by bringing a large stockpot of water to a rolling boil. While waiting, wash the red potatoes thoroughly.
  2. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the potatoes and cook until they are fork-tender. After boiling, drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool in an over-the-sink strainer.​
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
  1. While the potatoes are cooling, slice the bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
  2. Remember, the bacon will cook further in the smoker, so slightly undercooking it now is fine. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.​
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
  1. Once the potatoes have cooled enough to handle, cut them into chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the cooked bacon, cubed cheddar cheeses, diced onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.​
Step 4: Prepare for Smoking
  1. Lightly spray your 4.8-quart Pyrex or casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.​
Step 5: Smoke the Potatoes
  1. Preheat your pellet grill or smoker to 250°F (121°C). Once it reaches the desired temperature, place the casserole dish on the grill grates.
  2. Close the lid and smoke the cheesy potatoes for approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top has a slight golden hue.​
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Carefully remove the dish from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the smoked cheesy potatoes warm as a hearty side dish to complement your main course.​

Notes

I love making this dish in a foil pan right on the smoker—it saves me cleanup and adds that deep, smoky flavor I can’t get enough of. You can mix up the cheese too. I’ve used everything from sharp cheddar to smoked gouda and even pepper jack for a little heat. Just make sure the potatoes are sliced evenly so they cook through perfectly. And don’t be shy with the seasoning—it really brings the cheesy layers to life!