The Viral Side Dish: Crispy Cheese Smashed Potatoes with Trader Joe's Elote Seasoning

If your social media feeds look anything like ours, you have definitely scrolled past videos of ultra-crispy, golden-brown smashed potatoes. They are the ultimate texture hybrid—boasting edges so thin and shatteringly crisp they mimic gourmet potato chips, wrapped around an interior that remains as fluffy and velvety as premium mashed potatoes.

But while regular versions rely simply on salt, pepper, and garlic, we are giving this viral side dish a massive flavor upgrade. Enter Trader Joe’s Everything But The Elote Multipurpose Seasoning Blend. By coating par-boiled baby potatoes in rich olive oil and a heavy dusting of this smoky, cheesy blend before hitting a super-heated oven, the cheese particles and chipotle pepper caramelize directly onto the potato skins. The result? A side dish with an unforgettably bold flavor profile that completely steals the spotlight from any main course.

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📦 Trader Joe's Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend: The viral flavor weapon blending authentic chili pepper, parmesan cheese, chipotle powder, cumin, and sea salt.

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The Secret Science of the Ultimate "Smash"

Why are smashed potatoes so much crispier than regular roasted potato wedges? It all comes down to a process called starch gelatinization.

When you boil baby potatoes whole until they are tender, the starch molecules inside absorb water and swell. When you violently press down on them with a heavy glass or jar, you rupture the cell walls and force that hydrated starch to the surface, vastly increasing the surface area. As these craggy, uneven starches roast in a pooling layer of hot oil, they dehydrate rapidly, creating thousands of microscopic nooks and crannies. When you throw the cheese and spices from Trader Joe’s Elote Seasoning into those hot crevices, they bake into a literal "lace skirt" of crunchy, savory goodness.

Yields: 4 Servings

Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red-skinned baby potatoes work best due to their high starch content)
• 2 tbsp Trader Joe’s Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend (split: 1 tbsp for oil coating, 1 tbsp for the cheese crown)
• 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil or melted unsalted butter (essential for getting that deep fry effect in the oven)
• 1/2 cup Finely shredded Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese (for extra gooey, crispy lace edges)
• 1 tbsp Fine sea salt (for the boiling water)
• Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro (for a vibrant finish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Par-Boil the Potatoes: Place your washed baby potatoes into a large pot and submerge them completely in cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of sea salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Test with a fork—if it slides effortlessly into the center of the largest potato, they are ready. Drain completely and let them sit in a colander for 5 minutes to allow surface moisture to steam off. (Crucial tip: Drying them keeps them from getting soggy when roasting!)
2. Preheat and Prep: While the potatoes dry, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. The Big Smash: Arrange the dried potatoes onto the baking sheet, leaving ample space between them. Take a flat-bottomed drinking glass, jar, or measuring cup. Lightly grease the bottom of the glass with a drop of oil so it doesn't stick. Press down firmly and evenly on each potato until it flattens to about 1/3-inch thickness. You want the edges to split open and look craggy.
4. The Flavor Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons of olive oil (or melted butter) with 1 tablespoon of Trader Joe's Elote seasoning. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the top of every single smashed potato, ensuring the seasoned oil seeps deep into all the cracks.
5. The First Roast: Slide the tray into the oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes until the edges are noticeably golden-brown and starting to look crisp.
6. The Cheese & Elote Crown: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Evenly distribute the shredded cheese over the top of each potato, then generously dust the remaining 1 tablespoon of Elote seasoning directly over the cheese layer.
7. The Final Crisp: Return the tray to the oven for another 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted, bubbled up, and formed a deeply browned, crispy lace border around each potato.
8. Garnish and Devour: Let them cool on the tray for 3 minutes (this allows the crispy edges to firm up completely). Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately!

Elevate Your Next Dinner Party Side

You don't need a professional restaurant setup or complicated culinary training to make a jaw-dropping side dish. By leveraging the natural starchy crunch of baby potatoes and infusing them with the instant, smoky cheese magic of Trader Joe's Everything But The Elote Seasoning, you can create a viral sensation right in your own kitchen.

Stock your pantry with the ultimate flavor shortcut today:

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Show us your crispy lace edges! Tag your potato creations on Instagram @thehongkongfoodies.

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