Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Zesty Corn, Tomato, and Bacon Salad: The Ultimate Side Dish Recipe

At the heart of every KendellKreation lies a simple philosophy: transform humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes, often by embracing creativity with what’s on hand. This delightful recipe for Smashed Potatoes with Corn, Tomato, and Bacon Salad is a perfect embodiment of that spirit. It began with just a few leftover potatoes, some ripe tomatoes nearing their peak, and a couple of ears of corn waiting to be enjoyed. Add a touch of savory bacon, and these simple components are elevated into a vibrant, incredibly flavorful side dish that promises to impress.

Mastering the Components: Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes

The foundation of this standout dish lies in perfectly prepared smashed potatoes. We begin by boiling the potatoes until they reach that ideal fork-tender consistency – soft enough to be easily smashed, yet firm enough to hold their shape without crumbling. The cooking time will naturally vary depending on the size and type of potato you’re using. For best results, we recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes, known for their creamy texture and thin skins which crisp up beautifully. A simple test with a fork will tell you when they’re ready: if the fork slides in easily and pulls out quickly, they’ve hit their sweet spot.

Once boiled, these potatoes are destined for a crispy transformation. A crucial step involves tossing them generously in rendered bacon fat – a secret weapon for infusing deep, smoky flavor and achieving an unparalleled golden-brown crust. Season them liberally with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Then, using a sturdy utensil like a cereal bowl or a robust drinking glass, gently but firmly smash each potato. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic, irregular shapes are part of their charm and create more surface area for crisping. A final drizzle of olive oil and another sprinkle of salt will help enhance their texture and taste during broiling.

The magic truly happens under the broiler. Place the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet and broil until they achieve a glorious golden-brown hue and irresistible crisp edges. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, but keep a close eye on them as broiler strengths can vary. The high heat ensures a beautiful crust while keeping the inside wonderfully soft.

Crafting the Flavorful Corn, Tomato, and Bacon Salad

While your potatoes are bubbling away, it’s the perfect time to prepare the vibrant corn, tomato, and bacon salad that crowns this dish. Begin by roasting your bacon until wonderfully crisp. We often find that a toaster oven is incredibly efficient for this task, offering quick and even cooking. Alternatively, baking in a conventional oven on a foil-lined sheet at 425°F for about 20 minutes yields fantastic results. Once cooked, let the bacon cool slightly before dicing it into delectable pieces.

Next, turn your attention to the corn. If using fresh ears of corn, roasting them alongside the bacon in the oven or grilling them provides a fantastic smoky sweetness. Coat them lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper before cooking for 15-20 minutes. For convenience, especially out of season, frozen corn can be quickly sautéed in a little oil until warmed through and seasoned. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, carefully slice the kernels off the cob.

The tomatoes bring a burst of freshness and acidity. Roma tomatoes are an excellent choice due to their firm flesh and lower water content, making them less likely to make the salad watery. Dice them neatly. Now, combine the cooked and diced bacon, the sweet corn kernels, and the fresh diced tomatoes in a bowl. This trio forms the heart of our vibrant salad.

To dress the salad, a splash of good olive oil and a touch of champagne vinegar are key. The vinegar adds a bright, tangy note that beautifully cuts through the richness of the bacon and complements the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes. Season with kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Always remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – the goal is a harmonious balance of sweet, smoky, and slightly tart flavors.

Bringing All the Delicious Flavors Together

Once your smashed potatoes are golden and crispy from the broiler, it’s time for the grand finale. Generously spoon the prepared corn, tomato, and bacon salad over the hot potatoes, ensuring an even distribution of all those wonderful colors and textures. Return the entire pan to the broiler for a final 5 minutes. This crucial step works wonders: it gently warms the corn salad, allowing its flavors to meld beautifully, slightly softens the tomatoes, and, perhaps best of all, re-crisps any bacon that might have softened in the salad. The resulting dish is a symphony of textures and tastes – crispy potatoes, smoky bacon, sweet corn, and juicy, slightly warmed tomatoes all coming together in perfect harmony.

Versatile Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This Smashed Potatoes with Corn, Tomato, and Bacon Salad is incredibly versatile and makes a magnificent accompaniment to a wide range of main courses. It’s an absolutely fantastic side dish for any summer gathering, pairing exquisitely with a succulent grilled steak or juicy burgers straight off the barbecue. The smoky notes of the bacon and the freshness of the corn and tomatoes complement grilled meats beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Beyond summer, this dish offers a delightful and refreshing alternative to traditional, heavier holiday sides. Imagine it gracing your Thanksgiving or Christmas table, offering a lighter, brighter contrast to rich gravies and casseroles. It would also be a spectacular addition to a casual backyard cookout, perfectly complementing savory Instant Pot BBQ Ribs or roasted chicken. Its ability to hold up well at room temperature makes it an ideal candidate for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings where food might sit out for a little while.

Consider this dish a fresh and exciting take on potato salad, particularly appealing if you’re looking for an option without mayonnaise. The crispy texture of the potatoes, combined with the vibrant, zesty salad, offers a refreshing change from traditional creamy versions. Whether you’re preparing it for a grand holiday feast, a simple weeknight dinner, or a festive backyard party, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Its incredible flavors and appealing presentation ensure it’s delicious no matter the occasion.

📖 Recipe

Smashed Potatoes with Corn, Tomato, and Bacon Salad

I love the combo of corn, tomatoes, and bacon. Add in some potatoes and you have the perfect side dish for summer grilling or a little something different for Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner.

Ingredients

• 10-12 med Yukon Gold Potatoes
• 6 slices Bacon, thick-cut, diced
• 4 ears Corn, or 1 12oz bag frozen
• 2 Romas Tomatoes, diced
• Olive Oil
• Champagne Vinegar
• Kosher Salt
• Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

Instructions

1. First, boil the potatoes until fork tender 20-30 minutes depending on the size of your potatoes.
2. While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon, lay the strips out on a foil-lined baking sheet, and bake at 425˚F for 20 minutes. If using ears of corn, coat them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast in the oven with the bacon, 15-20 minutes. If using frozen, sauté the corn to warm it through in a little oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat the oven broiler to high.
4. When the potatoes are soft, toss them on a baking sheet and coat with the bacon fat, salt, and pepper. Smash the potatoes, drizzle with a little bit of olive oil and another sprinkle of salt and pepper. Place under the broiler and roast until browned, 10-15 minutes depending on your broiler. While the smashed potatoes are crisping, cut the corn off the cob and mix it with the diced tomatoes and bacon, and a splash of olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. It should be slightly sweet and tart from the vinegar. When the potatoes are brown, toss the corn salad on top and return the pan to the oven for 5 more minutes.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving:
Unsaturated Fat: 0g

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