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Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes combine crispy, smoky bacon with golden, tender potatoes and sweet roasted garlic for a flavorful, comforting side dish. Easy to make and versatile, this recipe pairs wonderfully with poultry, beef, or fresh salads, making it a family favorite for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes & Bacon

  • 1.5 pounds baby waxy potatoes, washed and halved
  • 6 slices bacon, diced

Garlic & Oils

  • 1 whole bulb garlic
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat (from cooking bacon)

Herbs & Seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnishes (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic: Slice the top off the whole garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until soft and caramelized.
  2. Cook the Bacon: While the garlic roasts, dice the bacon into small pieces. Cook over medium heat in a skillet until crispy. Drain excess fat on paper towels, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat for roasting the potatoes.
  3. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and halve the baby potatoes. Toss them in a bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil, the reserved bacon fat, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs to coat evenly.
  4. Roast the Potatoes: Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and crispy edges.
  5. Combine and Season: Once roasted, gently toss the potatoes with squeezed-out roasted garlic paste, crispy bacon bits, and freshly chopped chives or green onions. If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it on top and return to the oven for the last 5 minutes to melt.

Notes

  • Use waxy potatoes like baby new potatoes for the best texture.
  • Saving and using bacon fat adds rich umami flavor to the potatoes.
  • Spread potatoes in a single layer to ensure crispiness—avoid overcrowding.
  • Roast garlic in foil to soften it without burning and bring out natural sweetness.
  • Add fresh herbs after roasting to keep their vibrant flavor and color.
  • Cheese is optional; add it at the end to achieve a creamy, melty finish without overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon, roasted garlic, potatoes, side dish, crispy potatoes, loaded potatoes, easy recipe, comfort food, family favorite, holiday side