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.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: bacon, roasted garlic, potatoes, side dish, crispy potatoes, loaded potatoes, easy recipe, comfort food, family favorite, holiday side