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Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes
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Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes combine tender, fluffy roasted russet potatoes with sweet, mellow roasted garlic and crispy smoky bacon for a comforting and flavorful side dish. Perfectly seasoned and optionally topped with cheese and fresh herbs, this versatile dish works well alongside a variety of mains or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 large russet potatoes, washed and cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 6–8 bacon strips
  • 8–10 garlic cloves, whole
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or chives), chopped

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda)
  • Sour cream, green onions, extra bacon for loaded deluxe topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potatoes: Start by washing and drying your russet potatoes. Cut them into bite-sized cubes to ensure they roast evenly and develop golden crisp edges. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for a perfectly hot roasting environment.
  2. Roast the garlic: Place whole garlic cloves wrapped in foil or in a small baking dish on the oven rack for about 25 minutes. Roasting softens the garlic, turning it sweet and spreadable, which imparts a gentle depth of flavor to the potatoes.
  3. Cook the bacon: While the garlic is roasting, cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop into small pieces, saving a bit of the rendered fat for extra flavor when roasting potatoes.
  4. Toss and season potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and some of the crispy bacon fat if available. This step coats every piece, setting the stage for a golden crust as they roast.
  5. Roast the potatoes: Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes are tender inside and crisp on the outside.
  6. Combine and finish: Once potatoes are finished, gently mix in the roasted garlic (squeezed out of its skin), crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Add cheese if desired, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat before serving.

Notes

  • Choose the right potato: Russets are ideal for their fluffy interior, but Yukon Golds work great for a creamier texture.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give potatoes space to crisp up; crowded baking sheets lead to steaming, not roasting.
  • Use bacon fat: Adding rendered bacon fat to your olive oil enhances smoky notes and crisps the potatoes beautifully.
  • Roast garlic properly: Don’t under-roast the garlic, as it needs softening to bring out its sweetness without harshness.
  • Add herbs last: Add fresh herbs at the end to keep their flavor vibrant and not dried out by oven heat.
  • For best reheating: Use a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F (200°C) to regain crispiness; avoid microwaving.
  • Make ahead: Prep garlic and bacon in advance, but roast potatoes shortly before serving for optimal texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon, roasted garlic, potatoes, comfort food, side dish, appetizer, crispy potatoes

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/loaded-bacon-roasted-garlic-potatoes/