These Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes are the perfect blend of sweet and salty! They’re crispy on the outside and tender inside, with bits of bacon that add a yummy crunch.
What’s not to love? It’s like a party on your plate! I usually serve these as a side, but hey, who says you can’t just eat them for dinner? 🥔😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Using baby or new potatoes gives a creamy texture. If you can’t find them, regular potatoes work just fine. Just cut them into 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly.
Bacon: I love the flavor that bacon brings. If you want a lighter option, turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can be good substitutes. They still add a nice smokiness while keeping the dish lighter.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps caramelize the potatoes. For vegans, maple syrup is a great alternative. It gives a different flavor, but it’s just as delicious!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my preference for its robust flavor. However, you could use other oils like avocado oil or even melted butter if that’s what you have on hand.
Spices: Garlic and onion powder add depth. Feel free to substitute fresh minced garlic and onion if you prefer a more intense flavor. Smoked paprika gives a nice earthy touch, but regular paprika will also work.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Bacon and Potatoes?
The secret to crispy bacon and potatoes starts with proper cooking technique. First, fry the bacon until it’s crispy. This not only adds flavor but also infuses the potatoes with a rich taste. Reserve some bacon grease for tossing the potatoes.
- Cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, then remove it and drain on paper towels.
- In the remaining grease, toss the diced potatoes and cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to brown slightly before adding the honey mixture.
- Don’t forget to stir the potatoes halfway through roasting for even crispiness.
Following these steps will ensure you achieve that delicious crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of this dish!
How to Make Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby or new potatoes, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 6 strips of bacon, diced
For The Honey Mixture:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes in about 40 minutes total. It’s a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect as a side or even as a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your delicious potatoes!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Cook until it’s crispy, stirring occasionally. Once done, carefully remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel. Make sure to keep about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.
3. Brown the Potatoes:
With the same skillet still on medium heat, add the diced potatoes. Toss them in the bacon grease so they’re coated nicely. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the potatoes begin to brown slightly, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
4. Make the Honey Mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your potatoes a sweet and savory flavor!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the honey mixture over the browned potatoes in the skillet. Don’t forget to add the cooked bacon back in! Toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated in the mixture.
6. Spread and Roast:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the potato mixture evenly across it. Make sure the potatoes are in a single layer for even roasting. Then, roast them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown and tender.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top for a nice pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can use Yukon Gold, Russet, or even sweet potatoes if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of potato. Make sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
What If I’m Vegetarian or Want to Skip the Bacon?
No worries! You can omit the bacon and substitute it with smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. You might also consider adding some crispy roasted chickpeas for a bit of texture and protein!
How to Store Leftover Roasted Potatoes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them or warm them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, allowing them to crisp up a bit on the outside.
Can I Make These Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the potatoes and bacon mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to cook, just pour everything onto a baking sheet and roast as directed. This makes for a great time-saver when hosting!
