Description

Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food combining crispy smoky bacon, sweet caramelized roasted garlic, and tender golden baby potatoes. This versatile dish works perfectly as a hearty side, appetizer, or snack, delivering a perfect balance of savory flavors and satisfying textures that please both adults and kids alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1.5 lbs baby potatoes, washed and halved
6–8 thick-cut bacon slices
2 whole garlic bulbs
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
Optional: 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Roast the Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the tops off whole garlic bulbs to expose the cloves, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until cloves are golden and soft. This mellows the garlic for a sweet, buttery flavor.
Prepare the Potatoes: While garlic roasts, wash and halve baby potatoes. Toss them with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary to coat evenly, ensuring crispy edges and tender centers during roasting.
Cook the Bacon: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until crispy but not burnt. Remove and drain excess fat. Chop bacon into bite-sized pieces to add smoky crunch to the dish.
Roast the Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the outside with a soft interior.
Combine and Serve: Once potatoes and garlic are ready, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out and gently toss with the hot potatoes. Fold in crispy bacon pieces and sprinkle chopped chives. If desired, add shredded sharp cheddar cheese and broil briefly to melt. Serve immediately to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

Use uniformly sized baby potatoes to ensure even cooking.
Do not skip roasting garlic as it adds a necessary sweetness that balances the bacon’s saltiness.
Pat potatoes dry after washing to help achieve maximum crispiness during roasting.
Cook bacon low and slow to avoid burning and to render flavorful fat.
Add cheese at the end and broil briefly for a perfect melt without overcooking the potatoes.
Use fresh herbs like rosemary and chives for the best aroma and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: bacon, roasted garlic, baby potatoes, crispy potatoes, comfort food, appetizer, snack, side dish, gluten free