Sweet, salty, crispy, and totally irresistible—that’s the magic of Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes. If you’re a lover of simple, mouthwatering side dishes or just looking to jazz up your dinner routine, this recipe is for you. Whether served during a casual weekday dinner or at a festive holiday feast, these golden, caramelized potatoes are bound to steal the spotlight.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps of creating these delights, with tips to achieve maximum crispiness and flavor. By the end, you’ll have a signature dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredient Notes:
- Potatoes: Yukon gold or small red potatoes also work if baby potatoes aren’t available.
- Honey Substitutes: Maple syrup or agave are great alternatives for a similar sweetness profile.
- Bacon: Feel free to experiment with flavored bacon varieties, such as pepper-crusted or maple-glazed.
Now that we’ve gathered everything, it’s time to get roasting!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Potatoes
Want to take your roasted potatoes to the next level? Here are some kitchen-tested hacks:
Tips for Maximum Crispiness:
- Dry Your Potatoes
Dab your potato halves with a paper towel before seasoning to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up better.
- Preheat the Pan
Place your baking sheet in the oven as it preheats. Adding the potatoes to a hot surface kicks off the roasting process instantly.
- Don’t Skimp on Space
Crowded potatoes don’t get crispy! Use two baking sheets if needed to give your potatoes some breathing room.
Tasty Variations:
- Cheesy Upgrade
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes in the last five minutes of roasting for a savory, nutty crust.
- Spicy Twist
Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat kick.
- Vegetarian Version
Swap bacon with sautéed mushrooms or crispy roasted chickpeas.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to pair with your Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes? Their sweet and smoky flavor complements a variety of dishes, including:
- Grilled Chicken
The potatoes add a rich, hearty touch to light, herb-marinated grilled chicken.
- Steak
Their smoky, caramelized edges perfectly match the bold flavors of a ribeye or filet mignon.
- Roasted Veggies
Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans for a colorful vegetarian plate.
Or, make them the main star by serving with a fried egg and a light salad for a casual brunch idea.
Mistake to avoid
- Using wet potatoes, as excess moisture prevents proper crisping.
- Overcrowding the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of frying.
- Using insufficient oil or butter, resulting in dry and unevenly cooked potatoes.
- Cooking on too low a heat, which hampers crisping and may make the potatoes soggy.
- Skipping pre-seasoning, as adding spices during or after cooking may lead to uneven flavor distribution.
Variation to try
- Herbed Variation: Toss the potatoes with fresh thyme and parsley for a fragrant, earthy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Lemon Zest: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright, zesty touch.
- Smoky Blend: Use smoked paprika and a hint of cumin for a rich, smoky flavor profile.
- Cheesy Delight: Add nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for a cheesy, savory note.
Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet
- Paper Towels
- Spatula or Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb baby potatoes halved
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tbsp honey
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Step 4: Once potatoes are done, toss them with the crispy bacon while still warm.
- Step 5: Drizzle with extra honey if desired and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ
Q: Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can partially prepare the potatoes ahead by boiling them until tender and storing them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply crisp them up in a skillet or oven.
Q: What are the best potatoes to use for this recipe?
A: Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best for their creamy texture and ability to crisp nicely during cooking.
Q: How do I achieve the perfect crispy texture?
A: Ensure the potatoes are completely dry before cooking, use a generous amount of oil or butter, and avoid overcrowding the pan to allow them to crisp evenly.
Q: Can I make these without dairy?
A: Absolutely! Use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version of the dish.
Q: Are there any suggested seasoning variations?
A: You can add garlic, paprika, rosemary, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a flavorful twist. Customize the seasonings to suit your taste!
Why You Need to Try This Recipe
Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes blend simplicity with bold flavors. The balance of sweetness from honey, saltiness from bacon, and smokiness from paprika creates a perfect harmony in every bite. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they’re also versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Time to Get Cooking!
Roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a shot. Sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the most extraordinary dishes. Once you make these golden, crispy potatoes, we guarantee they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!