Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes
Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes combine crispy, smoky bacon with tender, golden roasted garlic-infused potatoes, topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs for a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal or occasion.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Potatoes & Garlic
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, washed and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole
Seasonings & Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Bacon & Cheese
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or your preferred melty cheese)
Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and cut the potatoes into evenly sized bite-sized chunks for even roasting. Peel the garlic cloves but keep them whole to roast alongside the potatoes, bringing out a mellow and caramelized flavor.
- Roast the Potatoes and Garlic: Toss the potatoes and whole garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and tender, turning once halfway through.
- Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes roast, cook the bacon until crispy by frying or baking. Drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
- Combine and Add Cheese: Transfer the roasted potatoes and garlic to a mixing bowl. Gently mash the roasted garlic cloves into the potatoes to release their flavor. Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese, stirring lightly to combine all ingredients.
- Finish and Garnish: Return the mixture to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to melt the cheese and meld flavors. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Notes
- Cut potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even roasting and consistent texture.
- Let potatoes come to room temperature before roasting for better crisping.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; spread ingredients out to avoid steaming and ensure browning.
- Keeping garlic cloves whole softens their sharpness and adds natural sweetness.
- Add cheese near the end of baking to prevent burning and achieve perfect melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: loaded potatoes, bacon potatoes, roasted garlic potatoes, comfort food, side dish, cheesy potatoes