Description
A hearty, flavor-packed side dish perfect for any occasion! Crispy bacon, savory roasted garlic, and creamy golden potatoes combine to make a comfort-food masterpiece. Sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), cubed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 head of garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup (50g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 tsp paprika or garlic powder
Instructions
- Prep the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the top off a garlic head, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30–40 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble. Reserve 1–2 tbsp bacon fat.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed potatoes with the reserved bacon fat (or olive oil), salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast the Potatoes: Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Combine Ingredients: Mash the roasted garlic cloves into the potatoes. Add crumbled bacon, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and toss gently to mix.
- Finish with Herbs: Garnish with chopped chives and serve hot for maximum deliciousness.
Notes
- Roasting Garlic Perfectly: Roasting the garlic transforms its flavor into a sweet and mellow richness, which is key to balancing the savory bacon and potatoes. Make sure the garlic is fully softened for easy mashing.
- Achieving Crispy Potatoes: Soak the potato cubes in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting to remove excess starch. This step ensures a crispier texture on the outside while keeping the inside creamy.
- Customizable Add-Ins: Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe with your favorite toppings, like jalapeños for heat, parmesan for extra savoriness, or fresh thyme for a more aromatic flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min