Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes combine the sweetness of honey with the savory flavor of crispy bacon, making them an irresistible side dish that complements nearly any meal. Whether you’re serving them with grilled steak, roast chicken, or as part of a festive dinner spread, this recipe is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
This dish stands out not just for its flavor but also for its texture. The crispy exterior of the roasted potatoes contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy interior. Toss in the crispy bacon and sweet honey glaze, and you have a side dish that is both comforting and exciting. If you haven’t tried this honey bacon roasted potatoes recipe yet, you’re in for a treat.
Why This Recipe Works
When it comes to preparing roasted potatoes, many recipes either focus on getting the right crispiness or achieving the perfect tenderness. The magic of this recipe lies in its ability to achieve both. The initial boiling process softens the potatoes, while roasting gives them the desired golden crunch. The addition of honey and bacon takes this dish to the next level, balancing sweetness and smokiness for a delightful flavor combination.
What sets this recipe apart is the use of Yukon Gold potatoes, known for their buttery flavor and creamy texture when roasted. They’re a perfect match for this recipe, ensuring that each bite has a melt-in-your-mouth quality. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, this side dish adds both flavor and flair to your plate.
Key Ingredients for Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
To make this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients:
1. Potatoes – Choose Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture. They stay tender inside with a crispy exterior when roasted.
2. Bacon – Thick-cut bacon adds a crunchy texture and smoky flavor that’s a perfect complement to the sweet honey glaze.
3. Honey – The sweetness of honey balances the salty bacon and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
4. Garlic – Minced garlic adds a savory depth that pairs wonderfully with the bacon and honey.
5. Olive Oil – Helps to roast the potatoes evenly and adds a subtle richness.
6. Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes.
These ingredients come together to create a dish that is bursting with flavor, with each bite offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into evenly sized cubes. The more consistent the size, the more evenly they will roast. Place them in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, cook the potatoes for about 8 minutes, or until they are just tender when pierced with a fork.Dry the Potatoes
After draining the potatoes, let them sit for about 10 minutes to steam off excess moisture. This helps the potatoes crisp up better when roasting.Preheat the Oven
While the potatoes are drying, preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Make sure your oven is fully heated before you begin roasting the potatoes to get the best crispy texture.Season the Potatoes
Place the potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss them to ensure they are evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Be cautious with the salt, as the boiling water already added some seasoning to the potatoes. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly.Roast the Potatoes
Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, stir the potatoes to ensure they cook evenly. Continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.Prepare the Bacon Glaze
While the potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the diced bacon until it is crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain off the excess fat. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and honey, stirring to combine. Heat the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it becomes slightly syrupy.Combine and Serve
Once the potatoes are done, pour the honey bacon mixture over the crispy roasted potatoes. Toss them gently to coat the potatoes in the sweet and savory glaze. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Ingredients:
- 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes (or your preferred variety), peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 thick strips of bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions for Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized cubes (around 1-inch pieces) to ensure even cooking.
- Boil the Potatoes:
- Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
- Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are just tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to steam dry for about 5 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- While the potatoes are drying, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Roast the Potatoes:
- Transfer the dried potatoes to the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the potatoes, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly in the oil and seasonings.
- Spread the potatoes out in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, give the potatoes a quick stir and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Prepare the Bacon Honey Glaze:
- While the potatoes are roasting, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the cooked bacon on a paper towel to remove excess fat.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the honey and minced garlic to the bacon drippings. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the honey to melt and infuse with the bacon flavor.
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the roasted potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the bacon-honey glaze over the potatoes, tossing them gently to coat all the potatoes in the delicious glaze.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your mouthwatering Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes!
Tips for Perfect Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
To ensure you get the best results with this honey bacon roasted potatoes recipe, here are a few helpful tips:
• Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe, but Russet potatoes will work too if that’s what you have on hand. Avoid waxy potatoes like Red Bliss, as they don’t get as crispy when roasted.
• Consistency in Size: Cutting the potatoes into evenly sized cubes is crucial for even cooking. This ensures that each potato piece has the same texture, making every bite just as delicious.
• Crispiness Is Key: For that perfect crispy texture, make sure the potatoes are in a single layer on the baking sheet. Crowding them will cause them to steam rather than roast, leading to soggier potatoes.
• Add Fresh Herbs: If you want to elevate the flavor further, consider adding some fresh rosemary or thyme to the potatoes before roasting. These herbs pair beautifully with the savory bacon and sweet honey.
• Air Fryer Alternative: For a quicker version, you can also make honey bacon roasted potatoes in an air fryer. Simply toss the potatoes with olive oil and seasonings, then cook in the air fryer at 400ºF for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping. Drizzle the honey bacon mixture once the potatoes are done.
Storage and Leftover Ideas
If you happen to have any leftover honey bacon roasted potatoes, don’t worry—they taste just as delicious the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until they’re heated through and crispy again.
Leftovers can also be added to breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs or omelets. Simply toss them in with the eggs for a quick and flavorful breakfast. Or, chop them up and mix them into a salad for a satisfying meal.
How to Prepare Potatoes for Roasting
When it comes to roasting potatoes, the preparation stage is key. A great method to ensure crispness on the outside while keeping the inside fluffy is to boil them first. This process removes some of the starch, which allows the potatoes to achieve that perfect texture when roasted. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference, especially when you’re aiming for crispy Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Potatoes
Wash and Cut the Potatoes: Start by washing your potatoes thoroughly. Then, cut them into uniform cubes. Keeping the pieces about the same size ensures they cook evenly.
Boil the Potatoes: Fill a pot with cold water, add your potatoes, and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, let the potatoes cook for about 8-10 minutes or until they’re just tender but not fully cooked.
Dry the Potatoes: After boiling, drain the potatoes and let them sit for a few minutes to steam dry. This is important to remove excess moisture that could cause steaming rather than roasting.
Preheat the Oven: While the potatoes are drying, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will ensure a crispy exterior once the potatoes go into the oven.
Why Boiling First Makes a Difference
Boiling the potatoes before roasting helps in several ways:
- Crispier texture: As boiling removes excess starch, it leaves behind a natural coating that helps the potatoes become crispier during roasting.
- Faster cooking: Since the potatoes are already partially cooked, the roasting time is reduced, allowing you to achieve the perfect crispy golden brown exterior.
- Even roasting: Boiling ensures that the inside of the potatoes is already soft and fluffy, making for an ideal contrast to the crispy exterior when roasted.
Roasting the Potatoes
Roasting the potatoes at the right temperature is crucial to getting that crispy exterior and fluffy interior that will complement the delicious honey bacon glaze. With the right timing, your Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes will have the perfect texture.
Step-by-Step Roasting Instructions
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Start by lightly oiling a rimmed baking sheet or a roasting pan. This prevents the potatoes from sticking and ensures they roast evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats, which helps the potatoes to crisp up as soon as they touch the hot surface.
Season the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are dry, toss them in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is coated evenly. Since you’ve already salted the water during boiling, go easy on the salt.
Roast the Potatoes: Spread the prepped potatoes on the preheated baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes. After the first 30 minutes, give them a quick stir to ensure even browning. Continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
Check for Doneness: The potatoes should be crisp on the outside but soft and tender on the inside. You can check this by piercing a potato with a fork—it should slide through easily.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Roast
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure to spread the potatoes in a single layer to allow them to crisp up properly. If necessary, use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.
- Rotate the pan: If your oven has hot spots, rotate the pan halfway through the cooking process to ensure an even roast.
- Use high heat: The high temperature of 400°F (200°C) is essential for achieving that crispy outer layer, so don’t be tempted to lower the heat.
Preparing the Honey Bacon Glaze
The honey bacon glaze is what elevates this dish to a whole new level. The crispy bacon and rich honey blend together to create a sweet and savory sauce that perfectly complements the roasted potatoes. Here’s how to make it:
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Glaze
Cook the Bacon: Begin by chopping the bacon into small pieces. Heat a skillet over medium heat, then add the bacon. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside to drain on a paper towel.
Prepare the Glaze: In the same skillet, leave just enough bacon fat to cook the garlic. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Add the Honey: After the garlic has been sautéed, pour in the honey. Stir to combine, letting the honey heat through and slightly thicken. This will help the glaze adhere to the potatoes. If you like a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to give the glaze a little kick.
Combine with Bacon: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and toss it in the honey garlic mixture. Let it cook for another minute to ensure everything is well combined and the bacon soaks up the glaze.
Glaze the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are roasted and perfectly crispy, pour the honey bacon glaze over them. Toss the potatoes gently to ensure every piece is coated with the delicious glaze.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the glazed potatoes to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a burst of color. The honey bacon roasted potatoes are now ready to serve!
Tips for the Best Glaze
- Use high-quality honey: The flavor of the honey will be prominent in the glaze, so using a good-quality, natural honey is essential for the best taste.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer your glaze a little sweeter, add more honey. Conversely, if you want a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of honey and balance with a bit more salt or pepper.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but for that crispy texture, it’s better to reheat them in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat.
Conclusion
Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes are a perfect side dish that combines the natural sweetness of honey with the savory goodness of bacon. The recipe is easy to follow and brings out the best in crispy roasted potatoes. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. You can customize it by using different types of potatoes or adding herbs for extra flavor. Try this recipe today for a delicious and comforting side that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use other types of potatoes like Russet or red potatoes. However, Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a creamy texture and hold up well during roasting, offering a perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior.
2. Can I make Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes ahead of time?
- While it’s best to serve them fresh out of the oven for the crispiest texture, you can prepare the potatoes a day in advance by roasting them, storing them in an airtight container, and reheating them in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
3. Is this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, this recipe is completely dairy-free. It does not contain butter or cream, making it suitable for those who follow a dairy-free diet.
4. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
- Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lower-fat option or prefer turkey bacon, feel free to swap it in. However, keep in mind that turkey bacon may not crisp up as much as pork bacon, and the flavor profile will differ slightly.
5. How do I store leftovers?
- Leftover Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or reheat on the stovetop with a little oil to bring back some of the crispiness.
