Loaded Bacon & Roasted Baby Potato Bake

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Loaded Bacon & Roasted Baby Potato Bake

Introduction

Crispy, golden baby potatoes baked with smoky bacon and finished with fresh herbs — this dish is the ultimate comfort food side. The tender inside of each potato meets the crunchy, salty bite of bacon, creating a combination that’s hearty, satisfying, and impossible to resist. Perfect for family dinners, BBQs, holiday feasts, or as a stand-alone indulgence.

History

Potatoes have been a staple in European diets since their introduction from South America in the late 16th century. Bacon and potatoes have a long history as a classic pairing — from Irish colcannon to German potato salad. Oven-roasted baby potatoes with bacon became popular in the 20th century when modern home ovens made crispy roasting more accessible. Today, the dish remains a favorite comfort food worldwide.

Benefits

Flavorful & Comforting – Combines salty, savory, and herby flavors.

Easy to Make – Minimal prep, maximum taste.

Customizable – Add cheese, spices, or veggies to suit your style.

Nutrient Rich – Potatoes provide potassium and vitamin C, while bacon offers protein and flavor depth.

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6)

1.5 lbs (700 g) baby potatoes, halved

6–8 strips bacon, chopped

3 tbsp olive oil or bacon fat

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika (optional, for color and smokiness)

Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped

Optional Additions:

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a loaded version)
  • 2 tbsp sour cream for serving

Instructions & Method

  1. Preheat & Prepare
    • Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
    • Line a roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Cook Bacon
    • In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
    • Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving a few tablespoons of bacon fat.
  3. Season Potatoes
    • In a large mixing bowl, toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil (or bacon fat), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Roast Potatoes
    • Spread potatoes cut-side down in the pan.
    • Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
  5. Add Bacon & Finish
    • Sprinkle cooked bacon over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
    • Remove from oven, top with fresh herbs, and cheese if desired.
  6. Serve
    • Serve hot as a side dish or snack, with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.

Formation

This dish is a layered harmony of texture and taste:

  1. Base – Roasted baby potatoes, fluffy inside, crispy outside.
  2. Middle – Bacon bits for smoky crunch.
  3. Finish – Fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness, optional cheese for creaminess.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximation)

Calories: ~280 kcal

Protein: 7 g

Carbohydrates: 28 g

Fat: 16 g

Fiber: 3 g

Sodium: ~460 mg

Lovers of This Dish

Comfort food fans – People who can’t say no to potatoes.

Bacon lovers – For those who believe bacon makes everything better.

Family cooks – Quick, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing.

BBQ hosts – A perfect side dish for grilled meats.

Conclusion

The Loaded Bacon & Roasted Baby Potato Bake is a timeless comfort dish — simple to prepare yet rich in flavor and texture. It’s the kind of side that steals the show, whether it’s alongside a holiday roast, a weeknight chicken dinner, or as the star at a weekend gathering. With crispy edges, tender centers, and the irresistible saltiness of bacon, it’s no wonder this dish has endless fans.

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