Best Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes Recipe

Discover the ultimate Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes recipe that brings together crispy potatoes, savory bacon, and rich roasted garlic in one irresistible dish. Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or as a hearty side, this recipe will quickly become a favorite whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving comfort food. The combination of textures and bold flavors makes these potatoes impossible to resist, and they’re surprisingly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor Harmony: The roasted garlic adds a mellow sweetness that perfectly balances the smoky crispiness of the bacon.
• Crispy and Tender Texture: Potatoes are roasted until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside for the ultimate bite.
• Easy to Customize: You can easily tailor toppings and seasonings to suit any preference or dietary need.
• Perfect Anytime Dish: Serve it as a hearty breakfast, a comforting side, or even a snack for game day or gatherings.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Relies on pantry staples yet delivers an indulgent, crave-worthy result every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes recipe uses simple and essential ingredients that work beautifully together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each component adds a specific touch, whether it’s the crispiness from bacon or the subtle aromatic depth from roasted garlic.

• Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes work best for their creamy interiors and crisp exterior when roasted.
• Bacon: Thick-cut or regular, bacon brings smoky, crunchy goodness to every bite.
• Garlic: Whole cloves roasted until caramelized provide sweet, mellow garlic flavor without any harshness.
• Olive oil: Essential for roasting the potatoes to a perfect golden crisp.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack melts beautifully, adding richness to the dish.
• Sour cream: Adds a cool tangy contrast that complements the warm potatoes.
• Chives or green onions: Fresh herbs offer a bright color and subtle onion flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.

Variations for Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes. Feel free to experiment, swap ingredients, or make it fit dietary needs with minimal effort.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace bacon with smoked paprika roasted nuts or mushrooms for a smoky, crunchy alternative.
• Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a gooey, melty experience.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
• Herb Variations: Swap chives for fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary to change up flavor notes.
• Loaded Up: Toss in cooked sausage, caramelized onions, or sautéed bell peppers to make it even heartier.

How to Make Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off a whole garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for about 30-40 minutes until soft and golden. This mellow, caramelized garlic will enhance the potatoes later.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and chop your potatoes into bite-sized chunks, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet to roast, ensuring they have enough space to crisp up well.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

While potatoes roast, cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. The bacon fat can be reserved to add extra flavor if you like.

Step 4: Roast the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness. When done, the potatoes will be golden and tender.

Step 5: Combine and Add Toppings

Once potatoes are roasted, add the roasted garlic cloves by squeezing them from their skins and mixing into the potatoes. Then add chopped bacon, cheese, and fresh herbs. You can briefly return the potatoes to the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite creamy topping, and garnish with extra chives or green onions for color.

Pro Tips for Making Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes

• Potato Choice Matters: Yukon gold holds shape perfectly but still crisps nicely—avoid waxy or too starchy potatoes.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving potatoes space ensures they roast instead of steam, creating crisp edges.
• Use Warm Roasted Garlic: Warm, caramelized garlic mixes in easily and tastes much sweeter than raw garlic.
• Bacon Crispness: For crunchier bacon bits, bake bacon in the oven on a wire rack to let fat drip away.
• Timing the Cheese: Add cheese during the last 5 minutes to ensure it melts but doesn’t burn.
• Fresh Herbs Finish: Add herbs after baking to keep their bright, fresh flavors intact.

How to Serve Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Garnishes

Top with a generous scoop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add cool creaminess that contrasts beautifully with warm potatoes. Add freshly chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and subtle onion flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with protein like grilled chicken, steak, or even baked fish. For a vegetarian meal, serve with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the loaded potatoes in a cast-iron skillet or a rustic wooden bowl for a cozy vibe. For a festive touch, use small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets to serve individual portions that everyone will love digging into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They retain flavor well but are best enjoyed soon after cooking.

Freezing

You can freeze the potatoes before adding fresh toppings like sour cream or herbs. Cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to help restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make potatoes soggy; if microwaving, add a paper towel to absorb moisture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes! While Yukon gold or red potatoes work best for crispiness, russet potatoes can be used as well but may have a fluffier texture.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the cheese and sour cream or use dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese and coconut yogurt for the creamy topping.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe typically serves 4-6 people as a side dish but can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.

Can I prepare the roasted garlic in advance?

Yes, you can roast garlic ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it in small portions for later use.

What can I use instead of bacon?

For a vegetarian option, consider smoked paprika-roasted mushrooms, tempeh bacon, or adding extra herbs and spices to boost flavor without the meat.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes recipe—its simplicity, incredible flavor, and comforting aroma make it a kitchen classic in the making. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively get-together, this dish will bring smiles and happy plates all around. Give it a try and watch everyone come back for seconds!

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