Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes
Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes combine crispy roasted potatoes, smoky bacon, and sweet caramelized garlic for a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for breakfast, dinner, or as a hearty side. This easy-to-make recipe features a delicious balance of textures and bold flavors, topped with melted cheese, fresh herbs, and a cooling dollop of sour cream.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Potatoes
- 2 lbs Yukon gold or red potatoes, washed and chopped into bite-sized chunks
Bacon
- 6–8 slices thick-cut or regular bacon
Roasted Garlic
- 1 whole bulb of garlic
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting garlic and potatoes)
Seasonings & Toppings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, chopped
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off a whole garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and roast for 30-40 minutes until soft, golden, and caramelized. This will add mellow, sweet garlic flavor to the dish.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and chop the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure there is enough space between pieces to roast properly.
- Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes roast, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve bacon fat if desired to add flavor to the potatoes later.
- Roast the Potatoes: Place the baking sheet with potatoes in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness. The potatoes should be golden and tender when done.
- Combine and Add Toppings: Once the potatoes are roasted, squeeze the caramelized garlic cloves out of their skins and mix them into the potatoes. Add the chopped bacon, shredded cheese, and fresh herbs. Optionally, return the potatoes to the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Serve the loaded potatoes warm with a dollop of sour cream or your preferred creamy topping. Garnish with extra chives or green onions for color and added flavor.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold or red potatoes for the best balance of creamy interior and crispy exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to avoid steaming; spacing helps get the potatoes crispy.
- Warm roasted garlic tastes sweeter and mixes better than raw garlic.
- For crisper bacon, bake it in the oven on a wire rack to drain excess fat.
- Add cheese in the last few minutes of baking to melt without burning.
- Top with fresh herbs after baking to retain their bright flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: loaded potatoes, bacon potatoes, roasted garlic, crispy potatoes, cheesy potatoes, comfort food, side dish, appetizer