Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes
Loaded Bacon & Roasted Garlic Potatoes are a comforting side dish featuring crispy red potatoes roasted to golden perfection with mellow roasted garlic, smoky bacon bits, and optional melted cheddar cheese. Finished with creamy sour cream and fresh chives, this easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory flavors and satisfying crunch, ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead meals.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds red potatoes, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6–8 fresh garlic cloves, peeled
- 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For Serving
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- Prepare the Potatoes and Garlic: Wash and cut the red potatoes into evenly sized bite-sized pieces so they cook uniformly. Peel the garlic cloves and wrap them in foil with a drizzle of olive oil. Set aside to roast alongside the potatoes.
- Roast Until Golden and Crispy: Toss the potato pieces with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the wrapped garlic on the same or separate baking sheet. Roast both in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring the potatoes halfway through, until they are crispy and browned on the edges and the garlic is soft.
- Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes roast, cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
- Combine Flavors: Once the roasted garlic is tender, mash it lightly with a fork. Mix the mashed garlic into the roasted potatoes to evenly infuse the mellow garlicky sweetness. Fold in the crispy bacon pieces and shredded cheddar cheese if using. Gently toss everything together until blended.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the loaded potatoes and finish with a dollop of sour cream on top. Sprinkle fresh chopped chives over the dish. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use a high oven temperature of 425°F to achieve crispy potatoes without drying the inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and maximum crispiness.
- Roast garlic wrapped in foil to keep it moist and prevent burning while baking alongside potatoes.
- Reserve and use some bacon fat to toss with potatoes for enhanced savory flavor.
- Serve immediately for optimal crispness and flavor balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: loaded potatoes, bacon potatoes, roasted garlic potatoes, comfort food, side dish, crispy potatoes, bacon side dish