Crispy Potatoes with Bacon

This crunchy baked potato creation turns basic spuds into a crowd-pleasing side that goes with almost everything. The mix of soft potatoes, sweetened onions, and crispy bacon delivers a down-home comfort dish that's incredibly easy to whip up.

I threw these potatoes together during a rushed Sunday family meal when time was tight but I needed something filling. Everyone kept asking what was in them after tasting the bacon and butter combo. They've become a regular feature at our table twice monthly now.

Main Components

• Red potatoes: Give you that perfect mix of fluffy middles and crunchy outsides. Go for hard ones without any green patches or growths
• Onion: Brings natural sweetness as it browns. Regular yellow or white work fine but sweet varieties kick up the taste
• Bacon: Adds smoky richness and extra fat for crisping. Grab thick-cut kinds for bigger flavor punch
• Butter: Makes everything richer and helps things turn golden brown. Pick unsalted to control the saltiness yourself
• Salt and pepper: Don't hold back since potatoes soak up seasonings

Making It Happen

Get Started:

Heat your oven to 400°F and coat a 9×13 baking pan thoroughly. This greasing step can't be skipped if you want that amazing crispy outside. Butter or cooking spray both work great.

Set Up Your Potatoes:

Cut potatoes in thin slices or even cubes. Spread them out flat in your greased pan. Making them all the same size means they'll cook at the same speed.

Add Tasty Bits:

Scatter diced onion and bacon bits all over the potatoes. Doing it this way lets bacon drippings and onion flavors sink down while cooking.

Top With Butter:

Scatter small chunks of butter across everything. As it melts, it'll drip through all layers, making things rich and helping everything brown nicely.

First Baking Phase:

Wrap tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This first covered cooking steams the potatoes so they get soft without drying out.

Final Browning:

Take off the foil, mix everything up to spread the bacon and butter around. Switch to broil and cook until everything turns crunchy and brown. Keep an eye on it and stir now and then so it browns evenly.

Bacon really is the magic ingredient here. I learned this when I tried making them without it for vegetarian friends - the flavor just wasn't the same. The melting bacon fat gives potatoes a mouthwatering savory taste that butter can't match on its own.

Personal Touches

These potatoes are super flexible based on what's in your kitchen. Toss in some chopped bell peppers for color and sweetness or add minced garlic in the last 15 minutes of covered cooking. Try rosemary, thyme, or paprika for new flavors without changing how you cook them.

If you like heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. You can also try sprinkling cheese on top during the final browning stage. Regular cheddar, Parmesan, or smoky Gouda all taste fantastic.

Keeping Leftovers

These potatoes stay good for 3 to 4 days when kept in a sealed container in your fridge. When reheating, use a frying pan with a bit of butter to bring back the crispness - microwaves tend to make them mushy.

If you want to save them longer, freeze after the covered baking part before they get browned. When you're ready to eat them, thaw completely and then do the broiling step for that fresh-made taste.

Pairing Ideas

While they're great with eggs or as a dinner side, these potatoes can also work as the foundation for a full meal. Pour chili or stew over them for dinner or put fried eggs on top for a filling brunch.

For parties or gatherings, try setting up a topping station with sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, or crumbled cheese so everyone can fix their portion just how they like it.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other potato types?

Absolutely. Red potatoes are a great choice, but Yukon Gold or russets also work well. The results may vary in texture, but they'll still be delicious.

→ How to make this vegetarian?

Skip the bacon and replace it with more butter or a plant-based alternative to keep the flavor rich and tasty.

→ What goes well with these potatoes?

They taste amazing alongside roasted meats, grilled poultry, or even scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Sure! Prep the potatoes and onions in advance, store them in water in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you're ready to cook.

→ What other seasonings can I try?

Switch things up by sprinkling on smoked paprika, garlic powder, or rosemary before baking. Adjust it to your liking!