Sweet, savory, crispy, and absolutely irresistible—these Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal! The combination of crispy roasted potatoes, smoky bacon, and a touch of sweet honey makes for a flavor-packed dish that pairs beautifully with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re serving these alongside eggs and toast for brunch or with a juicy steak for dinner, this easy-to-make recipe will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (red, yellow, or a mix), halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Optional Garnishes:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra drizzle of honey
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and dry the baby potatoes, then cut them in half. If using larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch chunks.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme until well coated.
Step 3: Roast the Potatoes and Bacon
- Spread the seasoned potatoes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the potatoes.
- Roast for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and toss the potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- Drizzle the honey over the potatoes and bacon, then toss again to coat everything evenly.
- Return to the oven and roast for another 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, and the bacon is perfectly cooked.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with a little more honey before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy as a side dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner!
Tips for Perfect Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
- Crispier Potatoes: To get extra crispy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up better.
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thicker bacon holds up better in the oven and adds a heartier texture to the dish.
- Even Roasting: Spread the potatoes in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of roast.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot honey for a spicy-sweet kick.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the potatoes soft.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the potatoes may change upon thawing.
Variations
- Maple Bacon Potatoes: Swap the honey for maple syrup for a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Cheesy Honey Potatoes: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- Garlic Parmesan Version: Add grated Parmesan cheese and extra garlic powder for a more savory twist.
- Spicy Honey Potatoes: Use hot honey instead of regular honey and add an extra dash of red pepper flakes.
- Sweet Potato Version: Swap baby potatoes for cubed sweet potatoes for a deliciously sweet and savory dish.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 9g
FAQ
1. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes! Toss the potatoes with all seasonings and cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Add the bacon halfway through the cooking time to prevent burning.
2. What type of potatoes work best?
Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work best because they become crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
3. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
You can, but it won’t be as crispy or flavorful. If using pre-cooked bacon, add it in the last 5–7 minutes of roasting.
4. How do I prevent the honey from burning?
Adding the honey halfway through roasting prevents it from burning while still allowing it to caramelize beautifully.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, or onions make great additions to this dish.
