If you’re looking for a delicious and savory side dish to accompany your meals, then this bacon roasted smashed potatoes recipe is a must-try. These crispy and creamy potatoes are loaded with flavor and make the perfect addition to any dinner table.
To make this recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First, gather some baby potatoes, bacon, garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This combination of ingredients creates a mouthwatering blend of flavors.
Start by boiling the baby potatoes until they are fork-tender. Once they are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly. While the potatoes are cooling, cook the bacon until it becomes crispy. Once the bacon is crispy, crumble it into smaller pieces.
To prepare the smashed potatoes, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use the back of a fork or a potato masher to gently press down on each potato to slightly flatten them. This step will create more surface area for the potatoes to get crispy in the oven.
Next, drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and season them with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and fresh rosemary. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the potatoes. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the potatoes until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them as a side dish to accompany your main course. These bacon roasted smashed potatoes are sure to impress your family and friends with their irresistible taste and texture.
Ingredients
In order to make Bacon Roasted Smashed Potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of baby potatoes
- 4 slices of bacon
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients are essential for creating the perfect flavors in this dish. The baby potatoes provide a creamy and tender texture, while the bacon adds a smoky and savory taste. The olive oil helps to roast the potatoes, while the garlic powder and dried thyme enhance the overall flavor profile. Lastly, the salt and pepper help to season the potatoes to your liking.
If desired, you can also add additional toppings or garnishes to personalize the dish. Some popular options include shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or sour cream. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures to make this recipe your own.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the delicious Bacon Roasted Smashed Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Arrange the boiled potatoes on a baking sheet and use a fork to gently smash each potato until they are slightly flattened.
- Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, such as rosemary or thyme.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the potatoes, ensuring that each potato gets a good amount of bacon.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
- Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
These Bacon Roasted Smashed Potatoes make a fantastic side dish or appetizer. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle them with grated cheese for an extra flavorful touch. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Variations
- Cheese: Sprinkle grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last few minutes of roasting for an extra cheesy twist.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Chop the herbs and sprinkle them over the potatoes before roasting for added flavor.
- Spices: Add a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to the smashed potatoes before roasting to give them a hint of spice.
- Vegetables: Roast some vegetables alongside the potatoes for a complete meal. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and green beans are great options.
Tips
- Choose the right potato: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe. They have a fluffy texture and hold their shape well when smashed.
- Parboil the potatoes: Boil the potatoes until they are slightly tender but still firm, about 10 minutes. This will make them easier to smash and ensure they cook evenly in the oven.
- Use a potato masher: Gently press down on each boiled potato with a potato masher or the back of a fork to flatten it. This will create a rough surface that will crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Preheat the baking sheet: Place the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. This will help ensure the potatoes get crispy and golden on the bottom.
- Baste with bacon fat: After smashing the potatoes, brush them with melted bacon fat or olive oil. This will help them develop a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Add bacon at the end: Instead of baking the bacon with the potatoes, cook it separately and crumble it over the smashed potatoes just before serving. This will ensure the bacon stays crispy.
