Oven Roasted Potatoes with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe

If you are craving a side dish that brings together crispy, savory goodness with a touch of cheesy luxury, you absolutely must try this Oven Roasted Potatoes with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe. It’s a comforting yet elevated take on classic roasted potatoes, featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes that get a gorgeous golden crust under a blanket of smoky bacon and nutty Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re serving it alongside a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe promises flavor-packed results that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet incredibly effective. Each plays a vital role in building layers of texture and flavor — from the creamy potatoes and crisp bacon to the sharp, salty Parmesan and fragrant parsley.

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their buttery, creamy texture holds up beautifully to roasting, creating perfect crispy edges.
• Hickory Smoked Bacon (thick sliced): Adds a rich, smoky flavor and a satisfying chew that transforms the dish.
• Garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth that balances the savory elements.
• Parmesan (freshly grated): Delivers a sharp, nutty flavor and melts to golden perfection.
• Olive Oil: Ensures a crisp roast while enhancing the potatoes’ natural flavor.
• Coarse Salt: Essential for seasoning and creating that irresistible outer crust.
• Fresh Ground Pepper: Adds a subtle zing of spice that wakes up the dish.
• Fresh Parsley (chopped): Offers a bright, herbal finish and a pop of fresh color.

How to Make Oven Roasted Potatoes with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by scrubbing your Yukon Gold potatoes clean. You can peel them if you prefer, but the skins add a lovely texture and nutrients. Place the whole potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Let them simmer until fork tender—about 12 to 15 minutes. This step gives the potatoes a head start for that creamy inside contrasted with a crispy outside after roasting.

Step 2: Get Your Bacon Ready

Choosing how to cut your bacon is a fun little trick. You can slice it before cooking, which is easiest if you pop it in the freezer for ten minutes. This keeps the bacon firm and less likely to bend while slicing. Alternatively, you can cook the slices whole and crumble the bacon afterward, whatever makes you happiest.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s golden and still flexible—avoid crispy unless you prefer it that way. Once cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Don’t toss the drippings; these will add incredible flavor to your potatoes later.

Step 4: Cool the Potatoes

Drain the potatoes when they’re tender and give them some time to cool down until you can handle them safely. This also helps them dry out a little, which leads to a better roast.

Step 5: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 425°F to get it nice and hot for the initial roasting. While it heats, mince your garlic and parsley and grate the Parmesan cheese. Having these ready makes the finishing touches quick and seamless.

Step 6: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Brush your baking sheet with a tablespoon of olive oil and half of the reserved bacon drippings. The combination ensures a luscious base that helps those potatoes crisp up beautifully. An 11×17-inch jelly roll pan works perfectly for this size batch.

Step 7: Cut the Potatoes

Once cooled, cut your potatoes in halves or quarters depending on their size. Cutting them creates more surface area to brown and get that irresistible crust.

Step 8: Roast the Potatoes Face Down

Place your potatoes cut side down on the oiled pan. Sprinkle coarse salt and freshly ground pepper over them for seasoning, then slide the pan into the hot oven. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping the pan halfway through to encourage even color across all potatoes.

Step 9: Add Bacon and Cheese

Lower the temperature to 375°F and carefully flip the potatoes over. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan generously over the potatoes. Add extra salt and pepper if desired. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese has melted into a golden, bubbly layer.

Step 10: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Remove the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s warm, cheesy, smoky, and downright addictive.

How to Serve Oven Roasted Potatoes with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—its herbaceous pop balances these rich potatoes beautifully. You can also consider a light drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a decadent finish. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens it up nicely if you want a touch of acidity.

Side Dishes

These potatoes shine alongside seared steaks, roasted chicken, or grilled vegetables. They also pair well with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. For a comforting combo, serve with sautéed greens or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the roasted potatoes in a rustic cast-iron skillet to keep them warm at the table. For a party twist, serve them on a platter with toothpicks as a delicious finger food. You can even sprinkle the topping over baked eggs to turn them into a hearty brunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining Oven Roasted Potatoes with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that crispy-cheesy goodness even after the first meal.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftover roasted potatoes, the texture may change slightly after thawing, becoming less crisp. If you do freeze them, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet first and freeze individually before transferring to a container to prevent clumping.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a hot oven at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the potatoes soggy. Using an oven or air fryer brings back that irresistible texture best.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes! While Yukon Golds are ideal for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, you can also use red potatoes or even fingerlings. Just adjust roasting times as needed since potatoes vary in size and density.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked bacon?

Absolutely! If you have pre-cooked bacon handy, you can crumble it and add it during the final cheese topping step. Just be gentle when roasting afterward since the bacon is already cooked.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. All ingredients in this Oven Roasted Potatoes with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check packaged products like bacon and Parmesan to ensure they don’t contain additives.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

If you want to skip the bacon, try substituting with smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. Adding toasted nuts or crispy fried shallots can add satisfying texture and flavor complexity.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley can work in a pinch, but fresh parsley really brings brightness to the dish after roasting. Alternatively, chopped fresh chives or basil can also add a lovely herbal note.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to whip up this incredible Oven Roasted Potatoes with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe, you’re all set for a mouthwatering side that will grace your table time and again. It’s a little crunchy, a little cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon goodness—a winning combination that’s hard to resist. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

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