These baby potatoes with crispy bacon and sweet onions are a delicious treat! They are roasted until golden brown and packed with flavor—perfect for any meal!
Honestly, who can resist bacon? This dish makes a great side, and sometimes, I serve it as a snack while binge-watching my favorite shows. So yummy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These little gems are creamy and cook quickly. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can cut larger potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Red or yellow potatoes work well too; they bring a lovely flavor!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken bacon is a great substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly. For a vegetarian version, you can use smoked paprika or tempeh bacon for that smoky taste.
Onion: A medium onion sweetens as it cooks. You could swap it out for shallots for a milder flavor or even use leeks if you want something a bit different. Both options offer a unique twist!
Thyme: Dried thyme is fantastic, but fresh thyme adds a vibrant touch. If thyme isn’t on hand, rosemary or oregano can be a delightful substitute. Just remember they have stronger flavors, so use a little less!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Potatoes?
Getting the potatoes crispy is key to this dish. Follow these steps for success:
- Start by parboiling the potatoes. Cooking them in boiling water for about 10 minutes helps them soften without becoming mushy.
- Make sure to drain the potatoes well to remove excess moisture. This step ensures they can crisp up nicely in the skillet.
- Toss the potatoes in the hot bacon fat and let them brown without stirring too much. This encourages a golden, crunchy crust!
- Finally, roasting them in the oven for a short time helps achieve that perfect final crisp that everyone will love.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll create a satisfying side dish everyone will ask for again!
Baby Potatoes With Onion And Bacon
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced into thin wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and boiling the potatoes, followed by around 15-20 minutes cooking everything in the skillet and roasting in the oven. It’s a quick and tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), so it’s ready for your beautifully cooked potatoes!
2. Cook the Potatoes:
In a large pot, place the halved baby potatoes and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt, then bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, let the potatoes cook for about 10 minutes until they are just tender—not falling apart! Drain them and set aside.
3. Cook the Bacon:
Grab a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook it until crispy. Once done, carefully remove the bacon pieces and set them aside. Keep the lovely bacon fat in the skillet—it adds great flavor!
4. Sauté the Onion:
Next, add the sliced onion to the skillet with the leftover bacon fat. Cook the onions for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and caramelize. This brings out their natural sweetness, making the dish even tastier!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time for the potatoes! Add the partially cooked baby potatoes to the skillet along with the onions. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together to coat the potatoes and onions with the seasonings and olive oil.
6. Brown the Potatoes:
Cook this mixture over medium heat, turning the potatoes occasionally, until they start to brown and get a lovely crispy texture. This should take about 10 minutes.
7. Add the Bacon:
Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces back into the skillet and give everything a gentle toss again; it should already smell amazing!
8. Bake the Potatoes:
Now it’s time to finish them off! If your skillet is ovenproof, simply transfer it to the preheated oven. If not, move everything to a baking dish. Bake for another 5-8 minutes. This helps intensify the flavors and gives the potatoes a nice crispy finish.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. If you like, garnish the potatoes with fresh thyme sprigs for that pretty touch. Serve them hot and enjoy this savory dish alongside roasted meats, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad!
Happy cooking! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! If baby potatoes are unavailable, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as larger pieces may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon. For a similar flavor, consider using smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke in place of the bacon or try sautéing some mushrooms for added depth and umami.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them up in the oven to help maintain their crispy texture, or use the microwave, but be careful as they may become a bit mushy.
Can I Prep This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the potatoes and onions the day before and store them in the fridge. Just remember to bring the potatoes back to room temperature before cooking to ensure they heat evenly. The bacon can also be cooked in advance to save time!
