If you are craving a comforting yet impressive side dish, the Roasted Potatoes Stuffed with Bacon and Butter Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine tender, golden potatoes sliced open to cradle smoky bacon and melting butter, infusing every bite with rich flavor and an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. This recipe is a simple way to elevate humble potatoes into a crowd-pleasing treat that pairs wonderfully with just about any main course. Whether you’re hosting a weekend dinner or looking for a cozy family favorite, these roasted potatoes bring warmth and satisfaction with each delicious mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that pack serious flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays an essential role in delivering those perfectly roasted, crispy-yet-tender potatoes paired with savory bacon bites.
- 12 small/medium potatoes: Choose red or white potatoes about 2 inches wide to ensure even cooking and great texture inside and out.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Regular olive oil (not extra virgin) helps crisp the skins beautifully without burning.
- 1 1/2 to 2 tsp salt: I love sea salt here for that balanced seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and earthiness to complement the richness.
- 4 strips bacon: Cut into 2-inch pieces for easy stuffing, the bacon adds irresistible smoky goodness to each potato.
- 4 Tbsp salted butter: Cut into 12 slices, butter pools inside the potatoes, melting perfectly alongside the bacon.
- Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of green color and mild herbal freshness to finish the dish.
How to Make Roasted Potatoes Stuffed with Bacon and Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
After washing and drying each potato, the key trick is to slice them almost all the way through, but keep the halves attached at the bottom. By laying them on their sides and cutting parallel to the counter, you create pockets perfect for stuffing without the potatoes falling apart. This technique lets the potatoes hold shape and ensures even roasting on all sides.
Step 2: Stuff with Bacon and Butter, Season and Oil
Now comes the best part: stuffing each potato with a piece of crispy bacon and a slice of salted butter. Pushing them in together helps the bacon’s savory flavor mingle with the creamy butter as everything melts. Once stuffed, brush all sides generously with olive oil, and sprinkle salt and pepper evenly to enhance those perfect, golden skins.
Step 3: Roast Until Tender and Golden
Bake the potatoes in a 400ËšF oven for 30 minutes on one side, then carefully flip them over with tongs and bake for another 30 minutes. The total hour-long roast gives the potatoes plenty of time to become fork-tender inside while crisping the edges just right. You’ll know they are done when a knife slides in with ease and the butter has melted to create irresistible pockets of flavor.
How to Serve Roasted Potatoes Stuffed with Bacon and Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the finished potatoes adds a lovely contrast in color and a subtle brightness that balances the rich butter and bacon perfectly. It’s an optional touch that elevates the presentation and taste without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a fresh mixed green salad. The hearty nature of the potatoes makes them perfect for soaking up sauces or accompanying creamy dips, making your meal colorful and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the roasted potatoes in a rustic wooden bowl or on a large platter for family-style serving. For parties, you can serve smaller baby potatoes with toothpicks for easy individual bites. You might also drizzle a bit of garlic aioli or sprinkle a little shredded cheese and chives on top to add a creative twist while keeping things cozy and familiar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the potatoes sealed helps maintain moisture and flavor while preventing them from drying out.
Freezing
While roasted potatoes can be frozen, the texture might change slightly upon thawing because of the butter inside. If you choose to freeze them, wrap each potato tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Consume within one month for best taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350ËšF for about 15-20 minutes to revive their crispy exterior and warm the buttery bacon filling. Microwaving is faster but may yield softer skins; oven reheating is the way to go for preserving texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While red or white potatoes work best for their size and texture, Yukon gold or even fingerling potatoes can be used. Just adjust cooking time depending on the potato size and firmness.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to the bacon?
Yes, you can substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or use sautéed mushrooms with smoked paprika for a delicious vegetarian twist that still brings that smoky richness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free since it relies on potatoes, bacon, butter, and basic seasonings. Just be sure your bacon doesn’t contain any added gluten-containing flavors or fillers.
How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?
Cutting them almost all the way through, seasoning well, and turning them halfway through cooking are all key for even roasting. Also, choosing potatoes of similar size helps everything cook at the same rate.
What other seasonings can I add?
Feel free to experiment with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to add your personal twist. Just be sure to balance seasonings so they complement rather than overpower the bacon and butter.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Potatoes Stuffed with Bacon and Butter Recipe is one of those dishes that brings simple ingredients together in the most comforting and satisfying way possible. It’s easy to make but feels special, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the wonderful mix of crisp, buttery, smoky goodness packed into every bite. Trust me, once you taste these, roasted potatoes will never be the same again!
Print
Roasted Potatoes Stuffed with Bacon and Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (12 potatoes)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously crispy roasted potatoes stuffed with savory bacon and creamy butter, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make side dish combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 12 small/medium potatoes (about 3 lbs red or white, approximately 2 inches wide)
Seasonings & Fats
- 1/4 cup olive oil (not extra virgin)
- 1 1/2 to 2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Bacon & Butter
- 4 strips bacon (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 4 Tbsp salted butter (cut into 12 slices)
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash and thoroughly dry the potatoes. Carefully slice each potato almost all the way through horizontally, ensuring the halves remain attached so the potato lays flat and holds its shape during baking.
- Stuff with Bacon and Butter: Insert one piece of bacon and one slice of butter simultaneously into each cut of the potato, pushing them gently to fill the slits. Brush all sides of the potatoes generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Turn the potatoes and repeat oiling and seasoning on the other side.
- Bake and Flip: Preheat the oven to 400ËšF. Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip each potato to the other side and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until a knife pierces them easily and the exterior is golden and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven. Optionally, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Use medium-sized potatoes approximately 2 inches wide for best stuffing results.
- Non-extra virgin olive oil is recommended to avoid overpowering the flavor during roasting.
- Turning the potatoes halfway ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Adjust salt quantity based on your preference and type of bacon used, as bacon can be salty.
- Optional parsley garnish adds freshness and color but can be omitted.
