If you’re looking for a side dish that everyone at the table will rave about, Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes are it. These golden, crispy potatoes are roasted with smoky bacon and tossed in a luscious honey glaze that balances sweet and savory in every bite. The result? A dish that’s crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and packed with irresistible flavor.
I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. Once, I swapped the honey for maple syrup, and it added a lovely depth of flavor. The combination of salty bacon and caramelized honey creates a sticky, crispy coating that makes these potatoes impossible to stop eating. Whether you serve them for breakfast, alongside grilled chicken, or as a side for steak night, they’ll steal the show every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes recipe delivers the perfect mix of textures and flavors—crispy, salty, sweet, and smoky. It’s simple to make yet feels gourmet. The bacon adds richness and crunch, while the honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights, brunch spreads, or holiday meals.
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Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes: Sweet, Savory, and Crispy Perfection
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy roasted potatoes coated in a sweet and savory glaze made with honey and bacon — a mouthwatering side dish that’s both comforting and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby red or Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine potatoes, olive oil, reserved bacon grease, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Spread potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Remove from oven, toss with the cooked bacon, and drizzle with a little extra honey if desired.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the honey glaze before roasting.
- Make sure potatoes are in a single layer for maximum crispiness.
- You can use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor.
- Pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, steak, or breakfast dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Baby potatoes (red or gold) – Small, tender potatoes that roast beautifully and get crispy edges.
Thick-cut bacon – Adds smoky flavor, saltiness, and crunch that complements the sweetness of the honey.
Honey – Creates a glossy, caramelized coating with the perfect touch of sweetness.
Olive oil – Helps the potatoes crisp up while roasting.
Garlic – Adds depth and savory aroma to balance the sweetness.
Paprika – Gives the dish color and a subtle smoky undertone.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor.
Fresh parsley (optional) – Adds a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and halve the baby potatoes (quarter if larger). Pat them dry to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Mix the seasoning: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the potatoes in the mixture until evenly coated.
- Add the bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces and scatter them over the potatoes. Gently toss everything together.
- Roast: Spread the potatoes and bacon in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are golden and the bacon is crispy.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle with a bit more honey if desired. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 50 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 40 minutes for roasting. It’s ideal for brunch, family dinners, or festive gatherings.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the potatoes soggy. You can also prep the potatoes ahead of time and roast them fresh before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Maple Bacon Potatoes
Swap the honey for pure maple syrup for a richer, more earthy sweetness.
Spicy Honey Glaze
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce for a sweet-heat kick.
Garlic Parmesan Twist
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the roasted potatoes right before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Smoky BBQ Version
Add a teaspoon of BBQ seasoning or smoked paprika for a deeper, barbecue-inspired taste.
Herb Roasted Honey Bacon Potatoes
Mix in fresh rosemary or thyme before roasting for a fragrant, herby finish.
Air Fryer Option
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through, for extra crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular russet potatoes?
Yes, just cut them into bite-sized cubes to ensure even roasting.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep and season the potatoes in advance, but roast them fresh for the best texture.
3. Can I use turkey bacon instead?
Yes, though it won’t render as much fat, so you might need a bit more olive oil.
4. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the skin helps them crisp up and adds great texture.
5. Why aren’t my potatoes crispy?
Make sure the potatoes are dry before roasting and don’t overcrowd the pan.
6. Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar both work beautifully.
7. How can I make it more savory?
Add onion powder or toss in caramelized onions after roasting.
8. Can I cook the bacon separately?
Yes, but roasting them together lets the potatoes absorb the bacon’s flavor.
9. What can I serve with this dish?
They pair perfectly with roasted chicken, steak, eggs, or even salmon.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crisping.
Conclusion
Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes are everything you want in a side dish—crispy, caramelized, smoky, and sweet all at once. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels both indulgent and effortless. Whether you’re making breakfast, brunch, or dinner, these potatoes add a gourmet touch to any meal. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re destined to become a family favorite.
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