There’s something truly magical about the combination of crispy potatoes, smoky bacon, and the subtle sweetness of honey. Every time I make this dish, I’m transported back to a chilly autumn evening at my grandmother’s cottage. She lived in a quaint little village tucked away in the hills, where the air was always fresh, and the simple pleasures of life were celebrated with the warmth of good food and family.
I remember that evening vividly. The wind had a sharp bite, and the leaves rustled as they swirled around the garden, hinting that winter was just around the corner. My cousins and I had spent the day exploring the woods, gathering chestnuts, and collecting twigs for the fireplace. By the time we returned, our cheeks were rosy from the cold, and we were ravenous.
Grandma, with her ever-present smile, welcomed us into her cozy kitchen, where the scent of roasting potatoes and sizzling bacon filled the air. She always believed that the best way to warm up after a day in the cold was with a hearty meal, and her crisp roast potatoes were legendary in our family. But this time, she had a surprise in store—a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chili flakes added a delightful twist to her classic recipe.
As we gathered around the wooden table, still laughing and sharing stories from our day, Grandma served us each a plate piled high with these golden potatoes. The first bite was nothing short of heavenly—the potatoes were perfectly crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and the honey-bacon glaze added a wonderful blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. The crumbled feta on top brought a creamy tang that balanced the dish beautifully, and the roasted garlic cloves were a comforting nod to her traditional cooking.
This dish has since become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want to recreate that sense of warmth and togetherness. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of those carefree days spent with family, the sound of laughter echoing through Grandma’s kitchen, and the simple joy of sharing a meal made with love.
Making Crispy Honey-Bacon Roast Potatoes
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons runny honey
- 1 garlic bulb
- 4 red-skinned potatoes, peeled and diced into ¾-inch cubes
- Pinch of chili flakes
- 3 slices streaky bacon, chopped
- Salt
- Sunflower oil or light cooking oil, with extra for drizzling
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Start by placing the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Season the water with a tablespoon of salt. Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 7-8 minutes until they are just tender. Drain the water and allow the potatoes to dry off for around 10 minutes.
- As the potatoes dry, preheat your oven to 425°F. Place a baking tray with a light layer of oil into the oven to heat up for approximately 10 minutes.
- Drizzle the garlic bulb with a small amount of oil and wrap it in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped garlic and the par-cooked potatoes onto the preheated baking tray. Roast them for about 30 minutes, then give the potatoes a stir to ensure even cooking. Continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are crispy and golden.
- While the potatoes are roasting, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is crispy and browned. Stir in the honey and chili flakes, making sure the bacon is evenly coated.
- Once the potatoes are done, drizzle them with the honeyed bacon mixture. For added flavor, squeeze some roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mix them in with the potatoes and bacon.
- Finish by sprinkling crumbled feta cheese over the top and garnishing with chopped parsley. Serve the potatoes hot and enjoy the delicious sweet and savory flavors!
Storing Suggestion
To store any leftovers, allow the potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through and crispy.
Cooking Tips
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the honey and bacon mixture. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy roast potatoes pair wonderfully with a light green salad or as a side dish to grilled meats. For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted chicken or steak and a glass of dry white wine.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have feta cheese on hand, try using crumbled goat cheese or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. For a different flavor profile, substitute the sunflower oil with olive oil or melted butter.
Seasonal Variations
During the fall, add some roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes to the dish for a seasonal twist. In the spring, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the flavors.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and pork (bacon). To make it dairy-free, omit the feta or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based bacon or omit the bacon altogether.
FAQ:
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can par-cook the potatoes a day ahead. Simply boil, drain, and dry them as instructed. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast.
What other types of potatoes can I use?
You can use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes as an alternative to red-skinned potatoes. Each will give a slightly different texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the tray?
Ensure the baking tray is well-heated before adding the potatoes, and use enough oil to create a non-stick layer.
Can I freeze the cooked potatoes?
While it’s possible to freeze cooked potatoes, they may lose some of their crispiness upon reheating. It’s best to enjoy them fresh for the best texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative for a vegetarian version.
What can I do with leftover roasted garlic?
Leftover roasted garlic can be used in various dishes, such as spreading it on toast, mixing it into mashed potatoes, or adding it to soups and sauces for extra flavor.
Crisp Roast Potatoes with Honey and Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons runny honey
- 1 garlic bulb
- 4 red-skinned potatoes peeled and diced into ¾-inch cubes
- Pinch of chili flakes
- 3 slices streaky bacon chopped
- Salt
- Sunflower oil or light cooking oil with extra for drizzling
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the diced potatoes into a saucepan, cover with cold water, and add a tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 7-8 minutes, until they are just tender. Drain them well and allow them to steam dry for around 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F. Put a baking tray with a thin layer of oil in the oven to heat up for about 10 minutes.
- Take the garlic bulb, drizzle it with a little oil, and wrap it in foil. Once wrapped, place the garlic bulb and the par-cooked potatoes on the preheated tray. Roast them for about 30 minutes, then give the potatoes a good stir. Continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden all over.
- While the potatoes finish roasting, cook the chopped bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until it turns crispy and browned. Add the honey and chili flakes to the bacon, stirring to combine.
- When the potatoes are done, drizzle the honeyed bacon mixture over them. For an added layer of flavor, squeeze some of the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mix them in with the potatoes and bacon.
- To finish, crumble feta cheese over the top, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, crispy potatoes with a sweet and savory twist!
