If you’re looking for a side dish that combines sweetness, savory flavors, and crispy texture, look no further than Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes. This dish is the perfect combination of crispy, golden potatoes coated with a sweet and savory honey glaze and topped with crispy bacon bits. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a comforting side to any main course.

Why You’ll Love Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes

✔ Sweet and Savory – The honey provides a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the salty bacon and roasted potatoes.
✔ Crispy Texture – The potatoes get wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside, making each bite absolutely irresistible.
✔ Quick and Easy – With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this dish in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or a holiday spread.
✔ Versatile – This dish pairs well with almost any main course, from grilled chicken to steak or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Try to make the pieces roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
3. Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

1. In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 3: Roast the Potatoes

1. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
2. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly and become golden and crispy.

Step 4: Prepare the Honey Bacon Glaze

1. While the potatoes are roasting, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pan, crumble it into small pieces, and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the honey to the leftover bacon grease. Stir the mixture for about 1-2 minutes until the honey is well combined and warmed through.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven.
2. Drizzle the honey bacon glaze over the roasted potatoes and toss them gently to coat the potatoes with the sweet and savory glaze.
3. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the potatoes and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cook Notes

• Type of Potatoes – You can use other types of potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes in this recipe if you prefer. However, russet potatoes have a nice starchy texture that crisps up perfectly when roasted.
• Bacon Variations – For a more intense bacon flavor, try using thick-cut bacon or even bacon bits if you want a shortcut.
• Honey Options – Use raw honey for a more natural, earthy flavor. You can also experiment with flavored honeys like cinnamon or lavender for a unique twist.
• Make Ahead – You can prepare the potatoes up to a day in advance. Simply toss them with the oil and seasonings, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and roast when ready to serve.

Variations

✔ Cheesy Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes – After roasting, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan over the potatoes while they’re still hot. The cheese will melt into the potatoes and add an extra layer of flavor.
✔ Spicy Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix if you prefer a bit of heat to balance out the sweetness of the honey.
✔ Herb-Infused Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes – Experiment by adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an herbal flavor that complements the potatoes.
✔ Sweet Potato Variation – For a twist on this classic dish, try substituting sweet potatoes for the russet potatoes. They pair wonderfully with the honey and bacon flavors.
✔ Balsamic Glazed Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes – For a tangy-sweet variation, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the honey glaze and cook for a minute before drizzling over the potatoes.

Keto Version

To make this recipe keto-friendly, you can use radishes or cauliflower florets instead of potatoes. Both of these alternatives have a mild flavor and can be roasted to provide a satisfying texture similar to potatoes. The bacon and honey glaze will still work well with these low-carb vegetables.

Low-Carb Version

For a lower-carb version, try using turnips or zucchini in place of the potatoes. Both vegetables have a slightly firmer texture than regular potatoes but still roast beautifully when seasoned and glazed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time by tossing them with the oil and seasonings, then storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, roast them in the oven and add the honey glaze just before serving.

2. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative to regular bacon. Keep in mind that turkey bacon might not crisp up as much as pork bacon, but it will still provide great flavor.

3. Can I use honey substitutes in this recipe?

If you’re looking for a sugar-free version of this dish, you can use sugar-free maple syrup or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit for the glaze. The flavor may vary slightly but will still complement the roasted potatoes.

4. Can I make this recipe without the bacon?

While the bacon adds a crispy, savory element, you can make this dish without it for a vegetarian version. Consider adding roasted onions, garlic, or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor in place of the bacon.

These Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes are the ultimate side dish for any meal, whether you’re hosting a big dinner or just cooking for yourself. With a sweet and savory glaze, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect way to elevate your potato game and impress your guests. Enjoy this delicious dish as a side for any meal – it’s sure to be a hit