Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Side Dish

When it comes to the perfect side dish, few things hit all the right notes like Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes. With crispy golden edges, fluffy interiors, sweet honey glaze, and savory bacon in every bite, this dish is a comfort food dream come true. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, cooking for the holidays, or just need something exciting for a weeknight meal, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to make the best honey bacon roasted potatoes—from ingredient breakdowns to expert cooking tips, storage solutions, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive into the recipe that’s guaranteed to earn you rave reviews at any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of sweet and savory: The combination of honey and bacon creates a mouthwatering contrast.
Super crispy texture: Roasting the potatoes after soaking ensures a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Versatile side dish: Works with chicken, pork, steak, or even holiday turkeys and hams.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep ahead and reheat for stress-free entertaining.
Kid and crowd approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist this flavor-packed combo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: These varieties roast beautifully and get crispy without falling apart.
6 slices thick-cut bacon: Adds a deep, smoky flavor and irresistible crunch.
3 tablespoons honey: The star sweetener that caramelizes over the hot potatoes and bacon.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps crisp up the potatoes in the oven.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic, bold flavor throughout.
1 teaspoon salt & 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Enhances and balances all flavors.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and umami without overpowering the dish.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Sharp knife and cutting board
Skillet or frying pan
Baking sheet (preferably lined with parchment paper or foil)
Slotted spoon or tongs
Paper towels (for drying potatoes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key for crispy edges. While the oven preheats, peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes for even roasting.

Step 2: Soak for Crispiness

Place the chopped potatoes in a bowl of ice-cold water for about 10 minutes. This step draws out excess starch, which helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven. After soaking, drain them and pat completely dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

Cut the thick-cut bacon into 1-inch pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, cook until just slightly crispy—about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor.

Step 4: Season the Potatoes

In a large bowl, toss the dried potato cubes with:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat
3 minced garlic cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Make sure all the potatoes are evenly coated for maximum flavor and crunch.

Step 5: First Roast

Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded—this is crucial for even browning. Roast for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Add Bacon and Honey

After 20 minutes, remove the potatoes from the oven and give them a quick toss with a spatula. Sprinkle the partially crispy bacon pieces evenly across the top, then drizzle with 3 tablespoons honey.

Step 7: Final Roast

Return the tray to the oven and roast for another 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. For extra crunch, switch the oven to broil mode for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Add a few cracks of black pepper if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your new favorite potato side dish!

Tips for the Best Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes

Dry your potatoes well: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Make sure they’re bone dry before roasting.
Don’t skip the soak: Soaking helps remove starch, which prevents sogginess.
Use thick-cut bacon: It holds up better during baking and delivers more flavor.
Use real honey: Avoid honey-flavored syrups—they won’t caramelize properly.
Don’t overcrowd your pan: Give the potatoes space so they roast rather than steam.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with just about any main dish. Here are a few delicious ideas:

Grilled Chicken or BBQ Ribs: The sweet-savory contrast complements smoky meats beautifully.
Roast Beef or Turkey: Serve them on the holiday table instead of traditional mashed potatoes.
Pork Tenderloin or Chops: The honey plays well with the natural sweetness of pork.
Breakfast Brunch: Serve with eggs, toast, and fruit for an unforgettable weekend meal.

Storage & Reheating

Have leftovers? No problem—these potatoes store and reheat beautifully.

To Store:

Place cooled potatoes in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

Oven: Spread on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
Air fryer: Cook at 375°F for 5–6 minutes until crispy again.
Microwave: Use only for quick reheating—it softens the potatoes.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prep the potatoes the night before: Peel, chop, and soak them. Store in water in the fridge overnight.
Pre-cook the bacon: Save time by cooking and storing the bacon a day ahead.
Mix seasonings in advance: Keep a premade seasoning mix in a jar for even faster prep.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work beautifully with honey and bacon. Just keep in mind they roast slightly faster than regular potatoes.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and bacon fat. Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to bring in that savory, smoky flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any packaged bacon to ensure no additives with gluten.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely. Just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through for even roasting. Don’t overcrowd the pans!

What’s the best honey to use?

Use pure, raw honey if possible. Clover or wildflower varieties add beautiful floral notes that work well with the potatoes and bacon.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 300mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s just as perfect for holiday dinners as it is for weeknight meals, these Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes check every box. They’re crispy, sweet, salty, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Pin this recipe to your favorite board, share it with friends, and don’t forget to leave a comment below letting us know how it turned out for you!

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