Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes with Bacon and Parmesan
Golden, crispy potatoes that are boiled until tender, then roasted cut-side down in bacon fat for maximum crispiness. Topped with melted Parmesan cheese, crispy bacon pieces, and fresh garlic, these make an irresistible side dish. The two-step cooking process creates potatoes that are fluffy inside with deeply caramelized, crunchy exteriors. Perfect for Sunday dinners, holiday meals, or any time you want to simple potatoes into something special.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven with rack in lowest position
- 2
Cut washed potatoes in quarters and cover with cold water in pot
- 3
Bring to a boil, add salt and boil until tender but not overcooked
- 4
Drain potatoes and set aside
- 5
Cut bacon strips in half lengthwise, then crosswise into pieces
- 6
Cook bacon over medium heat until cooked but not crispy
- 7
Drain bacon on paper towels and reserve bacon fat
- 8
Place potatoes cut side down in baking dish coated with reserved bacon fat
- 9
Sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake until golden orange on bottom
- 10
Reduce oven temperature, remove potatoes and flip them over
- 11
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, bacon, and chopped garlic
- 12
Drizzle with remaining bacon fat and bake until cheese melts
- 13
Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately
Tips
Don't overcook the potatoes during boiling as they'll fall apart when roasting. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
Save all the bacon fat - it's key for both coating the pan and the final drizzle that adds incredible flavor.
Place potatoes cut-side down for maximum surface contact with the hot pan, creating the crispiest golden crust.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness.
Can boil potatoes up to 1 day ahead. Store covered in refrigerator and continue from roasting step.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy for best texture.
Common Mistakes
Avoid overcooking potatoes during boiling to prevent them from falling apart during roasting
Don't skip flipping the potatoes or they won't cook evenly on both sides
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these without bacon?
Yes, use butter or extra olive oil instead of bacon fat and skip the bacon pieces. Add herbs like rosemary for extra flavor.
What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?
Any hard grating cheese works well - try Romano, aged cheddar, or Gruyere for different but delicious results.
How long do leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven to restore the crispy texture.