These honey bacon roasted potatoes combine crisp, golden baby potatoes with smoky bacon and a light honey glaze. Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, so the potatoes pick up bacon flavor as they roast.
The dish takes about 55 minutes, with only 10 minutes of hands on work, and it feeds six people as a generous side. Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme build a savory coating that balances the sweet honey.
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Why This Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes Recipe Works
Halved baby potatoes have lots of cut surface area. That surface browns deeply in the oven, giving you crispy edges and creamy centers in every bite.
Chopped bacon renders its fat over the potatoes as it roasts. The fat flavors and crisps them, so you need less olive oil than a plain roasted potato dish would.
Honey adds gentle sweetness and helps the potatoes caramelize. Paired with smoked paprika and garlic, it creates a sweet and smoky crust.
Ingredients for Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
- 2 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Baby potatoes. Choose pieces about the same size, then halve them so they roast evenly. Yukon gold or red potatoes both work.
Bacon. Chop it small so it crisps through. Regular bacon renders more fat than turkey bacon.
Honey. It adds sweetness and helps browning. Do not use more, or the glaze may darken too quickly.
Smoked paprika. It adds smoky depth that echoes the bacon.
Fresh thyme. Stir it in near the end so the flavor stays bright. Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme if fresh is not available.
How to Make Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
1. Heat the oven Set the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Season the potatoes In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with the olive oil, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread on the pan Arrange the potatoes cut side down in a single layer on the sheet pan.
4. Add the bacon Scatter the chopped bacon over the potatoes.
5. Roast Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through, until golden and crisp and the bacon is fully cooked.
6. Finish with herbs Sprinkle the thyme and Parmesan over the pan and return it to the oven for 5 minutes.
7. Garnish and serve Scatter the parsley over the top and serve hot.
How to Serve Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
Serve the potatoes hot from the pan while the edges are still crisp. They go with almost any main, from juicy cheeseburgers to oven baked BBQ chicken. They also suit grilled garlic butter salmon for a lighter plate. Add a crisp Italian house salad to balance the richness.
How to Store and Reheat Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
Cool the potatoes, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat on a baking sheet in an oven set to 400 degrees F until crisp and hot all the way through at 165 degrees F. Skip the microwave, which softens the crust, and do not freeze them, since cooked potatoes turn grainy.
Tips and Variations for Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
Dry the potatoes. Pat them dry after washing so they roast instead of steaming.
Do not crowd the pan. Use two pans if needed, because crowding traps steam and softens the crust.
Flip once. Turn the potatoes halfway so both sides brown evenly.
Broil briefly. Broil for a couple of minutes at the end for extra crunch, and watch carefully.
Swap the bacon. Turkey bacon works for a lighter version, though it browns faster.
Add cheese. A little Parmesan at the end adds a salty, nutty finish.
Keep honey away from babies. Honey is not safe for children under 1 year.
Cook bacon fully. Bacon should be crisp before serving. For safe handling of leftovers, see the University of Minnesota Extension guide to storing leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
How do you get honey bacon roasted potatoes crispy?
Use high heat, dry the potatoes, spread them in one layer, and place them cut side down on the pan.
Can I make honey bacon roasted potatoes ahead of time?
Yes. Roast them until just crisp, then reheat in a hot oven before serving so the edges crisp again.
How long do honey bacon roasted potatoes last?
They keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
Can I use regular potatoes?
Yes. Cut russet or Yukon gold potatoes into 1 inch chunks and roast them for a similar time.
Can I leave out the cheese?
Yes. The dish is flavorful without it, and you may like a little more seasoning.
Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
Equipment
- Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb baby potatoes halved
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Preheat. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet.
- Coat. Toss the potatoes with the oil, honey, and spices until glossy.
- Layer. Spread the potatoes cut side down and scatter the chopped bacon on top.
- Roast. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Finish. Add the thyme and Parmesan, bake for 5 minutes more, and garnish with parsley.
