These bacon-wrapped potato bites are a perfect snack! Crispy bacon hugs tender, buttery potatoes, making each bite super delicious. Who could resist that combo?
I always make extra because they disappear so fast! You can serve them up at parties or enjoy them for a cozy movie night. Trust me, the more, the merrier!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These little potatoes are great because they cook evenly. If you’re out of baby potatoes, try using new potatoes or even Yukon Golds cut into smaller pieces.
Bacon: Thin-cut bacon wraps around the potatoes easily and cooks well. If you want something healthier, turkey bacon is a fine substitute, but it may not get as crispy.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps the bacon crisp up. If you prefer, you can swap it for melted butter or bacon grease for an extra layer of flavor.
Garnish: Fresh parsley or chives add a nice pop of color and flavor. Don’t have either? Try green onions or even a sprinkle of paprika for added taste.
How Do I Ensure My Bacon Turns Out Crispy?
Cooking the bacon to crispy perfection can be challenging, but it’s all about the right technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Ensure the oven is preheated before baking. This allows the bacon to start cooking instantly.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped potatoes seam side down. This helps keep the bacon in place as it cooks.
- Turn the potatoes halfway through baking. This ensures even crisping on all sides.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking. If they need a little more time, it can vary based on your oven.
For extra crispiness, consider broiling them for a couple of minutes at the end of cooking, but watch closely to prevent burning!
Bacon Wrapped Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 small baby potatoes (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter)
- 12 slices of bacon (preferably thin-cut)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: sour cream or cream cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking, totaling around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and easy snack that will have everyone asking for more!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup later!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the baby potatoes to remove any dirt. Make sure to pat them dry so they’re ready for cooking.
3. Boil the Potatoes:
Place the cleaned potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are just tender when you poke them with a fork. Be careful not to overcook!
4. Cool and Dry:
Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a bit. Once they are cool enough to handle, dry them off with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
5. Season the Potatoes:
Toss the potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re nicely coated.
6. Wrap the Bacon:
Cut the bacon slices in half. Take each half and wrap it around a potato, securing the ends underneath or with a toothpick if needed.
7. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the bacon-wrapped potatoes on the baking sheet, making sure the seam side is down so they stay wrapped up during cooking.
8. Bake Until Crispy:
Bake the potatoes for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Flip them halfway through for even cooking!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. If you want, add a little dollop of sour cream or cream cheese on top of each bite to elevate the flavor!
10. Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and taste before serving.
These crispy bacon-wrapped potato bites are best served warm. Enjoy this scrumptious appetizer at your next gathering! They won’t last long!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes work great due to their size and texture, you can also use small Yukon Golds or red potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you choose larger potatoes.
What If I Don’t Have Thin-Cut Bacon?
No problem! Regular bacon will work as well, but keep in mind that it may take a bit longer to crisp up. You might want to consider cooking it halfway in the microwave before wrapping the potatoes for better results.
How Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the potatoes and wrap them with bacon a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, then bake directly from the fridge when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and crispy again!