Bacon Wrapped Potato Bites are little bundles of joy! They feature crispy bacon wrapped around tasty potato chunks, making each bite super flavorful and fun!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Small baby potatoes work best for a perfect bite. However, if they’re not available, try using fingerling or new potatoes. These have a similar texture and flavor!
Bacon: Regular or thick-cut bacon offers great flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can be a nice substitute, though it may not get as crispy. Vegan bacon is another option for a meat-free version.
Olive Oil: This helps create a nice crispiness, but you can swap it with melted butter or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand. Each will give it a different taste, but still delicious!
Garlic Powder: Made a great addition for flavor! For fresh taste, you could use minced garlic, just keep in mind to adjust cooking time so it doesn’t burn.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a smoky flavor, but it’s optional. Regular paprika or even a sprinkle of cayenne for heat can be good alternatives.
How Can I Make Sure My Bacon Gets Crispy?
Getting that bacon crispy is key to the success of these bites! Here are some tips to follow:
- Use a wire rack: Placing the bacon-wrapped potatoes on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate, leading to even cooking and crispiness.
- Don’t crowd: Make sure there’s space between the potatoes on the baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly without steaming.
- Flip carefully: Halfway through baking, gently turn them to ensure all sides become crispy.
- Broil at the end: If you’re feeling adventurous, during the last few minutes of cooking, switch to the broil setting to boost that crispiness!
Follow these steps, and you’ll have crispy bacon wrapped potato bites that everyone will love!
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 small baby potatoes (about 1 to 1.5 inches each)
- 12 slices of bacon (cut in half if large)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Toothpicks (optional, for securing bacon)
- Dipping sauce of choice (ranch, sour cream, or aioli recommended)
Time Needed:
This delightful dish takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 25-30 minutes in the oven. In total, you should plan for around an hour to get these tasty bites ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil will save you on cleanup later. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the sheet; this helps keep the bacon crispy by allowing air to circulate around it.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash your baby potatoes well under running water. If any of them are larger than 1.5 inches, feel free to halve or quarter them so they cook evenly.
3. Boil the Potatoes:
In a pot, boil the potatoes in salted water for 10-15 minutes until they’re just tender when poked with a fork. Be cautious not to overcook them! Once ready, drain the water and pat them dry thoroughly with a towel.
4. Season the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated for maximum flavor!
5. Wrap with Bacon:
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each potato. Secure it with a toothpick if needed. Placing the bacon seam-side down on the baking sheet can help it stay wrapped during cooking.
6. Bake the Bites:
Arrange the bacon-wrapped potato bites on the prepared rack or baking sheet so they have room to breathe. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, give them a gentle turn so they get crispy on all sides.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once the bacon is crispy and golden, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. If you used toothpicks, now is the time to carefully remove those.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the bites with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear!
Enjoy these crispy, savory bacon wrapped potato bites as a tasty appetizer or side dish!
Can I Use Larger Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, but keep in mind that larger potatoes will require more cooking time. If you opt for larger potatoes, be sure to boil them long enough to ensure they are tender before wrapping them in bacon.
Can I Prepare These Bacon Wrapped Potato Bites in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare them up to a day ahead by boiling the potatoes and wrapping them in bacon, then refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven cold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bacon-wrapped potato bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Potato Bites Spicy?
Definitely! To add some heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or use spicy bacon. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha aioli for an extra kick!
