Seasoned, perfectly cooked baby potatoes wrapped in thick, crispy bacon and served with a luscious homemade sour cream and onion dip! This isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a culinary delight that promises to be the star of any gathering.
Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Potatoes with Homemade Sour Cream & Onion Dip
There’s an undeniable magic in simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. For many, potatoes hold a special place in the heart – they’re humble, versatile, and incredibly satisfying. In this recipe, we transform these beloved spuds into an appetizer that’s not only bursting with flavor but also surprisingly easy to prepare. Imagine tender baby potatoes, seasoned to perfection, hugged by a crisp blanket of savory bacon, all complemented by a creamy, zesty homemade dip. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly from any party platter, leaving guests craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Appetizer
These bacon-wrapped potatoes are more than just a snack; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that embodies comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual get-together, or looking for a delightful starter for a holiday meal, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Its simplicity belies its incredible flavor profile, making it accessible even for novice cooks, while seasoned chefs will appreciate its elegant presentation and customizable nature. The combination of crispy, salty bacon with soft, savory potatoes and a tangy dip creates a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes that is truly irresistible. Plus, the minimal cleanup and straightforward steps mean you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your company.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Potatoes
Crafting these delectable bacon-wrapped potatoes requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward nature, allowing the natural flavors of each component to shine. Starting with small, firm baby potatoes ensures a tender interior that cooks evenly. Thick-cut bacon is essential for achieving that desirable crispy texture and substantial flavor, while a good quality olive oil helps in seasoning and baking. A versatile garlic and herb seasoning blend elevates the potatoes’ taste, and a simple sour cream and green onion dip provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bacon and potato. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating this memorable appetizer.
What You’ll Need: The Shopping List
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes
- ½ pound thick-cut bacon, sliced into thirds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic and herb seasoning (such as Mrs. Dash)
- Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup sliced green onions
- Dried parsley flakes (optional, for garnish)
Mastering the Art of Bacon Wrapped Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these sensational bacon-wrapped potatoes is a delightful culinary journey. Follow these detailed steps to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned, tender, and wrapped in crispy goodness. From the initial preparation to the final bake, each stage contributes to the ultimate flavor and texture of this irresistible appetizer.
Preparation is Key: Setting the Stage for Success
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature when your potatoes are ready to bake, leading to perfectly crispy bacon and tender potatoes. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step is a game-changer for easy cleanup and prevents the bacon from sticking to the pan, ensuring a beautiful golden crisp. On your stovetop, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, generously salt the water, similar to how you would for pasta. Salting the water infuses the potatoes with flavor from the inside out during the parboiling process.
Parboiling for Perfection: Achieving the Ideal Texture
Carefully add the baby potatoes to the liberally salted boiling water. Parboil them for precisely 3-4 minutes. The goal here is not to cook them all the way through, but rather to soften them slightly. This initial cooking step is crucial because it gives the potatoes a head start, ensuring they become beautifully tender in the oven without the bacon burning. It also helps them absorb the seasonings more effectively. While the potatoes are parboiling, take this opportunity to slice your thick-cut bacon into thirds. This size is ideal for wrapping around most baby potatoes, ensuring good coverage without excessive overlap.
Once the parboiling time is up, immediately turn off the heat. Drain the potatoes thoroughly using a colander, making sure all excess water is removed. Allow the potatoes to cool for a few minutes. This cooling period is important for two reasons: it prevents you from burning your hands while wrapping, and it allows any residual moisture to evaporate, which is key for crispy results later on. Transfer the slightly cooled potatoes back into the empty pot.
Seasoning the Spuds: Building Layers of Flavor
With the warm potatoes back in the pot, pour the olive oil over them. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring each potato is lightly coated. The warmth of the potatoes helps the oil adhere better. Next, generously sprinkle the garlic and herb seasoning over the oiled potatoes. Add a dash of kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Stir again, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed. This layering of flavor from the inside out is what truly makes these potatoes shine, complementing the savory bacon beautifully.
The Bacon Wrap: Securing Deliciousness
Once the seasoned potatoes are cool enough to handle comfortably, it’s time for the star attraction: the bacon wrap. Take one seasoned potato and carefully wrap a slice of bacon around its circumference. The goal is to wrap it snugly, ensuring the bacon covers a good portion of the potato without excessive overlapping, which can prevent even cooking. To secure the bacon firmly in place during baking, insert a toothpick right through the bacon and into the potato. This small step is vital to prevent the bacon from unraveling as it crisps up in the oven. Place each wrapped and secured potato onto your prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes and bacon slices. Finally, give the tops of all the bacon-wrapped potatoes a light sprinkle of salt and pepper for an extra flavor boost.
Baking to Golden Crispy Bliss: The Final Touch
Carefully transfer the baking sheet filled with your bacon-wrapped potato delights into the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Allow them to bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your potatoes and bacon, so keep an eye on them. You’re looking for two key indicators of doneness: the bacon should be beautifully crispy and golden brown, and the potatoes should be fork-tender, easily pierced with a fork without resistance. Once they reach this perfect state, remove the baking sheet from the oven. The aroma alone will tell you you’ve created something wonderful!
Crafting the Zesty Sour Cream and Onion Dip
No bacon-wrapped potato is complete without a sensational dip, and our homemade sour cream and onion version is the perfect accompaniment. While your potatoes are baking to crispy perfection, you can effortlessly whip up this creamy, zesty dip. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of rich sour cream with ⅓ cup of freshly sliced green onions. Stir these two simple ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the green onions are evenly distributed throughout the sour cream. This dip offers a refreshing, tangy counterpoint to the savory, salty crunch of the bacon and the tender potatoes. Serve the dip in a small bowl with a spoon, allowing guests to serve themselves. For an extra touch of color and freshness, consider sprinkling a pinch of dried parsley flakes over the potatoes just before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Potatoes
Achieving culinary perfection often comes down to a few key insights. Here are some expert tips to ensure your bacon-wrapped potatoes turn out flawlessly every time, maximizing flavor, texture, and ease of preparation.
- Bacon Thickness and Size: Always opt for thick-cut bacon. It provides a more substantial texture and renders beautifully without disappearing during cooking. If your baby potatoes vary in size, adjust your bacon slices accordingly. Smaller potatoes might need narrower strips of bacon to avoid excessive overlap, ensuring they crisp up evenly. The goal is to wrap the potato fully, but with a single layer of bacon.
- Preventing Bacon Shrinkage: Bacon naturally shrinks as it cooks. To minimize this and keep your potatoes well-wrapped, stretch each bacon strip slightly before wrapping it around the potato. The toothpicks are your best friend here, as they firmly hold the bacon in place.
- Uniform Potato Size: Try to select baby potatoes of roughly similar size. This ensures they parboil and bake evenly, preventing some from being undercooked while others are perfectly tender.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When placing the wrapped potatoes on the baking sheet, ensure there’s enough space between each one. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting, resulting in less crispy bacon. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Alternative Cooking Method (Air Fryer): For an even crispier result and quicker cooking time, consider using an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bacon-wrapped potatoes in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crisp and potatoes are tender.
- Make Ahead Option: You can parboil and season the potatoes, and even wrap them in bacon, a few hours ahead of time. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Just before serving, pop them in the oven for baking. This is a great time-saver for entertaining.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These bacon-wrapped potatoes are fantastic on their own, but a few simple additions or tweaks can elevate them even further, catering to different tastes and occasions. They are the perfect canvas for creative expression!
- Garnish Galore: Beyond dried parsley, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or finely minced fresh rosemary can add a lovely aromatic finish and a pop of color. A dash of smoked paprika after baking can also enhance the savory notes.
- Dip Variations: While the sour cream and onion dip is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment! A creamy ranch dip, a spicy sriracha mayo, a garlic aioli, or even a homemade cheese sauce would also make excellent accompaniments. For a lighter option, a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with herbs can be a delicious alternative.
- Potato Play: While baby potatoes are ideal, you can also use small Yukon Gold or red new potatoes, cutting them into bite-sized pieces if they’re too large. For an unexpected twist, try wrapping small pieces of sweet potato in bacon for a sweet and savory sensation.
- Seasoning Swaps: The garlic and herb seasoning is fantastic, but feel free to customize. A blend of paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a smoky, spicier kick. Italian seasoning, or even just salt and black pepper, can also work beautifully.
- Cheese Please: For an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking. The melted, slightly browned cheese will add a wonderful depth of flavor.
This recipe will serve 8-10 people, making it an excellent choice for parties where guests are sure to enjoy these savory bites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I prepare bacon-wrapped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can parboil and season the potatoes, wrap them in bacon, and secure them with toothpicks up to 24 hours in advance. Store them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. When ready to serve, simply pop them into the preheated oven and bake as directed. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead appetizer for entertaining.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftover bacon-wrapped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon re-crisps. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon soggy.
Can I use regular-cut bacon instead of thick-cut?
While thick-cut bacon is highly recommended for its texture and ability to withstand longer cooking without burning, you can use regular-cut bacon in a pinch. If using regular bacon, be sure to keep a closer eye on them in the oven, as it may cook faster and become crispy more quickly. You might need to reduce the baking time slightly.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Baby potatoes, such as red, yellow, or a mix, are ideal because of their small, uniform size and tender flesh. They cook relatively quickly and have a lovely creamy interior when properly prepared. If baby potatoes aren’t available, small new potatoes or even larger potatoes cut into bite-sized chunks will work, though cooking times may vary.
Can I make these spicy?
Certainly! To add a kick, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the garlic and herb seasoning. You could also mix a bit of hot sauce or Sriracha into your sour cream dip for a spicier dipping experience.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Bacon Wrapped Beer Brats
- Bacon Cheddar Potatoes
- Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
- Bacon Wrapped Bratwurst Bites
- Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
- Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Bacon Wrapped Potatoes Recipe Card
Bacon Wrapped Potatoes
Prep Time: 10 minutes |
Cook Time: 25 minutes |
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10 |
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes
- ½ pound thick-sliced bacon, sliced into thirds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic and herb seasoning (I use Mrs. Dash seasoning)
- kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup sliced green onions
- dried parsley flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Get a pot of water boiling on the stove. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place parchment paper on a large baking sheet.
- Once water begins boiling, liberally salt the water.
- Then add the baby potatoes to the boiling water. Parboil for 3-4 minutes. We don’t want to cook them all the way – just soften them up a bit.
- Slice the bacon into thirds while you’re waiting for the potatoes.
- Turn off the heat, then drain the potatoes well and allow to cool for a few minutes before handling.
- Place them back into the pot and pour olive oil over the warm potatoes. Stir well.
- Then sprinkle garlic and herb seasoning over the potatoes and stir again.
- Make sure they are cool enough to handle. Then begin wrapping the slices of bacon over the potatoes.
- Stick a toothpick through the bacon and potato to hold it all in place while baking. Then place on baking sheet.
- Continue with the rest of the potatoes. Season the tops of all the potatoes with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Pop the baking tray into the oven and cook for about 20-25 minutes.
- You want the bacon crispy and the potatoes should be fork tender.
- Combine sour cream and sliced green onion and serve as a dip for the potatoes!
- For a pop of color, sprinkle the tops of the potatoes with dried parsley (optional).
Notes
- If your potatoes are on the smaller side, you can cut the bacon into smaller pieces to make them fit.
Course: Appetizer |
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 15g |
Protein: 5g |
Fat: 17g |
Sodium: 173mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 1g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Originally published: August 2015
Updated and republished: October 2021