Sliced Baked Potatoes with Cheese and Bacon – A Crispy, Cheesy Delight for Every Occasion
Introduction
Looking for the perfect comfort food that’s easy to prepare, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to impress? These sliced baked potatoes with cheese and crispy bacon are the answer. With a golden, crispy edge, soft center, gooey melted cheese, and savory bacon bits, this dish works great as a side, appetizer, or even a main course. It’s a family favorite and a crowd-pleaser that’s packed with flavor and nutrients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients, maximum flavor
- Budget-friendly and perfect for meal prepping
- A great alternative to French fries or loaded potato skins
- Easy to customize: make it vegetarian, spicy, or cheesy to your taste
- Perfect for dinner, parties, game nights, or just a cozy evening
Health Benefits of Potatoes
Despite the bad rap, baking potatoes are rich in essential nutrients:
- Potassium: Regulates blood pressure
- Vitamin C: Strengthens immunity and improves skin health
- Fiber: Aids digestion and keeps you full longer
- Antioxidants: Help fight inflammation
Ingredients
- 4 medium baking potatoes (like Russet or Yukon Gold)
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon celery seed (optional, adds a unique earthy flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 100g (about 1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of bacon (or turkey bacon, or even mushrooms for a veggie version)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.
- Slice them into ½-inch thick rounds – not too thin or they’ll burn, not too thick or they won’t cook through.
- Soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up better in the oven.
- Drain and pat dry using a clean towel or paper towels.
Step 2: Season and Arrange
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato slices with garlic powder, black pepper, celery seed, olive oil, and salt.
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Arrange the slices in a single layer. Avoid overlapping.
Step 3: Bake the Potatoes
- Cover the potatoes loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, flip the potatoes, and continue baking uncovered for another 10–15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon
- While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
- Once the potatoes are done, sprinkle cheese evenly over them. Top with crumbled bacon.
- Return to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with sour cream, ranch, garlic dip, or your favorite sauce.
Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok ChoyTips and Variations
- Cheese: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend for different flavors.
- Bacon swap: Use vegan bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes before baking.
- Meal idea: Serve with grilled chicken, steak, or as part of a brunch board.