Roasted potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and endlessly customizable. But when you combine them with crispy chopped bacon and a sticky honey glaze, you create something truly irresistible. These Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes are a side dish that doesn’t sit quietly on the edge of the plate—they take center stage.
With a beautiful balance of sweet and savory, hints of garlic and herbs, and the rich smokiness of bacon, this dish works as a weeknight go-to, a Sunday brunch favorite, or a holiday side. Best of all, it’s made with simple pantry ingredients and only takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted chicken, steak, grilled vegetables, or just with eggs for breakfast, this dish elevates the humble potato into something special. Let’s walk through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and flavorful variations to make this your new favorite roasted potato recipe.
Why These Potatoes Work So Well
The combination of bacon and honey in this recipe brings together salty, smoky, and sweet in a way that’s hard to beat. The fat from the bacon helps to crisp up the potatoes, while the honey caramelizes during roasting, creating sticky edges that contrast beautifully with the fluffy interiors of the baby potatoes. The garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme add complexity without overpowering the main ingredients.
What makes this dish so appealing is how effortlessly it turns a basic ingredient—potatoes—into something that tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s rustic, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the roasted potatoes:
- 2 lbs baby potatoes (halved)
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Optional additions:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for richness and umami)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish and freshness)
These ingredients are common, but together they create a perfect medley of textures and flavors. Baby potatoes roast quickly and evenly. The bacon infuses every bite with smoky richness. The thyme and garlic powder add earthy notes. And honey brings a sticky, slightly caramelized glaze to finish things off.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This dish is straightforward to prepare and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. Here’s how to make it from scratch.
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. If using foil, lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prep the Potatoes and Bacon
Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and slice them in half. If you’re using larger baby potatoes, you can quarter them instead to keep the pieces uniform in size for even roasting.
Place the halved potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped bacon directly to the bowl—no need to pre-cook it. The bacon will crisp up beautifully in the oven as it roasts alongside the potatoes.
3. Season and Toss
To the bowl of potatoes and bacon, add:
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Toss everything together well until the potatoes and bacon are evenly coated with the oil, honey, and seasonings. Make sure the honey is distributed evenly to encourage even caramelization.
4. Spread and Roast
Spread the mixture out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Arrange the potatoes cut-side down if you want maximum crispiness. Make sure there is some space between pieces for even roasting.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 35–40 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and golden brown, and the bacon is crispy. Halfway through cooking (around the 20-minute mark), use a spatula to gently flip the potatoes and stir the bacon to ensure even browning.
5. Optional: Add Parmesan
If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting. This gives the cheese a chance to melt and brown slightly without burning.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, transfer the roasted potatoes and bacon to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
Serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy. These potatoes are perfect on their own or as a flavorful side.
What to Serve with Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
These potatoes go with just about anything. Here are some pairing ideas:
- With breakfast or brunch: Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or omelets. Add a side of toast or avocado for a complete meal.
- With grilled meats: Pair them with grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak. The sweetness of the honey complements smoky grilled flavors.
- As a holiday side: These are great alongside roast turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib.
- With vegetarian mains: Serve with roasted vegetables and a simple green salad for a hearty meatless meal.
Tips for Success
- Use a hot oven: Roasting at 400°F ensures crispy edges and quick browning. A lower temperature won’t give you the same texture.
- Cut potatoes uniformly: This helps all the pieces cook at the same time. Inconsistent sizing can lead to some undercooked and some overcooked potatoes.
- Space everything out: Avoid crowding the baking sheet. Crowded potatoes will steam rather than roast, which prevents them from getting crispy.
- Flip halfway: Turning the potatoes halfway through roasting ensures even browning on both sides.
- Don’t overdo the honey: Two tablespoons is the sweet spot. Too much will cause burning or excessive stickiness.
Variations to Try
Once you master the base recipe, you can start playing with different flavors and textures. Here are some delicious twists:
1. Spicy Honey Bacon Potatoes
Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a spicy-sweet variation.
2. Maple Bacon Potatoes
Substitute maple syrup for the honey for a deeper, earthier sweetness. This pairs especially well with fall and winter meals.
3. Cheesy Bacon Potatoes
Top the roasted potatoes with shredded cheddar or mozzarella in the last few minutes of baking. Broil for 2 minutes until melted and bubbly.
4. Herb Variations
Swap out thyme for rosemary or sage for a more woodsy, aromatic flavor. Fresh herbs add complexity without overpowering the dish.
5. Sweet Potato Version
Use sweet potatoes in place of baby potatoes for a sweeter, more nutrient-dense version. Keep in mind they may roast slightly faster depending on size.
6. Garlic Lover’s Potatoes
Add fresh minced garlic in the last 10 minutes of roasting. Too early and it might burn; too late and it won’t flavor the dish enough.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- To store: Keep for up to 3–4 days in the fridge.
- To reheat: Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for 5–8 minutes.
Microwaving works, but the potatoes will be soft rather than crispy.
Why This Recipe Works for Any Occasion
One of the best things about these roasted potatoes is how adaptable they are. The sweet-savory combination of honey and bacon makes them fancy enough for entertaining but simple enough for a casual family dinner. The flavors are approachable and crowd-pleasing—there’s something here for sweet lovers, salty snackers, and comfort food fans alike.
It’s also an incredibly forgiving recipe. Forgot to flip the potatoes? No problem. Don’t have fresh thyme? Dried works fine. Want to use turkey bacon? Go ahead. The recipe is strong enough to accommodate your personal style or dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes are a golden, crispy, sticky-sweet celebration of everything comfort food should be. The balance of salty bacon, sweet honey glaze, and herby undertones turns a humble potato into something that tastes gourmet. Whether you’re making them for a holiday feast, a weekend brunch, or just an elevated side dish for your favorite protein, this recipe delivers.
Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and big flavor—there’s nothing better. Add it to your rotation and get ready for clean plates and repeat requests.