These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties, game days, or as a delicious side dish. Creamy, tender potato chunks are wrapped in crispy bacon and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound small potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 pound bacon, cut into halves or thirds depending on potato cube size
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Toothpicks for securing bacon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into approximately 1-inch cubes.
- Season Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around a potato cube. Secure with a toothpick if needed. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and bacon.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped potato bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving some space between each bite.
- Bake: Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Turn the bites halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bites cool slightly. Remove the toothpicks if used. Serve warm.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the potato bites during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the potato seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Maple Glaze: Brush the bacon-wrapped bites with a maple syrup glaze during the last few minutes of baking for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Air Fryer: These can also be made in an air fryer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added to the potatoes for extra flavor.
- Pre-cook potatoes: For faster cooking, the potato cubes can be partially boiled or microwaved before being wrapped in bacon.