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Loaded Bacon + Roasted Garlic Potatoes


  • Author: Christine

Description

Loaded Bacon + Roasted Garlic Potatoes is a decadent, comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon, roasted garlic, and creamy cheddar cheese. This recipe features tender Yukon Gold potatoes smothered in a rich cheese sauce and topped with a generous layer of bacon, making it the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish at holiday gatherings or as a main course on a cozy evening, these potatoes are sure to impress with their depth of flavor and satisfying textures. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this dish is destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 strips of bacon
  • 56 cloves of roasted garlic
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 12 oz Tillamook Sharp Cheddar, shredded
  • 14tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 6 oz Tillamook Sharp White Cheddar, shredded
  • 45 medium yukon potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

  2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set it aside. Reserve 2-3 tbsp of bacon fat in the skillet.

  3. Add butter to the skillet with bacon fat. Once melted, add flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.

  4. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.

  5. Add roasted garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.

  6. Gradually stir in Tillamook Sharp Cheddar and Tillamook White Cheddar until the sauce is creamy.

  7. Place the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.

  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, uncover the dish, sprinkle additional Tillamook Sharp Cheddar on top, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, and the top is golden and bubbly.

  9. Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Roasted Garlic and Bacon Cheddar Potatoes Au Gratin!

Notes

For the best results, use high-quality ingredients like Tillamook Sharp Cheddar and Yukon Gold potatoes. These choices enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, ensuring a creamy, flavorful experience with every bite. If you’re looking to lighten the dish, consider using a combination of whole and low-fat milk or adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. This recipe is also highly adaptable, allowing for variations like adding spice or a gourmet touch with truffle oil. Remember, the key to perfecting this dish is to cook the bacon until crispy and roast the garlic until it’s golden and caramelized, as these steps add essential layers of flavor.