Chops & Roasts

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Scalloped Potatoes

Name: Smoked Bacon Wrapped Scalloped Potatoes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 slices of smoked bacon; 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

By Amara Hartwell · June 19, 2026 · Chops & Roasts

Prep30 min

Cook45 min

Total75 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made Smoked Bacon Wrapped Scalloped Potatoes for my family. The combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a hint of smokiness was a game-changer. It's a dish that's perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, and it's surprisingly easy to make.

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and accessible. This recipe checks all the boxes: it's made with ingredients you can find at your local grocery store, and the steps are easy to follow. Plus, it's a great way to get your family involved in the cooking process - my kids love helping me wrap the potatoes in bacon!

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of smoked bacon. It adds a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with regular bacon, and it's worth seeking out if you can find it. That being said, if you can't find smoked bacon, you can substitute it with regular bacon and still get great results.

This recipe is also a great way to practice some important cooking techniques, like rendering fat and cooking with a water bath. These are skills that will serve you well in all sorts of recipes, and they're easy to learn with a little practice.

So if you're looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, I highly recommend giving Smoked Bacon Wrapped Scalloped Potatoes a try. It's a dish that's sure to become a family favorite, and it's perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a great way to get your family involved in the cooking process
The combination of tender potatoes and crispy bacon is a game-changer
It's perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion
The use of smoked bacon adds a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with other ingredients
It's a great way to practice important cooking techniques like rendering fat and cooking with a water bath

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of tender potatoes and crispy bacon. To achieve this, we use a technique called rendering, where we cook the bacon in a pan until it's crispy and golden brown. This helps to bring out the natural flavors of the bacon and adds a satisfying texture to the dish.

We also use a water bath to cook the potatoes, which helps to keep them tender and prevent them from drying out. This is especially important when you're cooking potatoes in a dish like this, where they're wrapped in bacon and cooked for a long time.

Finally, we add a hint of smokiness to the dish by using smoked bacon and a touch of smoked paprika. This adds a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with other ingredients, and it helps to tie the whole dish together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Smoked Bacon Wrapped Scalloped Potatoes, you'll need a few key ingredients. These include smoked bacon, potatoes, onions, garlic, and a touch of smoked paprika. You'll also need some olive oil, salt, and pepper to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

When you're shopping for these ingredients, be sure to look for high-quality smoked bacon and fresh potatoes. These will make a big difference in the final dish, and they're worth seeking out if you can find them.

6 slices of smoked baconLook for high-quality smoked bacon that's thick-cut and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help to add flavor and texture to the dish.
4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly slicedChoose potatoes that are high in starch, like Russet or Idaho. These will yield a tender and fluffy interior, while the outside stays crispy.
1 large onion, thinly slicedUse a sweet onion like Vidalia or Maui for the best flavor. These onions are naturally sweet and will caramelize beautifully as they cook.
3 cloves of garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also roast the garlic before mincing it for an even deeper flavor.
2 tbsp olive oilChoose a high-quality olive oil that's rich and fruity. This will help to add depth and complexity to the dish.
1 tsp smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish. Look for a high-quality paprika that's made from smoked peppers.
1 tsp saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. These salts have a coarser texture than table salt and will help to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
1/2 tsp black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. This will help to add a bright, peppery flavor to the dish.
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheeseChoose a high-quality cheddar cheese that's rich and creamy. This will help to add flavor and texture to the dish.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor. You can also use other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Ingredients for Smoked Bacon Wrapped Scalloped Potatoes

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panBaking dishInstant-read thermometerOvenCutting boardChef's knife

How to Make Smoked Bacon Wrapped Scalloped Potatoes

1
Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C). This will help to cook the potatoes and bacon evenly, and will give the dish a crispy texture.
2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the smoked bacon over medium heat until it's crispy and golden brown. This should take about 6-8 minutes, and will help to render the fat and add flavor to the dish.
3
While the bacon is cooking, slice the potatoes and onions into thin rounds. You can use a mandoline or sharp knife to get even slices, and this will help to ensure that the potatoes cook evenly.
4
In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes and onions. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat, and make sure that the potatoes and onions are evenly distributed.
5
Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the grease in the skillet, as this will help to add flavor to the potatoes and onions.
6
Add the sliced potatoes and onions to the skillet, and cook over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes. This will help to cook the potatoes and onions evenly, and will give them a tender and caramelized texture.
7
While the potatoes and onions are cooking, chop the cooked bacon into small pieces. You can also crumble it into small bits, depending on your preference.
8
In a greased baking dish, create a layer of potatoes and onions. Top with a layer of chopped bacon, and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese. Repeat this process until all of the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake for 30 minutes. This will help to cook the potatoes and onions evenly, and will give the dish a tender and creamy texture.
10
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes. This will help to crisp the top layer of cheese and bacon, and will give the dish a golden brown color.
11
Once the dish is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help the flavors to meld together, and will give the dish a tender and creamy texture.
12
To check for doneness, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the potatoes. They should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C), and should be tender and creamy.
13
Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot. You can also serve with a side of sour cream or applesauce, depending on your preference.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality smoked bacon for the best flavor
Choose potatoes that are high in starch for a tender and fluffy interior
Don't overcook the potatoes and onions, as this can make them dry and tough
Use a variety of cheeses for a rich and creamy texture
Add some diced ham or cooked sausage for added protein and flavor
Experiment with different herbs and spices for a unique flavor profile
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this will help the flavors to meld together

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the potatoes and onions, which can make them dry and tough
Not using high-quality smoked bacon, which can affect the flavor of the dish
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can make the flavors seem disjointed and unbalanced
Not using a variety of cheeses, which can make the dish seem bland and uninteresting
Not experimenting with different herbs and spices, which can make the dish seem boring and unoriginal
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the potatoes, which can make the dish seem undercooked or overcooked

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or cooked sausage for added protein and flavor
Use a variety of cheeses for a rich and creamy texture
Experiment with different herbs and spices for a unique flavor profile
Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture
Use a different type of potato, such as sweet potatoes or Yukon golds, for a different flavor and texture
Add some crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese for a tangy and creamy texture
Use a different type of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or peppered bacon, for a different flavor profile

What to Serve With Smoked Bacon Wrapped Scalloped Potatoes

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Scalloped Potatoes is a dish that's perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. You can serve it as a main course, or as a side dish for a larger meal. It's also a great dish to make for a potluck or party, as it's easy to transport and can be served at room temperature.

Some ideas for sides or other dishes to serve with Smoked Bacon Wrapped Scalloped Potatoes include a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a hearty soup. You could also serve it with some crusty bread or a side of fruit, depending on your preferences.

Green saladRoasted vegetablesHearty soupCrusty breadFresh fruit

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Scalloped Potatoes can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350 F (180 C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is crispy.

You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge and then reheat as directed above.

It's also a good idea to let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this will help the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to stay tender. You can also add some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese to the top of the dish before serving, depending on your preferences.

In terms of food safety, it's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the potatoes before serving. They should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C), and should be tender and creamy. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, and should always prioritize food safety when cooking and storing the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?

You should use high-starch potatoes, such as Russet or Idaho, for the best results. These potatoes will yield a tender and fluffy interior, while the outside stays crispy.

Can I use regular bacon instead of smoked bacon?

Yes, you can use regular bacon instead of smoked bacon. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different, and the dish may not have the same depth and complexity.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

You can check the internal temperature of the potatoes with an instant-read thermometer. They should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C), and should be tender and creamy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish and refrigerate or freeze until you're ready to bake. You can also reheat the dish in the oven or microwave if you prefer.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

Some variations you can try with this recipe include adding diced ham or cooked sausage, using a variety of cheeses, or experimenting with different herbs and spices. You can also try using different types of potatoes or bacon for a different flavor and texture.

Is this recipe suitable for a potluck or party?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for a potluck or party. It's easy to transport and can be served at room temperature, making it a great option for a crowd.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze this recipe. Simply wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven or microwave.

How do I reheat this recipe?

To reheat this recipe, simply cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350 F (180 C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is crispy. You can also reheat the dish in the microwave if you prefer.

The Full Recipe

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