Introduction
Transform humble potatoes into a sensational side dish with this incredibly easy Honey Bacon Slow Cooker Potatoes recipe! Forget hours of stovetop fuss; this recipe leverages the magic of your slow cooker to deliver perfectly tender potatoes with a gloriously crispy, honey-glazed bacon topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in a flash, perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend gatherings. Get ready to elevate your potato game!
Why This Works
This recipe’s genius lies in its simplicity and flavor balance. The slow cooker creates unbelievably tender potatoes, while the crispy bacon and sweet honey glaze add a delightful textural and flavor contrast. The ingredients are readily available, making it accessible to everyone. Impress your guests with minimal effort—the slow cooker does most of the work!
Key Ingredients
🥔 2 lbs small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
🥓 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
🍯 1/4 cup honey
🧅 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
🌿 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Potatoes: Wash and halve or quarter the potatoes, depending on their size. Aim for roughly equal-sized pieces for even cooking.
2️⃣ Slow Cooker Magic: Place the potatoes in your slow cooker. Evenly distribute the chopped onion and minced garlic over the potatoes.
3️⃣ Seasoning: Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the potatoes and onion mixture.
4️⃣ Honey-Bacon Bliss: Evenly distribute the crumbled cooked bacon over the potatoes. Drizzle the honey over the bacon and potatoes.
5️⃣ Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and your slow cooker.
6️⃣ Crispy Finish (Optional): For extra crispy potatoes, broil the potatoes in the oven for the last 5-7 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Handy Tips
- Potato Variety: Feel free to experiment with other small potato varieties like Yukon gold or fingerlings.
- Bacon Prep: For extra crispy bacon, cook it until extra-brown and then crumble it.
- Garlic Lover?: Add an extra clove of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey to your liking. For a less sweet dish, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons.
Heat Control
The slow cooker provides gentle, even heat, preventing burning and ensuring tender potatoes. If using the broil setting for extra crispiness, keep a close eye to prevent burning. The potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork and tender throughout.
Crunch Factor
The crunch comes from the crispy bacon topping. The optional broiling step enhances the crispiness of the potatoes themselves.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Prep Ahead: Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or onion powder for a deeper flavor.
- Easy Cleanup: Line your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner for effortless cleanup.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Honey Bacon Slow Cooker Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These potatoes make a wonderful side dish for a potluck or holiday gathering. Package them in a charming reusable container with a festive ribbon. Include a handwritten recipe card for an extra special touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Honey Bacon: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the honey glaze.
🌟 Garlic & Herb: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano) along with the garlic.
🌟 Apple Cider Glaze: Replace the honey with 1/4 cup of apple cider for a sweet and tart twist.
🌟 Cheesy Bacon: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Troubleshooting
- Potatoes too soft: If your potatoes are too soft, reduce the cooking time next time.
- Potatoes not cooked through: If your potatoes are not cooked through, increase the cooking time.
- Bacon too hard: If your bacon is too hard, reduce the cooking time or choose a thinner cut of bacon.
FAQ
- Can I use different potatoes? Yes, you can use other small potatoes like Yukon gold or fingerlings.
- Can I make this recipe in the oven? Yes, but the potatoes will likely require more time and the bacon may not crisp up as well.
- How do I scale this recipe? Double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch.
- Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this simple yet incredibly flavorful Honey Bacon Slow Cooker Potatoes recipe! It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, and we encourage you to experiment with different flavor variations to make it your own. Share your creations with us and enjoy the deliciousness with your loved ones!
Honey Bacon Heaven: Slow Cooker Potatoes
A delectable slow-cooked potato dish infused with the sweetness of honey and the savory flavor of crispy bacon.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine honey, melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the halved baby potatoes to the bowl and toss until they are well coated in the honey mixture.
- Transfer the coated potatoes to the slow cooker. Add the crispy bacon on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- Once cooked, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or bell peppers to the slow cooker.
- You can adjust the amount of honey based on your desired sweetness.