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Red Skin Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese: A Comforting Classic

There are certain dishes that just feel like a warm hug, a culinary embrace that instantly transports you to a simpler, more joyful time. For me, Red Skin Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese is exactly that. I remember my grandmother making this on a chilly Sunday afternoon, the aroma of melting cheese and savory bacon filling her cozy kitchen. It wasn’t just food; it was an experience, a testament to how simple ingredients, treated with love, could create something utterly divine. This dish, much like a perfectly grilled steak or a juicy burger, is a side that commands attention and always elicits happy sighs. It’s a far cry from low-fat aspirations, but oh, is it worth every decadent bite.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (microwaving) or 15 minutes (oven finish)
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: A generous portion for 6 servings
Dietary Type: Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Ingredients

This recipe is beautifully straightforward, relying on a few key players to deliver big flavor.

12 red potatoes, cut into cubes
1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled (I highly recommend baking your bacon on a cookie sheet. It’s a cleaner, easier method, and the bacon always comes out perfectly crisp.)
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup butter, sliced

Equipment Needed

Microwave-safe dish with a lid
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Oven (optional, for crispier potatoes)
Baking sheet (if baking bacon)

Instructions

Crafting these delightful potatoes is a wonderfully simple process that yields an incredibly satisfying result. Here’s how to bring this classic dish to life:

Begin by preparing your red potatoes. Wash them thoroughly and then cut them into bite-sized cubes. You want pieces that are roughly the same size for even cooking.
In a microwave-safe dish that has a lid, combine the cubed red potatoes and the sliced butter.
Cover the dish tightly and microwave on high for 5 minutes. This initial burst of heat begins to soften the potatoes and melt the butter.
After 5 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the microwave. Stir the potatoes to ensure that all the cubes are coated in the melted butter. This step is crucial for even seasoning and cooking.
Now, it’s time to season. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. If you enjoy a little extra kick, seasoned salt is also a fantastic option here.
Return the covered dish to the microwave and cook on high for another 5 minutes.
Once the second cooking period is complete, stir the potatoes again. Then, allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the residual heat to continue cooking the potatoes gently, making them tender.
Check the potatoes for doneness. They should be fork-tender. If they are not quite there yet, add another 5 minutes of microwaving time, followed by another rest period. Repeat this process until the potatoes reach your desired tenderness.
Once the potatoes are perfectly tender, add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to the dish.
Mix everything together gently, ensuring the cheese and bacon are evenly distributed among the potatoes.
Return the dish to the microwave and cook on high for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and gooey.
- For Crispier Potatoes: If you prefer a slightly crisper texture to your potatoes, especially around the edges, you have a wonderful alternative to the final microwaving step. Instead of microwaving for the last 2 minutes, transfer the dish to a preheated oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 15 minutes. This will give the potatoes a lovely golden hue and a more desirable crisp.
Serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed piping hot, straight from the microwave or oven.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Bacon Perfection: As mentioned, baking your bacon is a game-changer. Lay the strips of bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. Drain on paper towels and then crumble. This method results in uniformly crisp bacon with less grease.
Potato Prep: Don’t skip the rinsing and cubing. Uniformity in size is key to ensuring all potato pieces cook at the same rate. Red skin potatoes are ideal because their skins are thin and tender, adding a lovely texture without needing to be peeled.
Butter Distribution: Ensure you distribute the butter slices evenly before the initial microwave cook. This will help the butter melt and coat the potatoes more effectively.
Rest is Best: The resting period after microwaving is not just for show! It’s a critical step that allows the heat to penetrate and tenderize the potatoes fully. Don’t be tempted to skip it.
Cheese Choice: While cheddar is classic and delicious, feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a sharp white cheddar would also be fantastic.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This dish is a showstopper as is, but a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions elevate it to pure indulgence. The cool creaminess of the sour cream beautifully contrasts with the warm, savory potatoes, bacon, and cheese, while the green onions add a fresh, sharp note.

Leftovers, if there are any, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The texture might be slightly softer upon reheating, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Nutritional Information

This is a rich and indulgent side dish, best enjoyed in moderation.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	940.7 kcal
Calories from Fat	562 g	60%
Total Fat	62.5 g	96%
Saturated Fat	29.1 g	145%
Cholesterol	131.7 mg	43%
Sodium	998.7 mg	41%
Total Carbohydrate	68.7 g	22%
Dietary Fiber	7.2 g	28%
Sugars	4.5 g	17%
Protein	26.4 g	52%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a perfect classic, there’s always room for a little culinary creativity!

Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with your salt and pepper, or even some finely diced jalapeño peppers when you add the cheese and bacon.
Herbaceous Notes: Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or even a touch of rosemary, finely chopped and stirred in with the cheese and bacon, can add a wonderful layer of freshness.
Cheese Blend: As mentioned, don’t be afraid to mix up your cheeses. A smoked gouda would add a lovely depth of flavor.
Different Potatoes: While red skin potatoes are preferred for their texture and skin, Yukon Gold potatoes cut into similar-sized cubes would also work well.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can cook the bacon and crumble it ahead of time. The potatoes can also be cubed and stored in water in the refrigerator for a few hours, but draining them thoroughly before cooking is essential. It’s best to assemble and finish the dish just before serving for optimal texture.

Q: Why are my potatoes not fork-tender after the initial microwaving?
A: The cooking time can vary depending on your microwave’s wattage and the size of your potato cubes. Don’t hesitate to add extra microwaving time in 1-minute increments, followed by resting, until they reach the desired tenderness.

Q: Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
A: To make this vegetarian, you would need to omit the bacon. You could substitute with crispy fried onions or even some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor element.

Q: What is the best way to ensure the cheese melts evenly?
A: Ensure the potatoes are hot and tender before adding the cheese. Shredding the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese (which often contains anti-caking agents) can also help it melt more smoothly.

Q: How can I make the potatoes extra crispy without using the oven?
A: While the oven method is ideal for crispiness, ensure your potatoes are very tender before adding the cheese and bacon. Then, microwave for a shorter period (perhaps 1 minute) and allow a longer resting time, uncovered, to let some steam escape and potentially crisp up the edges slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Red Skin Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of comfort and flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, a dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed success. Whether you’re serving it alongside a perfectly grilled steak, a simple roasted chicken, or hearty burgers, it’s sure to be met with enthusiastic appreciation. Don’t be afraid to make it your own with a few creative twists. I encourage you to try this recipe, savor the delicious aromas, and share the joy with your loved ones. And if you find yourself with any lingering questions or wonderful variations, do share them! Happy cooking!

Red Skin Potatoes With Bacon and Cheese Recipe