Crispy Potato Slices with Cheese and Bacon – 30-Minute

Potato slices with cheese and bacon is the dish I make when I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's simple, satisfying, and uses ingredients I almost always have on hand.

I love how the potatoes turn crispy on the edges while staying tender inside, and the cheesy bacon topping makes it feel like a treat. Whether it's a weeknight side or a game-day snack, this recipe never disappoints.

It's also forgiving – you can swap the cheese or add herbs, and it still turns out great. Let's get started!

About the Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs / 900g)

Russets give the crispiest edges. Yukon Gold also work if you prefer creamier texture.

6 slices bacon (about 6 oz / 170g), chopped

Thick-cut bacon holds up better. Turkey bacon works for a lighter option.

1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Sharp cheddar melts well and adds flavor. Try smoked gouda for a smoky twist.

2 tablespoons olive oil

Helps the potatoes crisp. Use avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke point.

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Adds savory depth. Fresh minced garlic (2 cloves) can be used, but watch for burning.

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Gives a subtle smoky flavor. Regular paprika is fine too.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Adjust to taste, especially if your bacon is salty.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground is best for flavor.

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Adds freshness and color. Green onions work too.

Tips & Tricks

• Slice potatoes evenly (about 1/4 inch thick) so they cook at the same rate. A mandoline helps.
• Pat potato slices dry with a paper towel before tossing with oil – this helps them crisp.
• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Use two sheets if needed so the potatoes roast rather than steam.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking so the cheese sets slightly and is easier to serve.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. Cook the bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat (optional).

3. Prepare potatoes

Wash and slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Pat dry with paper towels.

4. Season the potatoes

In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper (and the reserved bacon fat if using). Make sure each slice is coated.

5. Arrange on baking sheet

Lay the potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, overlapping slightly if needed. Sprinkle the cooked bacon evenly over the top.

6. Bake the potatoes

Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the potatoes. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potato edges are golden brown.

7. Finish and serve

If you want a browner top, switch to broil for 2 minutes, watching carefully. Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chives and serve warm.

Delicious Variations

Loaded Baked Potato Style

Add sour cream and green onions after baking.

Spicy Southwest

Use pepper jack cheese and add diced jalapeños before baking.

Herb Garden

Toss potatoes with fresh rosemary and thyme before baking.

How to Store Potato Slices With Cheese And Bacon

Frequently Asked Questions

Try this crispy, cheesy potato dish this week – it's sure to become a family favorite. Small steps count.

Potato Slices With Cheese And Bacon

Golden potato slices topped with melty cheddar and crispy bacon – an easy, comforting side dish that's ready in 30 minutes.

★★★★½ 4.7 (187 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs / 900g)
• 6 slices bacon (about 6 oz / 170g), chopped
• 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven — Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. 2Cook the bacon — In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat (optional).
3. 3Prepare potatoes — Wash and slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Pat dry with paper towels.
4. 4Season the potatoes — In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper (and the reserved bacon fat if using). Make sure each slice is coated.
5. 5Arrange on baking sheet — Lay the potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, overlapping slightly if needed. Sprinkle the cooked bacon evenly over the top.
6. 6Bake the potatoes — Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the potatoes. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potato edges are golden brown.
7. 7Finish and serve — If you want a browner top, switch to broil for 2 minutes, watching carefully. Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chives and serve warm.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For extra crispiness, soak the potato slices in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly before tossing with oil.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Side Dish

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat

Written by Maya Okafor
Maya writes about sustainable living and practical zero-waste swaps for busy families. She focuses on small, budget-friendly changes that fit into real life.