Ultimate Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Ultimate Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake. Inspired by the creative genius of Canadian chef Michael Smith, this dish features tender baking potatoes layered with rich, crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. This delightful tart is visually stunning, making it an excellent centerpiece for any meal, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. The blend of flavors is pure indulgence—perfect for when you're craving something hearty and satisfying. While it's not the healthiest option on the table, the combination of ingredients makes it a nostalgic dish that’s sure to please your taste buds. Just remember to plan ahead; this beauty takes time to cook, rewarding you with layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love!
6
Servings
533
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baking Potatoes
3 (sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds)
Thick-Sliced Bacon
1 lb (thickly sliced)
Cheddar Cheese
1 lb (grated (preferably orange-colored))
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
Line a 6-inch non-stick frying pan with thick slices of bacon, arranging them in a circular pattern starting from the center and allowing the ends to drape over the edge of the pan. Ensure that the entire surface is fully covered.
3
Season the bacon layer with freshly cracked pepper, then add a layer of sliced baking potatoes, covering the bottom of the pan completely.
4
Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheddar cheese over the potato layer, then season with salt and pepper. Repeat the layering process of bacon, potatoes, and cheese, building the layers until they rise slightly above the top of the pan.
5
Carefully fold each bacon slice over the top of the potato and cheese mound, overlapping them to cover the entire surface neatly. Press down gently to compact the layers and fit the lid of the pan snugly.
6
Place the frying pan on a baking sheet to catch any drippings while it cooks. Bake in the preheated oven for 3 hours, allowing the potatoes to become tender and the bacon to crisp without burning. The lid will gradually settle down as the recipe bakes.
7
Once cooked, carefully invert the tart onto a serving plate, discarding any excess drippings. Cut the tart into six equal slices and serve hot, enjoying a deliciously layered experience.
Nutrition Information
36g
Fat
42g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake?
It is a hearty, layered comfort food dish inspired by chef Michael Smith, featuring baking potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the creative culinary work of Canadian chef Michael Smith.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are baking potatoes, thick-sliced bacon, and grated cheddar cheese, seasoned with salt and pepper.
How many potatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three baking potatoes.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
How much bacon is used in this dish?
You will need 1 lb of thick-sliced bacon.
What type of bacon is recommended?
Thick-sliced bacon is recommended to provide better structure and texture for the layers.
How much cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of grated cheddar cheese.
Is there a specific type of cheddar recommended?
While any cheddar works, orange-colored cheddar is preferred for a more vibrant visual presentation.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
What size pan should be used for baking?
A 6-inch non-stick frying pan is the ideal size for this recipe.
How do I arrange the bacon in the pan?
Arrange the bacon in a circular pattern starting from the center, letting the ends drape over the edge of the pan.
Why should the bacon ends drape over the pan?
The draping ends are folded back over the top later to fully enclose the potato and cheese filling.
How are the layers seasoned?
Each layer of bacon and potatoes is seasoned with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
How high should I build the layers?
Build the layers of potatoes and cheese until they rise slightly above the top edge of the pan.
What is the final step before the pan goes into the oven?
Fold the bacon slices over the top mound, press down gently, and fit the pan lid snugly.
Why should I place the frying pan on a baking sheet?
The baking sheet is used to catch any fat or drippings that may escape the pan during the long cooking process.
How long does the potato bake take to cook?
The dish needs to bake for a total of 3 hours.
Why is the baking time so long?
The three-hour bake time allows the potatoes to become perfectly tender and the bacon to crisp up slowly.
What happens to the lid during baking?
As the ingredients cook and compact, the lid will gradually settle down into the pan.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 equal servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 533 calories.
What is the fat content for one serving?
There are 36 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each slice?
Each serving provides 17 grams of protein.
Is this a healthy recipe?
While delicious and nostalgic, it is an indulgent dish and not the healthiest option due to its high fat and calorie content.
When is the best time to serve this dish?
It is versatile enough to be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
How do I remove the bake from the pan?
Carefully invert the tart onto a serving plate after discarding any excess drippings.
Can this dish be used as a centerpiece?
Yes, the circular bacon pattern makes it a visually stunning centerpiece for any meal.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, it is a great hearty option for a special brunch gathering.
How should the finished tart be sliced?
It should be cut into six equal wedges and served hot.