Bacon Wrapped New Potatoes: A Grill Master’s Delight

The aroma of smoky bacon sizzling on the grill always transports me back to summer evenings spent with family. My grandfather, a true grill master, always had a way of making the simplest ingredients taste extraordinary. One year, he experimented with wrapping baby potatoes in bacon and grilling them until crispy. That unexpected burst of savory goodness with a hint of ranch transformed the humble potato into something truly special, and it’s a flavor memory I cherish to this day. This recipe is a tribute to those carefree summers and the magic of simple, delicious food.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 5
• Yields: 15 Bacon Wrapped New Potatoes
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 15 small new potatoes
• 5 slices bacon, cut into thirds
• 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
• 15 toothpicks

Equipment Needed

• Outdoor Grill
• Tongs

Instructions

1. Preheat an outdoor grill for low heat, and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking. Maintaining a low heat is crucial for cooking the potatoes through without burning the bacon.

2. Wrap each new potato in a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Ensure the bacon is snug but not too tight around the potato. The toothpick will keep the bacon in place during grilling.

3. Sprinkle the wrapped potatoes with the powdered ranch dressing mix. Be generous, ensuring each potato is evenly coated. The ranch mix will add a tangy, savory flavor that complements the bacon and potatoes perfectly.

4. Place the wrapped potatoes on the grill, turning the potatoes several times to allow the bacon to cook on all sides. This ensures even cooking and prevents the bacon from burning on one side.

5. The potatoes will be done when the bacon is nice and crispy, about 20 to 25 minutes. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork or toothpick. If the bacon is browning too quickly, move the potatoes to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat slightly.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the toothpicks: Before assembling the potatoes, soak the toothpicks in water for about 30 minutes. This will help prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Parboiling the potatoes: For faster cooking, parboil the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes before wrapping them in bacon. This will ensure they are cooked through when the bacon is crispy.
• Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ranch dressing mix before sprinkling it on the potatoes.
• Bacon Selection: Use a good quality bacon for best results. Thicker cut bacon will take longer to cook but will offer a richer, more intense flavor.
• Grill Temperature Control: If your grill tends to run hot, create a two-zone cooking area with one side having direct heat and the other with indirect heat. Start the potatoes on the direct heat to crisp the bacon, then move them to the indirect heat to finish cooking the potatoes without burning the bacon.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these bacon-wrapped new potatoes immediately after grilling for the best flavor and texture. They make a fantastic appetizer or side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any casual gathering. Arrange them on a platter and serve with a side of ranch dressing or BBQ sauce for dipping.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the bacon may not be as crispy. Reheating on a skillet over medium heat can help restore some of the crispness to the bacon.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	429.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	36g	N/A
Total Fat	4.1 g	6%
Saturated Fat	1.3 g	6%
Cholesterol	5.4 mg	1%
Sodium	97.2 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	89.2 g	29%
Dietary Fiber	11.2 g	44%
Sugars	4 g	N/A
Protein	11.2 g	22%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Different Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings instead of ranch dressing mix. Try garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a Cajun spice blend.
• Cheese it up: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack) during the last few minutes of grilling.
• Vegetarian option: Wrap the potatoes in sliced halloumi cheese instead of bacon for a vegetarian alternative. The halloumi will get nice and crispy on the grill.
• Sweet and Savory: Drizzle a little maple syrup over the bacon-wrapped potatoes during the last few minutes of grilling for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
• Herbed Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the ranch mix for an earthy flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use larger potatoes for this recipe?
A: Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and use larger pieces of bacon. Quartering larger potatoes before wrapping them in bacon is a good approach.

Q: What if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
A: You can bake these in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the potatoes are tender.

Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A: You can wrap the potatoes in bacon and sprinkle them with ranch mix ahead of time, but it’s best to grill them just before serving. Storing them wrapped in bacon for too long can make the bacon soggy.

Q: My bacon is burning before the potatoes are cooked through. What should I do?
A: Reduce the heat on the grill or move the potatoes to a cooler part of the grill. You can also tent them with foil to prevent the bacon from burning.

Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
A: Yes, turkey bacon can be substituted, but it may not get as crispy as pork bacon. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

These Bacon Wrapped New Potatoes are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of simple pleasures and shared moments. The combination of salty bacon, tender potatoes, and tangy ranch is a flavor explosion that’s sure to please everyone. So fire up your grill, gather your loved ones, and create some lasting memories with this easy and delicious dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and variations to make it your own. And please, let me know how they turn out – I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Pair these with grilled chicken or steak for a complete and satisfying meal.