St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate all things Irish, and what better way to do it than with a festive, flavor-packed potato dish? Introducing the Bacon-Wrapped St. Paddy’s Potato Bombs with Irish Cheddar – a delightful fusion of crispy bacon, melty cheese, and fluffy potatoes that will have your taste buds dancing a jig. This recipe is a creative twist on classic loaded potatoes, perfect for sharing with friends and family at your St. Paddy’s Day gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon-Wrapped St. Paddy’s Potato Bombs with Irish Cheddar
These potato bombs are the ultimate comfort food with a festive twist. The crispy bacon wrapping adds a delightful smoky flavor, while the creamy, melty Irish cheddar cheese brings a lush, indulgent touch. The fluffy, golden potatoes serve as the perfect canvas for these bold, zesty flavors. Plus, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or side for your St. Paddy’s Day feast.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for just a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion. You’ll need russet potatoes, thick-cut bacon, Irish cheddar cheese, butter, milk, salt, and pepper. The key is using a high-quality, sharp Irish cheddar cheese to really capture that authentic Irish flavor.
- 8 medium russet potatoes – washed and pierced with a fork
- 16 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 cups shredded Irish cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Irish Cheddar: You can substitute with a sharp cheddar cheese. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Gruyère or Gouda, for a unique twist on the classic.
- Bacon: For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped St. Paddy’s Potato Bombs with Irish Cheddar
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, with just a few simple steps to achieve the perfect bacon-wrapped potato bombs.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and pierce the potatoes with a fork, then bake them for 45-60 minutes, until fork-tender. Once cooled, cut the potatoes in half and scoop out the insides, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a bowl, mash the potato insides with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Grate the Irish cheddar cheese and fold it into the mashed potatoes. Spoon the cheesy potato mixture back into the potato skins, then wrap each stuffed potato half with a slice of bacon.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Arrange the bacon-wrapped potato bombs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle on some chopped chives or green onions before serving.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Kick: For a spicy kick, try adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the potato mixture.
- Cheese Combinations: You can experiment with different cheese combinations, such as mixing cheddar with Parmesan or Gruyère.
- Hearty Addition: To make these potato bombs even heartier, try adding crumbled cooked sausage or bacon bits to the potato filling.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry the bacon-wrapped potato bombs for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Bacon-Wrapped St. Paddy’s Potato Bombs with Irish Cheddar pair perfectly with classic Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, or Irish soda bread. They also make a great appetizer or side dish for any St. Paddy’s Day celebration.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the potato bombs up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake them as directed until hot and crispy.
Nutrition Information
Each bacon-wrapped potato bomb is a satisfying, indulgent treat, providing a comforting blend of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. The combination of potatoes, bacon, and cheese makes for a hearty, filling dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Serving Size: 1 potato bomb
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 29 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make these potato bombs ahead of time?
You can assemble the potato bombs up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake them as directed until hot and crispy.
Can I make these potato bombs in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry the bacon-wrapped potato bombs for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy.
Can I freeze these potato bombs?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked potato bombs. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. To bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with these potato bombs?
These potato bombs pair perfectly with classic Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, or Irish soda bread. They also make a great appetizer or side dish for any St. Paddy’s Day celebration.
How spicy are these potato bombs?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add a kick by including some diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture.
Try These Next
- loaded cheddar bacon ranch potato skins with spicy dip
- bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers with cheddar explosion
- savory breakfast burritos with bacon and cheddar
Bacon-Wrapped St. Paddy’s Potato Bombs with Irish Cheddar
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Bacon-Wrapped St. Paddy’s Potato Bombs are a delicious twist on traditional Irish flavors, featuring creamy Irish cheddar wrapped in crispy bacon and potato, perfect for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes
2 cups Irish cheddar cheese, shredded
12 slices of bacon
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. Wash and pierce the potatoes several times with a fork.
3. 3. Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes or until fork-tender.
4. 4. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, scoop out the insides into a bowl and mash them.
5. 5. Mix in the shredded Irish cheddar, sour cream, green onions, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6. 6. Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around a scoop of the potato mixture, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
7. 7. Place the bacon-wrapped potato bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. 8. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
9. 9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve with extra sour cream and green onions on the side for dipping.
You can also make these ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato bomb
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Bacon, Potato, Cheddar, St. Patrick’s Day