Blooming Potatoes With Cheese And Bacon

What are blooming potatoes?

Potatoes have been a staple in British kitchens for centuries, loved for their versatility and heartiness. The Hasselback potato, originally from Sweden, is a firm favourite for its crispy edges and soft interior. On the other hand, the blooming onion—a popular American appetizer—gained fame for its unique presentation and irresistible crunch. This recipe for Blooming Potatoes marries the best of both worlds, combining the delicate slicing technique of Hasselback potatoes with the striking cross-hatch design of a blooming onion. The result is a visually stunning, flavour-packed dish that’s perfect as a side or even a main when paired with your favourite protein. It’s also a clever way to make use of those homegrown potatoes that are just the right size—not too big, not too small.

Want to check out hasselback potatoes instead?

Are blooming potatoes healthy?

This blooming potatoes recipe with cheese and bacon has been adapted to be lighter without compromising on taste. By using low-fat cheddar and nitrate-free bacon, we keep the calories and potentially harmful additives in check. The cross-hatch design also allows for better heat distribution, meaning your potatoes will cook more evenly and develop those irresistible crispy edges. Potatoes themselves are a great source of fibre, vitamins C and B6, and potassium. By opting for a lighter cheese and bacon, you’re adding protein and calcium without overloading on fat. Plus, using homegrown potatoes ensures you’re eating the freshest ingredients possible, free from pesticides or chemicals that might be found in store-bought varieties.

Do you have a diet restriction?

This blooming potato with cheese and bacon recipe is:

• Gluten Free
• Nut Free
• Low Fat
• Low FODMAP
• Syn Free (Uses HeA allowance)
• Ultra Processed Food Free

All slimming world related info is gathered from various internet sources. Syn values may be incorrect or outdated. If you see one is wrong, please let me know so I can update the information!

Ultra processed food free recipes are recipes that use ingredients where no additives have been used. This will include ingredients that can be made at home to be UPF free such as stock cubes, sauces and seasonings.

How to make blooming potatoes with cheese and bacon:

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Start by selecting your potatoes, preferably ones that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Give them a thorough wash under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris, especially since we’ll be leaving the skins on for added texture and nutrients. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Next, place one potato on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make vertical slices into the potato, about 5mm apart, stopping just before you cut all the way through—around 80% of the way down. A handy trick here is to place chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato to act as a guide, preventing the knife from slicing completely through. However, some find this makes it trickier to get an even depth, so feel free to skip this if you’re comfortable eyeballing it.

After completing the vertical slices, rotate the potato 90 degrees and repeat the process, making horizontal cuts to create a cross-hatch pattern. This pattern not only looks impressive but also allows the potato to cook more evenly and “bloom” open during roasting, creating more crispy edges. Repeat this process for all your potatoes.

Step 2: Bake the potatoes

Once all the potatoes are prepared, you can choose to rub them lightly with a small amount of avocado oil or your preferred UPF free cooking oil. This step is optional but highly recommended if you’re aiming for extra crispy skins. Use a brush or your hands to ensure the oil is evenly distributed across the surface of each potato. After oiling, season the potatoes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Arrange the potatoes on a baking tray or an oven proof dish. Ensure there’s enough space between each potato so they cook evenly and the heat circulates well. Place the tray in the centre of an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F). Roast the potatoes for about 30 minutes, or until they are starting to open up slightly at the cuts and the edges are beginning to turn golden brown. The potatoes should be tender but not quite fully cooked at this stage.

Step 3: Prepare the toppings

While the potatoes are in the oven, prepare your bacon. Start by dicing 3 slices of nitrate-free bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. A good tip is to slightly freeze the bacon beforehand, which makes it easier to cut cleanly.

Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the diced bacon. Fry the bacon pieces for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. If you like your bacon crispy, cook it until it’s golden brown, but remember that it will crisp up further during the second round of baking, so avoid overcooking it now. Once cooked to your liking, remove the bacon from the pan and drain on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess grease.

Step 4: Add the toppings

By now, the potatoes should have started to bloom open, with the cross-hatch cuts creating lovely ridges and spaces that are perfect for holding the toppings. Carefully remove the tray from the oven and set it on a heatproof surface.

Take your grated low-fat cheddar cheese (50g) and the cooked bacon bits, and begin adding them to the potatoes. If the cuts have opened sufficiently, you can gently wedge the cheese and bacon into the cross-hatch spaces, ensuring some of the toppings are nestled inside the potato for a delicious melty surprise. Distribute the remaining cheese and bacon evenly over the tops of the potatoes, allowing some to spill over onto the tray for extra crispy bits.

Step 5: Final Bake

Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt, ooze into the crevices, and turn a beautiful golden brown, while the bacon will become irresistibly crispy. Keep a close eye on the potatoes during the last few minutes to avoid burning the cheese.

You’ll know the potatoes are ready when the cheese is fully melted, the bacon is crispy, and the edges of the potatoes are deep golden brown. The potatoes themselves should be tender all the way through—test by inserting a sharp knife into the centre of one; it should slide in easily without resistance.

Step 6: Serve

Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle them with freshly chopped chives for a burst of colour and a mild onion-like flavour that complements the richness of the cheese and bacon.

Serve these blooming potatoes as a stunning side dish alongside your favourite source of protein—like grilled chicken, steak, or a plant-based alternative—and a generous portion of steamed or roasted vegetables. These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, where the cheese is gooey, and the potatoes are perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

Variations

1. Herb Explosion: Add rosemary, thyme, or garlic to the oil before rubbing the potatoes for an aromatic twist.
2. Spicy Kick: Sprinkle the potatoes with a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper before baking to give them a bit of heat.
3. Cheese Swap: Replace the cheddar with mozzarella or a vegan cheese alternative for a different flavour or to suit dietary needs.
4. Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and replace it with diced mushrooms or a mix of sautéed vegetables.
5. Loaded Potatoes: Top with a dollop of Greek yoghurt or sour cream after baking for a loaded baked potato experience.

FAQ

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes would work beautifully with this recipe. They will require slightly less cooking time, so keep an eye on them.

2. How do I store leftover blooming potatoes? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze blooming potatoes? It’s best not to freeze them, as the texture of the potatoes and cheese may change when reheated. They’re much better enjoyed fresh.

4. How do I reheat leftover potatoes? Reheat in the oven at 180°C for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again.

5. Can I make this dish vegan? Absolutely! Simply replace the cheddar with a vegan cheese and the bacon with a plant-based alternative or skip it altogether.

6. What can I serve with blooming potatoes? These potatoes are perfect with grilled chicken, steak, or a simple green salad. They also make a great addition to a BBQ spread.

7. Do I need to peel the potatoes? No, leaving the skin on adds extra fibre and nutrients, plus it helps the potatoes hold their shape during baking.

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