These new potatoes with bacon and fresh herbs make for the ultimate side dish. They’re refreshing, savory, and absolutely comforting!
This new potato recipe is near and dear to my heart. It’s based on a Ukrainian food tradition that celebrates the best of the potato harvest. New potatoes (also commonly referred to as “baby potatoes” or “creamers”) are plucked while their leaves are still green, boiled, and tossed with fresh herbs and bacon (salo). Typically, the dish is served alongside marinated cucumbers and other family staples. Yum!
If you’ve never had new potatoes before, they are absolutely delicious. They have a nice, fresh smell and are firmer in texture. If you’re lucky enough, you might be able to find them at your local farmer’s market.
How to Prepare Potatoes with Bacon & Herbs
Preparing potatoes only requires a handful of simple ingredients and a few, easy steps. Below, find a brief overview of the recipe before you dive in.
- Soak & Prep the Potatoes: To loosen the skin, soak the potatoes in cold water for about 5 minutes in a large mixing bowl. Using a paring knife, carefully remove the skin. In a pot of salted water, boil the potatoes just until they are al dente. Drain the potatoes in a colander and set them aside.
- Dice the Herbs & Bacon: Chop up the scallions and dill. Next, slice the bacon into cubes.
- Pan-Fry the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon bits until it’s crispy. You’ll love how it contrasts with the soft, yet slight firmness of the potatoes.
- Assemble & Serve: Top the boiled potatoes with crispy bacon and herbs. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best New Potatoes with Bacon & Herbs
Below, find a collection of tips and tricks to help you make the best new potatoes with bacon and herbs. Your dinner guests will be so impressed, they’ll think you have a Ukrainian grandma hanging out in your kitchen!
- Use fresh herbs versus dried herbs. Fresh herbs pack so much more flavor (and color!) compared to dried. This recipe really depends on fresh herbs!
- Pan fry the bacon until its nice and crispy. Crispy bacon adds an irresistible contrast to the dish.
- Freeze the bacon for a bit before slicing it. To make it easier to slice your bacon, freeze it for about 10-15 minutes beforehand. This will make forming those nice little cubes a lot easier.
- Be sure not to overcook the new potatoes. New potatoes have a firmer texture that is really unique. Cook them just until they are al dente.
Serving Potatoes with Bacon & Herbs
Potatoes with bacon and herbs are the perfect side dish for just about any protein. Serve it alongside some air fryer chicken thighs or air fryer chicken wings for a fun spin on a classic chicken and potatoes dinner. You could also serve them at brunch alongside a colorful quiche.
Storing New Potatoes with Bacon & Herbs
- Refrigerator: Store leftover new potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended. Upon thawing, the potatoes will lose all their texture and turn to mush.
FAQ
What are new potatoes?
New potatoes are thin skinned and have a waxy texture. They are harvested earlier than regular potatoes, giving them more of a bite.
Are new potatoes just small potatoes?
New potatoes aren’t just small potatoes. You should think of them more as baby potatoes. Instead of simply being smaller, they are purposefully harvested while their leaves are still green. This results in a completely different texture and taste than full-grown potatoes.
What is another name for new potatoes?
New potatoes are also referred to as baby potatoes or creamers.
Do I need to peel the skin off new potatoes?
You do not need to peel the skin off new potatoes. If you prefer to leave it on, gently wash the potatoes under cool water and use a towel to rub off any excess dirt.
Can I substitute any other potatoes for this recipe?
You can substitute any potato you like in this recipe. Just keep in mind that every potato has a different starch level and texture, so each variation will be a bit unique.
More Potato Recipes to Try:
- Easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes – Ultra crispy air fryer baked potatoes
- Creamy Herbed Potatoes – Creamy and herby potatoes
- Ranch Roasted Potatoes – Zesty roasted potatoes
- Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Decadent mashed potatoes
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs new potatoes
- 12 oz bacon
- 1 cup scallions, chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp sea salt
Instructions
- Soak the potatoes in cold water for 5 minutes. Using a knife, scrape off the potato skin.
- Cut potatoes into equal-sized pieces. Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the potatoes and cook them until they are al dente. Drain the potatoes from water and set aside.
- Dice scallions and dill and aside. Cut bacon into 1/2 inch cubes. Note: If you freeze the bacon for a couple of minutes, it will be much easier to slice.
- Preheat a skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until crispy.
- Top the potatoes with bacon, dill, and scallions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Do you mix the cooked potatoes with the bacon fat too?
Hey Olga, yes, it adds so much flavor. But that's totally optional.
My husband and I LOVE this dish! So good!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
This is such a flavorful and easy side dish! Loved the bacon on it!
That is so good to hear, thank you!
We are all about potatoes & these are incredible!! Especially, when you add the bacon! So good!
Glad you loved them!
Easy and yummy!
Totally! 🙂