Crispy, Cheesy, and Completely Irresistible
Hi Kitchies! 💛 If you love comfort food, you’re in for a treat with this Potato, Bacon, and Cheddar Tart. This recipe is everything a cozy meal should be: a flaky pastry crust, a creamy potato filling, crispy bits of smoky bacon, and a gooey cheddar topping that melts perfectly in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Perfect for brunches, lazy weekend lunches, or even as a hearty side dish for dinner, this tart is both elegant and deeply satisfying. It’s also surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a go-to for any occasion. Let’s dive into layers of flavor and comfort!
An Easy Gourmet Twist on Classic Flavors
Imagine the buttery crust of a tart, layered with thinly sliced potatoes that bake to tender perfection, surrounded by smoky bacon and topped with sharp cheddar. This Potato, Bacon, and Cheddar Tart is indulgent yet approachable—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The real beauty lies in its versatility. Serve it with a crisp green salad for a light meal, or pair it with roasted meats for a more decadent feast. It’s the ultimate blend of gourmet flavors with a homestyle feel.
Family Favorite Story
When my husband first tasted this tart, he said, “This is like a better version of loaded potatoes!” It quickly became a weekend staple in our household, and now, every time we serve it, it’s met with happy smiles and clean plates. My kids love it too—especially with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone to the table, making it a family tradition we all look forward to.
Why This Potato, Bacon, and Cheddar Tart Will Be Your New Favorite
Selling Points
- Crispy and Creamy Combo: Flaky pastry and cheesy, creamy potato filling.
- Smoky Bacon Goodness: Adds a savory, crispy element to every bite.
- Versatile: Perfect for brunch, lunch, or as a side dish for dinner.
Cuisine
American with a French-inspired twist
Tips for a Perfect Tart
- Thinly slice the potatoes: Use a mandoline for uniform slices, ensuring even cooking.
- Pre-cook the bacon: Crisp bacon adds texture and prevents sogginess in the tart.
- Rest before slicing: Let the tart sit for 5-10 minutes to make slicing easier.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat-Free: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, Swiss, or even a smoked cheese for added depth.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust or skip the crust entirely and make it crustless.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
- Substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon to cut back on fat.
- Reduce cheese to 1 cup and use a sharper variety for more flavor with less quantity.
Todd Wilbur-Style Closing
And there you have it! A rich and satisfying Potato, Bacon, and Cheddar Tart that’s sure to impress at your next meal. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a special family dinner, this tart will be a hit every time. Let us know how it turns out and check out more of our savory delights!
Tips for a Perfect Tart
- Thinly slice the potatoes: Use a mandoline for uniform slices, ensuring even cooking.
- Pre-cook the bacon: Crisp bacon adds texture and prevents sogginess in the tart.
- Rest before slicing: Let the tart sit for 5-10 minutes to make slicing easier.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat-Free: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, Swiss, or even a smoked cheese for added depth.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust or skip the crust entirely and make it crustless.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
- Substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon to cut back on fat.
- Reduce cheese to 1 cup and use a sharper variety for more flavor with less quantity.
Todd Wilbur-Style Closing
And there you have it! A rich and satisfying Potato, Bacon, and Cheddar Tart that’s sure to impress at your next meal. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a special family dinner, this tart will be a hit every time. Let us know how it turns out and check out more of our savory delights!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bacon and cheese.
Q2: Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
Enjoy baking your savory tart masterpiece! 🥧🧀
Print
Potato, Bacon, and Cheddar Tart
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
This recipe is everything a cozy meal should be: a flaky pastry crust, a creamy potato filling, crispy bits of smoky bacon, and a gooey cheddar topping that melts perfectly in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients
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2 pounds bacon (not thick-cut), at room temperature
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2 1/2 teaspoons black pepper, divided
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1 3/4 cups finely chopped yellow onion
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4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
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1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
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1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
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1 pound aged white cheddar cheese, grated (about 4 cups), divided
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2 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (about 9 cups)
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1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle position. Place 1 bacon slice in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet so that one end starts in center of skillet and extends along bottom and up side of skillet, allowing the other end to hang over skillet edge. Repeat process using remaining bacon slices, working in a circular pattern and overlapping slices slightly to completely cover bottom and sides of skillet. To reduce the thickness of overlapped bacon in center of skillet, stagger every other slice starting 2 inches from center (creating a longer overhang). Once all bacon is in place, flatten the center using the palm of your hand, ensuring there are no gaps in bacon. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon pepper evenly over bacon.
Stir together onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, and tarragon in a medium bowl; set aside.
Sprinkle about 1/2 cup cheese in an even layer over bacon in bottom of skillet.
Starting around the inside edge of skillet and working in toward the center, arrange potato slices in concentric circles, overlapping slices by about 1/3 inch, until bottom of skillet is covered with a single layer of potatoes. Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and about 1/3 cup onion mixture. Repeat layering process 5 times using remaining cheese, potatoes, pepper, salt, and onion mixture (sprinkle any remaining cheese over final layer).
After each layer of potatoes, firmly press down to compact layers. Once all layers are in place, potato mixture will be mounded above rim of skillet.
Fold overhanging bacon neatly up and over top of potato mixture, working in a circular pattern and ensuring there are no gaps.
To prevent the bacon from shrinking back during cooking, place a 5-inch parchment paper circle on center of tart; top with a small (about 6-inch) ovenproof lid. Place skillet on a rimmed baking sheet.
Bake tart in preheated oven until bacon is browned around edge of skillet, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Remove parchment paper and lid. Continue baking until bacon is crisp and a wooden pick inserted in potatoes comes out easily, about 1 hour and 30 minutes, tenting with aluminum foil after 30 to 40 minutes to prevent overbrowning.
Remove tart from oven. Carefully pour off skillet drippings; discard or reserve for another use. Let tart rest in skillet 10 minutes. Using a spatula, loosen bottom and sides of tart; invert onto a rimmed baking sheet. Pat gently with paper towels to remove excess grease. Invert tart onto a serving plate. Slice into wedges and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 3 hrs 50 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10-12
