Recipe guide how to make Kentucky Inspired Fried Taters with Cheese and Bacon by i am eating
Ingredients
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2 large whole potatoes – if russets, peel. If a thin-skinned potato, your call
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2 Tbsps kosher salt
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4 slices thick-cut bacon – diced
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1 shallot or small onion – quartered and sliced thin
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OPTIONAL: ~1 scant cup other veggies if you like (I don’t do this but it’s your dinner – BE A BOSS!!)
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to taste Salt, pepper and smoked paprika
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1 1/2 cup shredded cheese (I like to mix medium cheddar and Monterey Jack – and I like to use more cheese ???)
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~1-2 or more Tbsps butter (your call if you use salted or unsalted butter – just NO margarine)
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Beverage of your choice
Steps
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Par-cook your taters. I like to put mine in a saucepan, cover with cold water and add the 2 Tbsps kosher salt. Bring to a boil and cook for ~10 mins. Remove taters, set aside to cool completely (at least 3 hours – can be done a few days in advance and chilled). Then cut in half lengthwise and slice into 1/2 inch “half moons”. Set aside.
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Pour yourself a drink – you deserve it. You’re making dinner!!
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In a large fry pan, cook diced bacon low and slow (well, actually medium low heat) to render out the fat (you’ll need ~ 3 Tbsps fat). Remove bacon from pan with a slotted spoon and add to a plate lined with paper towels.
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Add to the bacon fat your sliced shallots or onion (and veggies if you so choose). Sauté on medium heat until tender. Remove to a bowl and set aside.
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Take sip – I’m thirsty! ??
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Add 1 Tbsps butter to the fry pan and add your first layer of cooled tater-half-moons. Do NOT crowd the pan. Season lightly with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Brown to your liking on one side, then flip and and brown lightly. Remove to a separate plate. Repeat with following layers, add more butter if needed. Keep going until the last layer of potatoes are in the fry pan and flipped.
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Add all the fried taters and veggies back to the pan and cover with cheese. Turn heat down to low or medium-low (you know your stove) and cover with a lid for ~3-5 mins until cheese is melted. Or if you prefer brown and bubbly, put your OVEN-SAFE pan under the broiler uncovered for a few minutes (DO NOT LEAVE UNSUPERVISED – or have really good home/renters insurance)
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Phew!!!! That was stressful! I need a drink.
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Top your amazing taters and cheese with the cooked bacon. By this time you need a refill ?. Then plate and enjoy!
Recipe by i am eating
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