YT Recipe

Smoked Baked Potatoes with Bacon

Smoked Baked Potatoes with Bacon is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Chiles and Smoke on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr 10 min | Total: 1 hr 55 min

Cost: $38.23 total, $9.56 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces Russet Potatoes (medium size, scrubbed clean)
  • 2 tablespoons Beef Tallow (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon Coarse Salt (for seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 tablespoons Canyon Crust Spice Blend (contains garlic, celery seed, chili flakes)
  • 8 slices Thick‑Cut Bacon (smoked, thick cut)
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened)
  • 0.5 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 0.25 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Smoker

    Set your pellet grill or smoker to 375°F and allow it to preheat for about 15 minutes. Arrange a two‑zone setup so the potatoes can sit away from direct heat.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 375°F

  2. Prepare Potatoes

    Wash the potatoes thoroughly, dry them, and poke several holes in each potato with a fork or knife to prevent steam buildup.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Melt Beef Tallow

    Melt 2 Tbsp of beef tallow in a small saucepan or microwave until fully liquid.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Brush Potatoes with Tallow

    Using a basting brush, coat each potato evenly with the melted beef tallow.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Season Potatoes

    Sprinkle each oiled potato with coarse salt, black pepper, and 2 Tbsp of Canyon Crust spice blend. Turn the potato to coat all sides.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Prepare Bacon

    Lay the thick‑cut bacon strips on a wire rack. Lightly season one side with a pinch of pepper and a tiny dash of the Canyon Crust blend.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Smoke Potatoes and Bacon

    Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the smoker rack and the bacon on the wire rack beside them. Close the lid and smoke for about 55‑60 minutes, or until the potatoes reach an internal temperature of 205°F.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 375°F

  8. Flip Bacon Mid‑Cook

    After 20 minutes, flip the bacon strips using tongs to ensure even crisping.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Check Potato Temperature

    When the timer reads about 55 minutes, probe a potato. When it reads 205°F, remove the potatoes; they will carry over to ~210°F.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Remove from Smoker

    Using tongs, transfer the potatoes and bacon to a cutting board. Let the potatoes rest for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Butter the Hot Potatoes

    Slice each potato lengthwise, fluff the interior with a fork, and immediately stir in 1 Tbsp of butter per potato while the flesh is still steaming hot.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Add Cheese

    Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the buttered potatoes; the residual heat will melt the cheese.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Finish with Toppings

    Top each potato with a dollop of sour cream, a generous sprinkle of chopped chives, and crumbled smoked bacon.

    Time: PT2M

  14. Serve

    Serve the loaded smoked baked potatoes immediately while the skin is crisp and the interior is fluffy.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
520
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Nut-Free

Allergens: Milk, Cheese, Butter, Pork

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Smoked Baked Potatoes with Bacon

Recipe by Chiles and Smoke

Crispy‑skin smoked baked potatoes brushed with beef tallow, seasoned with a garlic‑chili crust, and topped with butter, cheddar, sour cream, chives, and thick‑cut smoked bacon. Perfect as a hearty side for any BBQ.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 34m
Prep
30m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 19m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$38.23
Total cost
$9.56
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Preheat smoker to 375°F
  • • Stab potatoes to prevent explosion
  • • Brush potatoes with melted beef tallow
  • • Season potatoes evenly
  • • Cook potatoes to an internal temperature of 205°F
  • • Add butter while potatoes are still hot

Safety Warnings

  • • The smoker and hot potatoes can cause severe burns; use heat‑proof gloves.
  • • Handle melted beef tallow carefully to avoid splatter burns.
  • • Always use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of smoked baked potatoes in American barbecue cuisine?

A

Baked potatoes have long been a staple side at American cookouts, but smoking them adds a deep, wood‑kissed flavor that aligns with the smoky tradition of Southern and Midwestern BBQ. The technique blends the comfort of a classic baked potato with the communal, low‑and‑slow cooking style of barbecue culture.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of smoked baked potatoes exist within United States barbecue traditions?

A

In Texas, smoked potatoes are often seasoned with chili powder and served with brisket‑style toppings. In the Carolinas, they may be topped with mustard‑based BBQ sauce and pulled pork. The version from Chiles and Smoke uses beef tallow, a garlic‑chili crust, and thick‑cut bacon for a richer, Midwest‑inspired flavor.

cultural
Q

How is a traditional smoked baked potato traditionally served in Southern barbecue gatherings?

A

Traditionally, the potato is split open, fluffed, and topped with butter, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and sometimes a drizzle of hot sauce. The skin stays crisp, and the interior stays fluffy, making it a perfect vehicle for rich, smoky toppings.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations are smoked baked potatoes commonly served in American barbecue culture?

A

Smoked baked potatoes appear at backyard cookouts, Fourth of July picnics, tailgate parties, and holiday barbecues such as Memorial Day. Their hearty toppings make them a crowd‑pleasing side that can stand up to grilled meats and sauces.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used for smoked baked potatoes versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include russet potatoes, beef tallow (or rendered animal fat), coarse salt, black pepper, and a BBQ spice blend. Acceptable substitutes are vegetable oil for tallow, sweet potatoes for russets, and any quality BBQ rub if Canyon Crust is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other American barbecue dishes pair well with smoked baked potatoes from Chiles and Smoke?

A

These potatoes complement smoked brisket, pulled pork, grilled chicken thighs, and smoked ribs. A simple coleslaw or pickled vegetables also balances the richness of the loaded potatoes.

cultural
Q

What makes the smoked baked potatoes from Chiles and Smoke special or unique in American BBQ cuisine?

A

The use of beef tallow for brushing creates an ultra‑crispy, beef‑flavored skin, while the Canyon Crust spice blend adds garlic, celery seed, and chili heat. Adding thick‑cut smoked bacon on top turns a side dish into a protein‑rich centerpiece.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making smoked baked potatoes with bacon?

A

Common errors include not preheating the smoker, forgetting to stab the potatoes (which can cause them to burst), using too little fat on the skin, and pulling the potatoes before they reach 205°F internal temperature. Also, over‑seasoning the bacon can make it overly salty.

technical
Q

Why does this smoked baked potatoes recipe use beef tallow instead of a neutral oil?

A

Beef tallow has a higher smoke point and imparts a rich, beefy flavor that complements the smoky environment. It also helps the skin become extra crisp at the 375°F roasting temperature, something lighter oils may not achieve as well.

technical
Q

Can I make the smoked baked potatoes ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. You can season and brush the potatoes, then refrigerate them wrapped in plastic for up to 12 hours before smoking. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the smoker or oven.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chiles and Smoke specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chiles and Smoke specializes in outdoor cooking, especially wood‑fired grilling, smoking, and barbecue techniques. The host focuses on bold flavors, using rubs, fats, and wood smoke to elevate classic American dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chiles and Smoke's approach to American barbecue differ from other barbecue channels?

A

Chiles and Smoke emphasizes the use of animal fats like beef tallow and thick‑cut smoked meats to build layers of flavor, while many other channels rely more on sauces or dry rubs alone. The channel also showcases precise temperature control on pellet grills for consistent results.

channel
More like this:American RecipesSide Dish RecipesMore by Chiles and Smoke

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