As a food writer, I’m constantly seeking out dishes that not only taste incredible but also ignite a sense of culinary adventure. This Candied Bacon Towering Hash Browns Aged Gouda Greatness is exactly that kind of creation. It takes beloved breakfast components—crispy hash browns and smoky bacon—and elevates them with a touch of sweetness, a gourmet cheese, and an impressive stacked presentation. It’s an indulgent, utterly satisfying dish that promises to be the star of your next brunch or a truly special breakfast.

Why I Love This Recipe

What truly makes this dish spectacular is the interplay of textures and flavors. The star, for me, is the candied bacon. It’s salty, smoky, and delightfully sweet and crispy—a perfect contrast to the savory elements. Then there are the hash browns, made extra flavorful and gooey with the inclusion of robust aged Gouda cheese. When stacked, these components create a “towering” effect that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic, offering layers of crunch, creaminess, and umami that will make your taste buds sing. It feels wonderfully gourmet, yet it’s surprisingly simple to assemble for such a stunning result.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing breakfast masterpiece:

• 1 lb thick-cut bacon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and shredded
• 1 small onion, diced (finely diced is best for hash browns)
• 1 cup shredded aged Gouda cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or a little extra oil for the skillet

Swaps and Notes

• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is ideal for candying as it holds up well and gets wonderfully crisp. Regular cut bacon works too, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning. For a twist, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper with the brown sugar can add a delightful spicy kick to the candied bacon.
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are perfect for hash browns because they get nice and crispy. You could also use Yukon Golds, but they might be a bit creamier. Ensure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the shredded potatoes for maximum crispness.
• Onion: A yellow or white onion works well. You could also use a shallot for a milder flavor.
• Aged Gouda: The aged Gouda provides a fantastic nutty, slightly sweet, and salty flavor that melts beautifully. If you can’t find aged Gouda, a sharp white cheddar or even a good quality Gruyere would be a suitable substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Seasoning: A pinch of garlic powder in the hash brown mixture can enhance the savory notes.

Steps for the Recipe

Making these impressive Candied Bacon Towering Hash Browns is a two-part process that’s well worth the effort:

1. Prepare Candied Bacon:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (this makes cleanup a breeze for the sticky candied bacon). Place a wire rack on top of the foil-lined baking sheet.
   • Lay the bacon strips flat on the wire rack in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
   • Generously sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over all the bacon strips.
   • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes, as brown sugar can burn quickly.
   • Remove from the oven and carefully transfer the candied bacon to a fresh sheet of parchment paper or a plate to cool completely. It will crisp up as it cools. Once cool, crumble it into small pieces.
2. Make the Gouda Hash Browns:
   • In a large bowl, combine the shredded potatoes (important: squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels), diced onion, and shredded aged Gouda cheese.
   • Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
   • Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and spray generously with cooking spray or add a tablespoon of oil.
   • Form the potato mixture into small, relatively thick patties (about 3-4 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick). Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
   • Cook each hash brown patty for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through in the center. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
3. Assemble the Towers:
   • To assemble the dish, place a hash brown patty on a serving plate.
   • Stack pieces of the candied bacon on top of the hash brown, then add another hash brown, and repeat. You can make them as “towering” as you like! A simple two-hash-brown, one-bacon layer is often sufficient.
   • Serve hot and enjoy the incredible combination of savory bacon, crispy hash browns, and gooey melted Gouda cheese!

Tips for Success

• Squeeze Potatoes Dry: This is the most crucial step for crispy hash browns. Excess moisture will steam the potatoes instead of browning them.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook hash browns in batches. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and prevents crisping.
• Even Thickness for Bacon: Try to use bacon slices of similar thickness for even candying.
• Watch the Candied Bacon: Brown sugar can go from caramelized to burnt very quickly, especially at the end of baking.
• Freshly Shredded Potatoes: For the best texture, shred your own potatoes rather than using pre-packaged shredded potatoes.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Candied Bacon Towering Hash Browns Aged Gouda Greatness is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with other breakfast and brunch elements:

• Fried or Poached Eggs: A runny egg yolk would be divine cascading over the hash brown tower.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado would provide a nice contrast.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, tart fruit salad would balance the richness of the dish.
• Maple Syrup: While the bacon is candied, a tiny drizzle of extra maple syrup on the side for dipping the hash browns can be a nice touch.
• Beverage Pairings: A strong coffee, a mimosa, or even a dry sparkling cider would be excellent complements.
• For other breakfast ideas, consider serving alongside my One-Pan Breakfast Bake or trying The Viral Cottage Cheese Pancake for a different kind of pancake experience.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Both the candied bacon and hash browns are best enjoyed fresh, for optimal crispness.

• Candied Bacon: Store leftover candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. It may lose some crispness but will still be delicious.
• Hash Browns: Leftover hash browns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a dry skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer to regain crispness.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the unique combination of sweet, savory, and comforting elements in this dish, you might like some of my other recipes:

• For another quick and easy breakfast idea, check out my 3-Ingredient Egg Wrap.
• If you’re looking for another simple breakfast treat, try my 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies.
• And for a hearty and flavorful dinner that also uses bacon, my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is a fantastic choice.

Final Thoughts

This Candied Bacon Towering Hash Browns Aged Gouda Greatness isn’t just breakfast; it’s an event. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, with a touch of creativity, can be transformed into something truly unforgettable. It’s savory, sweet, crunchy, and cheesy – a combination that’s sure to bring joy to any table. Give it a try, and prepare to elevate your breakfast game!

What’s your favorite gourmet twist on a classic breakfast dish? Share your ideas in the comments below!