SMOKED GOUDA & BACON POTATOES

Smoked Gouda & Bacon Potatoes image

A hearty, special appetizer you'll need to eat with a fork! Creme fraiche gives these bites a decadent flavor. -Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 2-1/2 dozen (2 cups sauce).

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 whole garlic bulbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
15 small red potatoes, halved
15 bacon strips
2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
2 cups creme fraiche or sour cream
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Steps:

Remove papery outer skin from garlic (do not peel or separate cloves). Cut tops off of garlic bulbs. Brush with oil. Wrap each bulb in heavy-duty foil. Bake at 425° until softened, 30-35 minutes. Cool for 10-15 minutes. , Meanwhile, place potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer just until tender, 8-10 minutes. Cut bacon strips in half widthwise. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until partially cooked but not crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain; keep warm., Preheat oven to 375°. Place a tablespoonful of cheese on the cut side of a potato half. Wrap with a half-strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Repeat. Sprinkle appetizers with pepper. Bake until bacon is crisp, 10-15 minutes., For sauce, squeeze softened garlic into a food processor. Add creme fraiche and cilantro; cover and process until blended. Serve with potatoes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 30mg cholesterol, Sodium 169mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.