Red Potatoes Tossed in Roasted-Garlic Butter with Sage and Bacon

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine garlic and oil in small ovenproof dish; cover tightly with foil. Bake until garlic is very tender, about 35 minutes. Cool slightly. Transfer garlic and oil to processor; add butter and process until almost smooth. Transfer garlic butter to small bowl.

   Step 2

   Sauté bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 4 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. (Garlic butter and bacon can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill. Bring garlic butter to room temperature before using.)

   Step 3

   Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain. Cool slightly. Cut potatoes in half; transfer to heavy large skillet. Add garlic butter, bacon, and dried sage and toss over medium-high heat until potatoes are heated through, about 6 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer potatoes to bowl. Garnish with sage sprigs, if desired.