Preheat oven to 350ºF.

Scrub potatoes and place in a large saucepan covered with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Drain.

Cut bacon into small pieces and fry over medium heat until the fat has rendered and the bacon bits are crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels and reserve. Pour the bacon fat into a measuring cup and add enough olive oil to make ½ cup. For vegan recipe, omit the bacon and just use ½ cup olive oil.

Place potatoes in a roasting pan, add the bacon fat mixture, salt, and pepper and toss to coat. Bake for 1 hour or until the potatoes are fork tender, stirring once or twice while cooking.

Toss potatoes with the reserved bacon bits and parsley and serve.