1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan-assisted). Wash the potatoes thoroughly (with the skin on). Place each potato on a cutting board and slice a thin piece off the bottom so it can sit steadily on the board without wobbling. Place 2 wooden skewers (or wooden spoons if you don't have skewers) on either side of the potato. Make thin slices all the way down, without cutting completely through.
2. Repeat with the remaining potatoes. Insert a small strip of bacon into each slice. This takes a little time, but it's where all the deliciousness comes from. In a bowl, combine the butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the salt dissolves. Using a brush, generously coat the potatoes, making sure the mixture gets into all the slices.
3. Cover with non-stick parchment paper and aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven, pour the water into the baking dish, and sprinkle the potatoes with Parmesan cheese. Continue baking for another 20 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown and the Parmesan has melted. Serve the potatoes hot. For extra deliciousness, strain the pan juices and pour them over the potatoes.
