Imagine a side dish that's so irresistibly delicious, it'll make your dinner guests stop mid-conversation and ask, "What IS this?" Our Maple Bacon Roasted Sweet Potatoes are not just a recipe—they're a culinary experience that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and crispy in every single bite. Whether you're a bacon lover, a sweet potato enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates mind-blowing flavor combinations, this dish is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size to ensure even roasting.
- Chop bacon into small 1/2-inch pieces. This will help the bacon crisp evenly and distribute throughout the sweet potatoes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cubed sweet potatoes and chopped bacon. Drizzle maple syrup over the mixture, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Toss the ingredients together until the sweet potatoes and bacon are evenly coated with maple syrup and seasonings.
- Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure the pieces are not overcrowded to allow proper caramelization and crispiness.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Check for doneness by testing sweet potato tenderness with a fork and ensuring bacon is crisp and golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The sweet potatoes will continue to caramelize slightly during this time.
- Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crispy flavors.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting and consistent texture.
- Bacon Precision: Chop bacon into small 1/2-inch pieces to help it crisp evenly and distribute beautifully throughout the dish.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread the sweet potatoes and bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding prevents proper caramelization and crispiness.
- Midway Stir: Always stir the mixture halfway through cooking to promote even browning and prevent burning.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after roasting. This helps the flavors meld and allows for additional caramelization.Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try using thick-cut bacon or infusing your maple syrup with a touch of bourbon or cayenne for a gourmet twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
