If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and smoky flavors all in one bowl, you have got to try this Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe. It transforms simple roasted sweet potatoes into a sensational comfort food superstar by layering on a luscious maple syrup glaze, tender caramelized onions, and crispy bacon bits. Each bite offers that beautiful harmony of natural sweetness and smoky meatiness that feels absolutely irresistible. This recipe is ideal for festive dinners or cozy weeknight indulgences when you want something both hearty and completely satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in building the rich flavors, inviting textures, and vibrant colors that make this recipe so delightful. Getting the best quality maple syrup and fresh thyme really elevates the final dish.
- 4 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The star of the dish, these bring natural sweetness and a creamy texture when roasted.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: Helps roast the potatoes to a tender golden finish with a subtle fruity undertone.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild, warming kick that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- 5 strips smoked bacon, chopped: Imparts a smoky, crispy contrast that brings savory depth.
- 1 lb onions, thinly sliced: When caramelized, these deliver sweetness and softness that melt perfectly into the dish.
- 1 cup pure maple syrup: The glaze’s secret weapon, providing a rich, natural sweetness and sticky coating.
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves: Adds an herby brightness that cuts through the savory-sweet combination with fresh notes.
How to Make Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Roast Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to get it nice and hot for roasting. Toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, making sure every piece is evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer; this allows them to roast evenly and develop that gorgeous caramelized exterior. Roast for about 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through so they cook consistently and become tender and beautifully golden.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
While the sweet potatoes roast, cook your chopped smoked bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crisped to perfection. The bacon not only adds flavor but also delivers that crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft sweet potatoes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and set aside.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
Using the same skillet with the savory bacon drippings, add the thinly sliced onions. Sauté them over medium heat, stirring regularly, until they soften and turn a deep golden color—this usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. This slow cooking process brings out the natural sugars in the onions, making them sweet, tender, and utterly delicious.
Step 4: Make the Maple Thyme Glaze
Once your onions are perfectly caramelized, stir in the pure maple syrup and fresh thyme leaves directly into the pan. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This creates a sticky, aromatic glaze that ties together the smoky bacon and roasted sweet potatoes with a sweet, herbal note.
Step 5: Combine All Elements
Finally, toss the warm roasted sweet potatoes with the flavorful maple onion glaze and crispy bacon right in the skillet or a large mixing bowl. Make sure every cube gets coated with that beautiful glaze, so each bite bursts with flavor. Serve immediately while warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of texture and visual appeal, sprinkle some chopped fresh thyme leaves on top just before serving. For a touch of nuttiness, toasted pecans or walnuts work beautifully as a garnish. These elements introduce freshness and crunch that make this dish feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a side to roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken, making it a perfect addition to holiday meals or Sunday family dinners. It also pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, consider serving the Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe in individual ramekins, topped with a sprig of fresh thyme or a light dusting of smoked paprika. You can also layer this mixture in a casserole dish with some shredded cheese and breadcrumbs for a gratin-style twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your maple glazed sweet potatoes with bacon will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for quick reheats during busy weekdays without losing any flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, you can freeze leftovers. Place the cooled sweet potatoes and bacon mixture in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this dish is in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This helps restore the crispness of the bacon and warms the sweet potatoes evenly. Alternatively, you can microwave it, but be sure to cover to retain moisture and heat in short bursts to avoid dryness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bacon?
Absolutely! While smoked bacon adds a wonderful flavor, you can use applewood or hickory smoked bacon for variation. Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative but may not have the same richness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! To keep it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and add toasted pecans or smoked paprika for a smoky touch. You might also sauté some mushrooms for added umami flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can roast the sweet potatoes and caramelize the onions in advance, then mix with the maple glaze and bacon just before serving. This saves time and ensures everything tastes fresh.
What is the best type of sweet potato to use?
Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are ideal because of their natural sweetness and creamy texture. However, jewel or garnet varieties work well too, making the dish vibrant and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe is safe for gluten-sensitive diets as long as you check that your maple syrup and bacon are pure and unflavored.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s surprisingly simple to make but absolutely bursting with delicious layers of flavor and texture. Whether you are planning a special meal or want to elevate your everyday vegetable side, give this recipe a try. I promise it will quickly become a new favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
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Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon recipe features tender roasted sweet potatoes tossed in a savory-sweet glaze made from caramelized onions, pure maple syrup, and fresh thyme, finished with crispy smoked bacon for a deliciously comforting side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Bacon and Glaze
- 5 strips smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 lb onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper to coat evenly. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet for roasting.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the sweet potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting. They should become tender and develop a golden color.
- Cook Bacon: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped smoked bacon strips and cook until crisp. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the thinly sliced onions. Sauté them over medium heat for about 10 to 12 minutes until they are soft and golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Maple Syrup and Thyme: Stir the pure maple syrup and fresh thyme leaves into the sautéed onions. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the glaze thicken slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a large serving bowl. Pour the onion-maple glaze over them and add the crispy bacon pieces. Toss everything together gently to combine. Serve the dishes warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the sweet potatoes for the last 2-3 minutes of roasting but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme can be substituted at 1 teaspoon.
- Make sure to stir the sweet potatoes halfway to ensure even roasting and prevent sticking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, turkey, or grilled pork.
