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
Scale
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.
