If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, then this Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, caramelized sweet potatoes roasted alongside crispy, flavorful bits of bacon with a head of garlic infusing the whole dish with subtle aromatic warmth. It’s a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant side that’s both comforting and bursting with personality. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe is easy to master and sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: sweet potatoes provide body and sweetness, garlic adds depth and complexity, olive oil helps achieve that golden roast, maple syrup brings a touch of natural sweetness, salt and pepper balance the flavors, and bacon delivers irresistible savory crunch.
- Sweet potatoes (3 1/2 lbs): The star of the dish, their natural sweetness turns rich and caramelized when roasted.
- Garlic (1 head): Roasted whole to mellow its pungency while adding earthy aroma.
- Olive oil (2 Tbsp): Helps the sweet potatoes and garlic roast evenly and enhances flavor.
- Maple syrup (1 Tbsp): Adds a subtle glaze that lifts the natural sweetness without overpowering.
- Sea salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning and balancing the sweetness.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp fresh ground): Offers a gentle spiciness and rounds out the seasoning.
- Bacon (4 oz, chopped): Brings savory crunch and smoky richness that really complements the sweet potatoes.
How to Make Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare for Roasting
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is perfect to develop a caramelized crust on your sweet potatoes. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Slice and Set Up Ingredients
Next, take your unpeeled garlic head and carefully slice it in half horizontally, exposing the cloves. This allows the garlic to roast beautifully and infuse the dish with flavor. Peel and slice sweet potatoes into thick 3/4-inch pieces—uniform slices will ensure even roasting and a delightful tender texture.
Step 3: Season and Toss
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato slices, halved garlic head, olive oil, maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so each piece is coated evenly. This simple mix of ingredients sets the foundation for the rich, complex flavors you’re about to create.
Step 4: Roast and Add Bacon
Spread the sweet potatoes and garlic on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, placing the garlic cut-side up so it can caramelize evenly. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, take the pan out, give the sweet potatoes a gentle stir, and sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces evenly on top. Return the pan to the oven and roast another 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, the sweet potatoes become tender and caramelized, and the bacon crisps up, creating a wonderful contrast that makes this Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Recipe so addictive.
How to Serve Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves over the roasted sweet potatoes and bacon just before serving. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of a good-quality balsamic glaze can also bring bright notes and an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon.
Side Dishes
This dish stands on its own as a perfect side, but it pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a fresh green salad. Because it’s rich and flavorful, keep other sides simple and fresh to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the roasted sweet potatoes and bacon in individual small bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. Alternatively, transform it into a hearty topping for toasted bread or as a filling for a warm tortilla wrap alongside some baby greens for a comforting lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish again without any hassle.
Freezing
This Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Recipe can be frozen, but for the best texture, freeze the sweet potatoes and bacon separately if possible. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes to regain some of the original crispness of the bacon and to warm the sweet potatoes uniformly. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the texture and flavor integrity.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely, though the flavor will be different. Regular potatoes won’t have the same natural sweetness, so you might want to adjust seasoning or add a bit more maple syrup to mimic that balance.
Is it necessary to roast the garlic whole?
Yes, roasting the entire garlic head cut-side up mellows out its sharpness and infuses the whole dish with sweet, fragrant notes that sliced or minced garlic wouldn’t provide here.
What type of bacon works best?
Either thin or regular sliced bacon works well. Thinner slices will crisp up faster and add a delicate crunch, while thicker cuts deliver chewier, meatier bites. Choose based on your preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor. Roasting some diced smoked tofu or mushrooms alongside the potatoes can also add a savory component.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
They are perfectly roasted when they are tender all the way through and lightly caramelized on the edges. You can test by piercing a piece with a fork – it should slide in easily without resistance.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Recipe is a deliciously simple way to bring a little extra joy to your everyday meals. The harmony of sweet, savory, and smoky makes it a standout dish that’s easy to prepare and hard to resist. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. So gather your ingredients and get roasting—you’re in for a tasty treat that everyone will love!
Print
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings as a side dish
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Bacon recipe features tender, maple-glazed sweet potatoes roasted with garlic and topped with crispy bacon. It’s a flavorful side dish perfect for comforting meals that balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes with savory bacon and aromatic garlic.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 5–6 medium or 3 1/2 to 4 lbs)
- 1 head garlic
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
Meat
- 4 oz bacon (6 slices regular or thin-sliced), chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ËšF and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner to prevent sticking and ease clean-up.
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the whole unpeeled head of garlic in half horizontally, parallel to the roots. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 3/4-inch thick pieces for even roasting.
- Toss and Season: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato slices, halved garlic head, olive oil, maple syrup, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the seasoning and oil.
- Initial Roast: Spread the sweet potatoes and garlic cut-side-up on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven at 400ËšF for 20 minutes to start the roasting process.
- Add Bacon and Finish Roasting: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, stir the sweet potatoes gently, then scatter the chopped bacon pieces evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and the bacon has crisped up beautifully.
Notes
- Keep the garlic head unpeeled but sliced to infuse a mellow garlic flavor during roasting.
- Use fresh ground black pepper for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven’s characteristics and how soft you like your potatoes.
- For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
- This side pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a holiday meal.
