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
Scale
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.
