Oh my goodness, let me tell you about roasted sweet potatoes with candied bacon and pecans! This dish is the perfect harmony of sweet and savory, and every bite is a little party in your mouth. I first whipped this up for a holiday dinner a few years back, and it stole the show! The creamy sweetness of the potatoes, combined with the crispy, caramelized bacon and the crunch of pecans, just makes my heart sing. Plus, it’s so versatile! Whether you’re serving it alongside a juicy roast or as a standout at a potluck, it never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen, too. It’s comfort food at its finest, and I can’t wait for you to experience it!
Ingredients for Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Candied Bacon and Pecans
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Candied Bacon and Pecans
Prepping the Sweet Potatoes
First things first, let’s get those sweet potatoes ready! Start by peeling the sweet potatoes—trust me, it’s worth the effort for that creamy texture. Once peeled, cut them into evenly sized cubes, about 1-inch thick, so they cook uniformly. Now, toss the cubes in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and sprinkle on some salt and pepper to taste. Make sure every piece is coated; this will help them roast beautifully!
Cooking the Bacon
Next up is the bacon! In a skillet over medium heat, add your chopped bacon. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. I like to keep an eye on it—bacon can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in a flash! Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and let it drain on a paper towel while keeping that glorious bacon grease in the skillet for the next step.
Caramelizing the Pecans
Now, let’s make those pecans sing! In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add your chopped pecans and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Stir them together over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until the sugar melts and the pecans are nicely caramelized. You’ll want to watch for that golden color; it’s the perfect indicator they’re ready!
Combining Ingredients
Time to bring it all together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, and caramelized pecans. Drizzle 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup over the mixture, and gently toss everything together until well combined. This is where the magic happens—the sweetness of the syrup beautifully ties all those flavors together!
Roasting the Dish
Now, spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure it’s not overcrowded so they can roast nicely! Pop it in your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Remember to stir halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden brown color. When they’re done, they should be fork-tender and caramelized—yum!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional value of these delightful roasted sweet potatoes with candied bacon and pecans! Here’s a general breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 6g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. If you decide to swap out ingredients or adjust the recipe, just remember that it might change the nutritional profile a bit. But hey, that’s the fun of cooking—experimenting and making it your own!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this recipe! First off, if you like your dish a bit sweeter, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar. It’s all about your taste preference! And if you want to switch things up, walnuts can be a fantastic substitute for pecans—just remember, they’ll give a slightly different flavor but still delicious. Also, don’t skip the tossing part; it really helps the sweet potatoes roast evenly. Keep an eye on the bacon while it cooks; no one likes burnt bacon! Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick. It complements the sweetness beautifully! Trust me, these little tweaks can take your roasted sweet potatoes to the next level!
Variations of Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Candied Bacon and Pecans
If you want to shake things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with roasted sweet potatoes and candied bacon! Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:
- Nutty Swap: Feel free to swap out the pecans for walnuts or even almonds. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Maple-Glazed Bacon: Instead of just using bacon, toss it in a bit of maple syrup before cooking for an extra sweet and sticky finish!
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the sweet potatoes before roasting. It adds a beautiful savory note that balances the sweetness.
- Vegan Delight: For a plant-based version, swap bacon for coconut bacon or crispy chickpeas, and use agave syrup instead of maple syrup to keep it sweet and delicious!
These variations are a great way to customize the dish based on your mood or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own—cooking is all about having fun in the kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make roasted sweet potatoes with candied bacon and pecans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and bacon mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just toss everything together and roast it right before serving for the best flavor and texture!
What can I serve with roasted sweet potatoes with candied bacon and pecans?
These delightful sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled pork, or even a simple green salad. The sweet and savory flavors complement a variety of dishes, making them a versatile side!
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Of course! While pecans are fantastic, you can absolutely use walnuts or almonds instead. Just keep in mind that each type of nut will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done roasting?
The sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted when they’re fork-tender and have a lovely golden brown color. Give them a poke with a fork; if it slides in easily, they’re ready to enjoy!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure that any additional ingredients you use, like bacon or maple syrup, are certified gluten-free to keep it safe for everyone.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving roasted sweet potatoes with candied bacon and pecans, the options are endless! This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. For a classic combination, try serving it alongside roasted chicken or turkey. The savory flavors of the poultry complement the sweet and salty notes of the sweet potatoes perfectly.
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, grilled pork chops or a honey-glazed ham would also be fantastic companions. The richness of the pork enhances the caramelized sweetness of the potatoes, creating a delightful balance on your plate. And let’s not forget about a fresh, crisp salad! A simple arugula or spinach salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
For a vegetarian option, these sweet potatoes make a wonderful side for quinoa or a grain bowl loaded with veggies. The textures and flavors work together to create a wholesome meal that’s satisfying and delicious. No matter what you choose to serve them with, these roasted sweet potatoes with candied bacon and pecans are sure to be the star of the show!
For more delicious recipes, check out this sweet potato pie recipe or this creamy garlic pasta recipe for a comforting meal!
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Candied Bacon and 5 Perfect Tips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Roasted sweet potatoes with candied bacon and pecans is a flavorful dish that combines savory and sweet elements.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy.
- Remove bacon and add pecans and brown sugar to the skillet, stirring until caramelized.
- Mix the bacon and pecans with the sweet potatoes.
- Drizzle maple syrup over the mixture.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar for more or less sweetness.
- You can use walnuts instead of pecans if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: roasted sweet potatoes, candied bacon, pecans, side dish
