Irresistible Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Candied Bacon and Pecans Recipe

Sweet potatoes can turn any ordinary meal into a memorable bacon-studded feast.

These golden roots bring incredible depth to our tables with minimal effort.

My favorite trick involves roasting them until caramelized edges emerge like delicate flavor crystals.

Crispy bacon pieces scattered across the surface add a salty crunch that dance alongside toasted pecans.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures – soft, tender potato meeting crackling meat and nutty crunch.

Serving this dish that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure culinary magic.

Steps To Make Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Oven

• Olive oil
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Roast Sweet Potatoes

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven. Roast for 20 minutes, then pull out the sheet and give the potatoes a quick stir. Return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes until the edges turn golden and crispy. The potatoes should be tender with caramelized edges.

Step 3: Create Candied Bacon

Grab a separate foil-lined baking sheet. Lay out bacon slices and generously sprinkle brown sugar over each piece. Bake alongside the sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes until the bacon transforms into a crispy, glossy treat. Once done, let the bacon cool slightly, then chop into small, crunchy bits.

Step 4: Toast Nutty Goodness

Use the same bacon pan to toast pecans in the leftover bacon glaze. Stir the pecans for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly darker.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a beautiful serving dish. Scatter the chopped candied bacon and toasted pecans over the top. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for an extra touch of sweetness. Sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Bring this mouthwatering dish to the table while it’s warm. Watch as everyone digs in and savors the incredible combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors!

Pro Tips For Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans

• Optimize Roasting: Space sweet potato cubes evenly on the baking sheet to ensure crispy, caramelized edges without steaming.
• Control Bacon Crispness: Watch bacon closely during baking to prevent burning, removing it when it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust maple syrup or honey drizzle based on personal preference, allowing each serving to be tailored to individual tastes.
• Make It Vegetarian: Substitute bacon with smoky tempeh or coconut bacon for a plant-based version that maintains the dish's rich flavor profile.
• Enhance Nutrition: Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or cayenne to boost both flavor and potential health benefits of the sweet potatoes.

How To Keep Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the candied bacon and pecans separate to maintain their crispy texture.
• Freeze: Carefully pack sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Separate the bacon and pecans before freezing to prevent sogginess.
• Reheat Oven Method: Spread sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle reserved candied bacon and pecans on top after reheating to restore crunchiness.
• Microwave Option: If in a hurry, reheat sweet potatoes in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add crispy toppings just before serving to preserve their texture.

Perfect Pairings For Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans

• Craft a Sweet and Savory Wine Companion: Pair this roasted sweet potato dish with a medium-bodied Pinot Noir, which beautifully balances the candied bacon's richness and the sweet potato's earthy warmth. Its fruity undertones complement the maple syrup's sweetness while cutting through the dish's decadent texture.
• Mix a Complementary Cocktail Sidekick: Shake up an Old Fashioned with bourbon, highlighting the pecans' nutty notes and echoing the caramelized bacon's deep, smoky flavors. The cocktail's subtle sweetness mirrors the dish's complex taste profile, creating a harmonious drinking experience.
• Design a Crisp Craft Beer Match: Select an amber ale with caramel undertones that resonates with the roasted sweet potatoes' natural sweetness. Its malty character will enhance the candied bacon's smoky-sweet elements and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, hearty dish.
• Create a Sparkling Mocktail Alternative: Blend sparkling apple cider with a touch of cinnamon and ginger, capturing the recipe's warm spices. This non-alcoholic option offers a bright, effervescent companion that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, indulgent sweet potato creation.

Fun Flavor Ideas For Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans

• Southern Comfort Remix: Swap cinnamon and nutmeg for smoky paprika and cayenne pepper, adding a spicy southern kick that transforms the sweet potatoes into a bold, zesty side dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace traditional spices with fresh rosemary, oregano, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, creating a Mediterranean-inspired version that brings bright, tangy flavors to the roasted sweet potatoes.
• Tropical Bacon Crunch: Incorporate shredded coconut with the pecans and swap maple syrup for a pineapple glaze, introducing a Hawaiian-style sweetness that complements the candied bacon's richness.
• Autumn Harvest Blend: Mix in diced apples and cranberries during the last 10 minutes of roasting, then top with a drizzle of apple cider reduction for a quintessential fall-inspired side dish that celebrates seasonal produce.

FAQs For Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans

• Why use cinnamon and nutmeg in this recipe?

These warm spices enhance the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, creating a more complex and comforting flavor profile that perfectly complements the candied bacon and pecans.

• Can I use different types of nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes and will still provide that delicious crunch and rich flavor to the dish.

• How do I prevent the bacon from burning while candying?

Watch the bacon closely in the last few minutes of cooking. The brown sugar can quickly go from caramelized to burnt, so keep an eye on it and remove from the oven when it looks crispy and glazed.

• Is this recipe considered a side dish or main course?

It’s versatile! While typically served as a side dish, it can also be a hearty vegetable-based dish that’s substantial enough to be a main course, especially for vegetable lovers who enjoy bold, sweet, and savory flavors.

Why Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans Feel Fancy Yet Easy

• Create Sweet Potato Magic: Transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a mouthwatering masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Candied bacon adds a perfect crispy, sweet-savory crunch that elevates the entire dish from simple to spectacular.
• Texture Party on Your Plate: Enjoy a delightful combination of soft roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy caramelized bacon, and toasted pecans that dance together in every bite.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: This recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks who want something impressive yet easy to prepare.

Everything You Need For Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans

• Sweet Potatoes: Hearty base with natural sweetness and soft texture, choose firm and vibrant orange potatoes.
• Olive Oil: Helps create crispy exterior and enhances roasting process.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement sweet potato's natural flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.

• Bacon, Brown Sugar: Rich, sweet, and salty element for candied topping, select quality thick-cut bacon.
• Pecans: Adds crunch and nutty flavor, prefer fresh and whole pecans.

• Maple Syrup or Honey: Natural sweetener to enhance overall dish.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Optional herb garnish for aromatic touch.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Candied Bacon And Pecans Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet potato magic unfolds with candied bacon and pecans in this irresistible Southern-inspired side dish. Crispy bacon, caramelized sweet potatoes, and crunchy pecans create a flavor symphony that will make you swoon at the first delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped

Seasoning and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup brown sugar

Garnish and Optional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• Fresh thyme leaves

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for roasting.
2. Cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes, ensuring even cooking and caramelization. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, coating each piece thoroughly.
3. Arrange sweet potato cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing space between pieces to promote crispy edges and prevent steaming.
4. Roast sweet potatoes for 20 minutes, then gently stir to ensure uniform browning. Continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes until edges turn golden and centers become tender.
5. On a separate foil-lined baking sheet, lay bacon slices and generously dust with brown sugar, creating a glossy, caramelized coating.
6. Bake bacon alongside sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a crisp texture without burning. Remove and let cool briefly before chopping into small, crunchy pieces.
7. Utilize the same baking sheet with residual bacon glaze to toast pecans, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and enhance their nutty flavor.
8. Transfer roasted sweet potatoes to a serving dish, creating an inviting presentation. Scatter chopped candied bacon and toasted pecans over the top.
9. Enhance the dish with a delicate drizzle of maple syrup or honey, adding a luxurious touch of sweetness. Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a subtle herbal note.
10. Serve immediately while warm, allowing guests to experience the harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Enhance sweet potato caramelization by cutting into uniform, bite-sized cubes for even roasting and maximizing crispy edges.
• Prevent bacon from sticking by placing parchment paper or a wire rack on the baking sheet during candying process.
• Customize dietary needs by substituting bacon with tempeh or coconut bacon for vegetarian versions, ensuring similar smoky and sweet flavor profiles.
• Toast pecans carefully to prevent burning, watching closely and stirring frequently to develop rich, nutty complexity without charring.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg