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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for roasting.
- 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.
- Arrange sweet potato cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing space between pieces to promote crispy edges and prevent steaming.
- 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.
- On a separate foil-lined baking sheet, lay bacon slices and generously dust with brown sugar, creating a glossy, caramelized coating.
- 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.
- Utilize the same baking sheet with residual bacon glaze to toast pecans, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and enhance their nutty flavor.
- Transfer roasted sweet potatoes to a serving dish, creating an inviting presentation. Scatter chopped candied bacon and toasted pecans over the top.
- 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.
- 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