Gather ’round, friends! Chef Savori here, and I’m about to share a recipe that’s sure to make your taste buds dance with joy. Prepare to experience the ultimate fusion of sweet and savory perfection with these Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bacon Bites. Buckle up, because this dish is about to take your holiday festivities to new heights!
Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bacon Bites
Imagine the irresistible combination of tender, caramelized sweet potatoes, wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon, and drizzled with a rich, maple glaze – pure bliss in every bite! These Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bacon Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that will have your guests begging for more. The savory-sweet flavor profile is simply irresistible, and the easy-to-follow recipe ensures that even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. Prepare to be showered with praises as you serve up this delightful, cozy, and indulgent dish!
Ingredients
Gather these tried-and-true ingredients to create the ultimate Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bacon Bites: sweet potatoes, thick-cut bacon, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. With these simple yet flavor-packed components, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a dish that’s both visually stunning and mouthwateringly delicious.
- 2 lbs – sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes
- 1 lb – thick-cut bacon, halved crosswise
- 1/2 cup – maple syrup
- 1/4 cup – brown sugar
- 1 tbsp – Dijon mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bacon: Prosciutto or pancetta for a similarly crispy and savory element.
- Spice: Cayenne pepper or chili powder to the glaze for a touch of heat.
How to Make Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bacon Bites
Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bacon Bites:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create the delectable glaze.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Wrap each sweet potato cube tightly with a half-slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the wrapped bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the bites generously with the maple glaze, making sure to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sweet potatoes are tender. Halfway through the cooking time, brush the bites with the remaining maple glaze to ensure a rich, caramelized finish.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bacon Bites are golden-brown and irresistibly crispy, remove them from the oven. Allow the bites to cool for a few minutes, then serve them warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Zestier Twist: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the maple glaze.
- Bacon Varieties: Try different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or peppered, to add depth and complexity.
- Pronounced Maple Flavor: Increase the amount of maple syrup in the glaze for a more pronounced maple taste.
- Extra Crispy Finish: Broil the bites for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time for an even crispier texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bacon Bites make a fantastic appetizer for holiday parties, game day gatherings, or any festive occasion.
Storage: If you have any leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare these bites in advance by wrapping the sweet potato cubes in bacon and brushing them with the maple glaze up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bacon Bites provides a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, all while offering a decent dose of essential nutrients. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, while the bacon provides a satisfying source of protein. The maple glaze adds a touch of natural sweetness, making this dish a cozy and indulgent treat that won’t derail your healthy lifestyle.
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 22 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Sodium: 295 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make these Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bacon Bites ahead of time?
To prepare these bites in advance, you can wrap the sweet potato cubes in bacon and brush them with the maple glaze up to 2 days before baking. Store the prepared bites in the refrigerator until ready to bake. When ready to serve, simply pop them in the oven and follow the baking instructions.
Can I use a different type of sweet potato?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for classic orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, you can also use purple or white sweet potatoes for a fun and visually stunning twist. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the variety.
Can I make these bites vegetarian or vegan?
For a meat-free version, you can substitute the bacon with thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini ribbons. Brush the veggie-wrapped sweet potato bites with the maple glaze and bake as directed. To make this dish vegan, simply omit the bacon and replace the maple syrup with your favorite plant-based sweetener.
How can I make these bites extra crispy?
To achieve an even crispier texture, try partially cooking the bacon before wrapping it around the sweet potato cubes. You can also broil the bites for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time to get that irresistible caramelized finish.
Can I use a different sweetener in the glaze?
While maple syrup is the star ingredient in this recipe, you can experiment with other sweeteners, such as honey, agave, or even a combination of brown sugar and molasses. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary slightly depending on the sweetener you choose.
Try These Next
- savory maple bacon sweet potato bites
- crispy maple glazed chicken with sweet potato medley
- maple pecan glazed chicken with sweet potato mash
Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bacon Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bacon Bites are a deliciously festive appetizer, combining the sweetness of maple syrup with the savory crunch of bacon and the creaminess of sweet potatoes. Perfect for any holiday gathering!
Ingredients
– 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into thirds
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. 2. Toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
4. 3. Arrange the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. 4. Wrap each sweet potato cube with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
6. 5. Place the bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and drizzle with maple syrup.
7. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sweet potatoes are tender.
8. 7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potato mixture. Use thick-cut bacon for extra chewiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: sweet potatoes, bacon, maple syrup, appetizer