Gather around the table and get ready for a flavor explosion! These Savory Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky, making them a surefire hit at any festive gathering. Prep them ahead, then pop them in the oven for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that will have your guests swooning.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites
These Savory Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites are the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the savory, smoky goodness of crispy bacon and a drizzle of rich maple syrup. They’re easy to make, perfectly portable, and sure to disappear fast at your next holiday party or cozy family gathering. With their vibrant colors, irresistible flavors, and chef-tested steps for reliable results, these bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests begging for more.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor experience. You’ll need sweet potatoes, bacon, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet and creamy base, the bacon adds a savory, smoky crunch, and the maple syrup ties it all together with a touch of caramelized richness.
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) – Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 8 slices – Bacon, cooked until crispy
- ¼ cup (60 ml) – Maple syrup
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) – Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bacon: Crispy fried shallots or caramelized onions (for a vegetarian version)
- Cheese: Omit the cheese or use a non-dairy alternative (for a dairy-free option)
How to Make Savory Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites
Let’s walk through the simple steps to create these irresistible Savory Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized cubes. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Roast the sweet potato cubes in the preheated oven, flipping them halfway through, until they’re tender and caramelized at the edges, about 25-30 minutes. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, remove them from the oven and drizzle them with the maple syrup, tossing gently to coat. Top the sweet potato bites with the crispy bacon pieces, making sure to distribute them evenly.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cheesy Twist: For an extra-indulgent twist, try adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or crumbled feta cheese to the sweet potato bites before serving.
- Herb and Spice: You can experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or a dash of smoked paprika.
- Time-Saving Tip: Feel free to use pre-cooked bacon or even bacon bits to save time.
- Crispy Texture: For an extra-crispy texture, try tossing the sweet potato cubes with a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder before roasting.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Savory Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites are best served warm, straight from the oven. They make a fantastic appetizer or side dish, and can be easily transported to potlucks, holiday parties, or family gatherings.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the bites in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato cubes and cook the bacon in advance, then simply assemble and bake the bites right before serving.
Nutrition Information
These Savory Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites are a nutritious and satisfying option, packed with the natural goodness of sweet potatoes, the protein-rich benefits of bacon, and a touch of sweetness from the maple syrup. Each serving provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a wholesome and indulgent choice for your next festive feast.
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sweet potato bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato cubes and cook the bacon in advance, then simply assemble and bake the bites right before serving.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While sweet potatoes are the star of this recipe, you can also try using regular potatoes or a mix of both. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
How do I make these bites extra crispy?
For an extra-crispy texture, try tossing the sweet potato cubes with a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder before roasting. This will help them get that irresistible crunch.
Can I make these bites vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan or vegetarian. For a vegan version, swap the bacon for crispy fried shallots or caramelized onions. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon.
How many bites does this recipe make?
Depending on the size of your sweet potato cubes, this recipe will yield approximately 20-24 savory maple bacon sweet potato bites.
Try These Next
- crispy maple bacon chicken bites with sweet heat glaze
- maple bacon cheeseburger with sweet potato fries
- maple bacon pancakes with sweet cream drizzle
Savory Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savory Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Bites are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion. These bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb bacon, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. 3. In a skillet, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. 4. Toss the sweet potato cubes with half of the cooked bacon and half of the maple syrup.
5. 5. Spread the sweet potato mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. 6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
7. 7. Once done, drizzle the remaining maple syrup over the roasted sweet potatoes and sprinkle with the remaining bacon.
8. 8. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potatoes before roasting.
These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: sweet potato, bacon, maple syrup, appetizer