Valentine’s Day is a time for cozy, comforting indulgences, and these BBQ Bacon-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect way to celebrate. Combining the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the savory, smoky goodness of crispy bacon and tangy BBQ sauce, this dish is a flavor explosion that’s sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Bacon-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These BBQ Bacon-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate in comfort food luxury. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes provides the perfect canvas for the salty, smoky bacon and the bold, tangy BBQ sauce. The combination of textures, from the creamy, tender sweet potato to the crispy, crunchy bacon, creates a truly satisfying and indulgent experience. Plus, this dish is easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice for a special Valentine’s Day celebration at home.
Ingredients
To make these delectable BBQ Bacon-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: sweet potatoes, bacon, BBQ sauce, and a handful of basic seasonings. The key is to use high-quality, flavorful ingredients that will complement each other perfectly.
- 4-6 medium sweet potatoes – scrubbed clean and pricked with a fork
- 8 slices bacon – cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient Substitutions
- BBQ Sauce: Try a different flavor profile, like honey mustard or chipotle, to change up the taste.
- Bacon: For a vegetarian option, substitute roasted mushrooms or diced tofu for the bacon.
How to Make BBQ Bacon-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Making these BBQ Bacon-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes is a straightforward process that’s easy to follow. Let’s walk through the steps:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes, prick them with a fork, and bake them until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 45-60 minutes.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
While the sweet potatoes are baking, cook your bacon in a skillet until it’s crispy and golden brown. Crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of sweet potato attached to the skin. Mash the sweet potato flesh and mix it with the crumbled bacon and your favorite BBQ sauce. Spoon the bacon-BBQ mixture back into the sweet potato skins and bake until heated through and lightly golden on top, about 15-20 minutes.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Indulgence: Top the stuffed sweet potatoes with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy, indulgent twist.
- Bacon Variations: Experiment with different types of bacon, such as maple-glazed or pepper-crusted, to add even more flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the bacon with roasted mushrooms or diced tofu for a delicious meatless version.
- Crispy Top: For an extra crispy, golden-brown top, broil the stuffed sweet potatoes for a few minutes after baking, or sprinkle the tops with a bit of shredded cheese or panko breadcrumbs before the final bake.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite Valentine’s Day sides.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the stuffed sweet potatoes in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed sweet potatoes in advance and bake them just before serving. Simply assemble the stuffed potatoes, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
These BBQ Bacon-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a nutritious and satisfying dish. Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the bacon and BBQ sauce add a delicious savory element. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the dish is quite rich and indulgent.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 39 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed sweet potatoes in advance and bake them just before serving. Simply assemble the stuffed potatoes, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, you can certainly use regular russet or Yukon Gold potatoes as well. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How can I make these vegetarian or vegan?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based BBQ sauce. For a vegan version, you can also substitute the BBQ sauce with a homemade or store-bought vegan alternative.
Can I grill the sweet potatoes instead of baking them?
Absolutely! Grilling the sweet potatoes adds a lovely smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the bacon and BBQ sauce. Just be sure to wrap them in foil or use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.
How can I make these extra crispy on top?
To achieve a crispy, golden-brown top, you can broil the stuffed sweet potatoes for a few minutes after baking, or sprinkle the tops with a bit of shredded cheese or panko breadcrumbs before the final bake.
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Valentine’s Day BBQ Bacon-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delicious BBQ bacon-stuffed sweet potatoes are perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day BBQ. Loaded with savory bacon, melted cheese, and topped with a tangy BBQ sauce, they’re sure to impress!
Ingredients
4 medium sweet potatoes
8 slices of bacon, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. 2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and wrap them in aluminum foil.
3. 3. Grill sweet potatoes for about 45 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender.
4. 4. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. 5. Once sweet potatoes are done, unwrap them and cut them in half lengthwise.
6. 6. Scoop out some of the flesh, leaving a small border. Mix the flesh with bacon, cheese, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper.
7. 7. Fill the sweet potato halves with the mixture and top with extra cheese.
8. 8. Return stuffed sweet potatoes to the grill for about 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
9. 9. Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
Perfect for a romantic dinner or a fun BBQ with friends. You can customize the stuffing ingredients to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Valentine’s Day, BBQ, Sweet Potatoes, Bacon